Chief Audit And Assurance Officer

About Us:

Western Sydney University is an innovative university located at the heart of Australia’s fastest-growing region.

Boasting eight major teaching campuses, more than 200,000 alumni, around 50,000 students and over 3,500 staff, the University has 12 Schools offering programs and degrees structured to meet the demands of future industry.

The University is ranked in the top two per cent of universities worldwide. In 2022 and 2023 the University was ranked No. 1 in the world in the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings for its contribution to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals.

Position Overview:

We are seeking a highly skilled individual to join our team as Chief Audit and Assurance Officer. The successful candidate will provide strategic and practical Audit and Assurance advice and support to the University and its controlled entities and make an active contribution to the continuous improvement in systems and processes.

The Chief Audit and Assurance Officer will ensure the University has in place a robust, risk-based internal audit methodology and planning framework and continuously review, improve and report on its effectiveness. The role will actively lead audit engagements, develop and implement the University’s annual and three year rolling internal audit plans, assist in the identification of risks and determine the adequacy of internal systems of control.

Selected key Responsibilities:

• Lead the performance of operational, financial and compliance audits.
• Lead the performance of unscheduled investigations and audits.
• Provide recommendations to Executive about the enhancement of internal systems and controls.
• Develop and manage annual audit plans.
• Provide high level strategic advice and Assurance to management and Audit and Risk Committee.
• Liaise with key external regulatory bodies (including NSW Auditor-General and Independent Commission Against Corruption).
• Lead the team to maximise customer satisfaction and outputs.
• Manage stakeholders’ expectations through effective communication.
• Visibly lead by example in upholding the values of the University and operating with integrity.
• Manage team performance and seek opportunities for continuous quality improvement.

Qualifications/Experience:

• A relevant degree or postgraduate qualification(s) as well as related professional qualifications and leadership achievement at a senior level in an Audit and Assurance role.
• Extensive professional experience and proven capacity to contribute effectively to the strategic direction of a large diverse organisation with thorough understanding and application of the principles of audit, good corporate governance, risk, assurance and control processes and procedures.
• Extensive experience in the development of Audit and leadership of internal audit functions.
• Demonstrated superior knowledge of audit, assurance and risk assessment methodologies with the proven ability to design and conduct complex audit, assurance, and risk assessment projects and investigations.
• Demonstrated expertise in the provision of strategic professional advice and Assurance on audit, assurance and risk assessment matters and compliance with legislative and governance requirements to senior management.
• Demonstrated knowledge of contemporary approaches and trends in the audit, assurance and risk assessment practice and methodologies.
• A proven record of leadership and results oriented management of professional staff.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills including the ability to liaise effectively with senior management and advise on compliance with policy and statutory requirements.

This is a full-time, fixed-term position for 5 years (renewable), based at the Hawkesbury campus.

See the Position Description for full details.

A senior remuneration package applies to this appointment.

Position Enquiries: Jane Hutchison, University Secretary via ***********@westernsydney.edu.au

Closing Date: 8.30pm, Sunday 21 April 2024