At the Australian National Audit Office (ANAO) we have a diverse range of clients. Your work could involve auditing some of our largest clients, such as the Department of Defence and the Australian Taxation Office, or you could be involved in the audits of mid range and smaller departments, agencies, authorities and government companies. The operations of these entities are unique and diverse, and therefore the nature of each client's business is challenging, and variety is assured - be that through travel, areas of work or the people you meet throughout your work.

The ANAO helps to ensure that Australia's public administration is accountable to Parliament and the public it serves. Our work at the ANAO is central to maintaining public confidence in the quality of financial reporting by the Australian government and its entities. Your work will include undertaking financial statement audits of Australian government entities with the objective of obtaining reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements as a whole are free from material misstatement so that we can express an opinion on whether they give a true and fair view of the financial position and performance in accordance with the relevant requirements, including the Australian Accounting Standards.

As a leader in the field of public sector audit, the ANAO also works collaboratively with neighbouring governments and organisations to exchange expertise and knowledge in the field of assurance audit. These relationships provide exciting opportunities for professional travel such as international and national secondments and attending and/or contributing to international conferences.

It's challenging work that comes with big rewards in terms of prestige, satisfaction and working conditions.

Roles, requirements and responsibilities

Job requirements

To be considered for an Assurance Audit position at the ANAO, you will require the following:

  • Accounting or other tertiary qualifications considered relevant by the delegate are highly desirable;
  • Superior accounting, auditing and/or IT technical skills;
  • Good project management skills or capacity to manage projects;
  • Capacity to undertake, lead and/or manage financial statement audits;and
  • Australian Citizenship.

More senior positions also require:

  • A professional background demonstrating superior accounting, financial management and/or auditing skills;
  • A strong track record in client and project management; and
  • Demonstrated capacity to lead and manage audit operations.

Roles and responsibilities

Assurance Auditor (Team Member - APS Level 4)

You will undertake audits of varying complexity. Your workload will consist of areas of low to medium complexity. The main tasks revolve around the documentation of accounting and business systems, identification of key controls, conducting audit tests, liaising with clients and drafting reports.

Under the broad supervision and guidance of the Team Leader/Director, positions at this level:

  • Either individually or as part of a team, undertake financial statement audits in accordance with an approved plan;
  • Provide high level assistance in the conduct of audits;
  • Provide professional or technical support;
  • Assist in drafting audit strategies/reports; and
  • Contribute to the maintenance and enhancement of client relationships.

Assurance Auditor (Team Member - APS Level 5)

You will undertake audits of varying complexity. Your workload will consist of areas of low to medium complexity. The main tasks revolve around the documentation of accounting and business systems, identification of key controls, conducting audit tests, liaising with clients and drafting reports.

Under the broad supervision and guidance of the Director/Audit Manager, positions at this level:

  • Either individually or as part of a team, undertake financial statement audits and ensure the delivery of audit products;
  • Provide high level assistance in the conduct of audits;
  • Provide professional or technical support;
  • Assist in drafting audit strategies/reports; and
  • Undertake priority setting.

Senior Auditor (Team Leader - APS Level 6)

You have management responsibilities requiring the setting of priorities and monitoring workflow and resources, including managing employee performance and identifying training needs. The role may also involve assisting in audit planning, delivery of audit and related support services. Staff may have a considerable level of stakeholder contact in relation to difficult or very complex issues and liaise with a range of stakeholders in a representational role.

Under the general supervision and guidance of the Director/Senior Director, positions at this level:

  • Lead a small team responsible for financial statement audits and the delivery of audit products;
  • Manage a discrete program, project or task and provide high level assistance in the conduct of audits;
  • Provide significant professional or technical support;
  • Assist in preparing audit strategies and reports; and
  • Assist in the professional development of more junior staff.

Director/Audit Manager (Executive Level 1)

You have responsibility for leading a work team or teams or a section, or for co-ordinating and assuming responsibility for complex or sensitive projects or work programs that have considerable breadth and strategic, political and operational significance. You will provide a high level of detailed technical and/or subject matter expertise or advice in relation to complex problems. They provide a high level of advice to senior management. You are also responsible for the development of your staff, and take part in the development of strategic solutions for the Assurance Audit Services Group, including business and operational plans. Audit Manager/Director level employees are required to manage client relationships and develop professional relationships with Parliamentary Committees, Client Audit Committees and other senior stakeholders.

Under the broad guidance of the Senior Director/Executive Director, positions at this level:

  • Lead and manage a work area responsible for moderate to high risk and strategically important audit services;
  • Have input to the development of strategic solutions for the Service Group;
  • Formulate business and operational plans for the work area;
  • Provide a high level of professional and technical advice;
  • Assist in and contribute to the setting and achievement of operational/work plans;
  • Manage client relationships; and
  • Mentor, guide and support professional development of staff.

Senior Director/Audit Manager (Executive Level 2)

You have responsibility for leading a work team or teams or a section, or for co-ordinating and assuming responsibility for complex or sensitive projects or work programs that have considerable breadth and strategic, political and operational significance. You will provide a high level of detailed technical and/or subject matter expertise or advice in relation to complex problems. They provide a high level of advice to senior management. You are also responsible for the development of your staff, and take part in the development of strategic solutions for the Assurance Audit Services Group, including business and operational plans. Audit Manager/Director level employees are required to manage client relationships and develop professional relationships with Parliamentary Committees, Client Audit Committees and other senior stakeholders.

Under the broad guidance of the Executive Director/Group Executive Director, positions at this level:

  • Lead and manage a work area responsible for large, complex, high risk and strategically important audit services;
  • Assist with the strategic management of the work area and the development of strategic solutions;
  • Formulate business and operational plans for the work area;
  • Provide significant professional and technical advice;
  • Contribute significantly to the setting and achievement of organisational objectives;
  • Manage client relationships; and
  • Motivate, guide and ensure professional development of staff.

Signing Officer (Senior Executive Service Band 1)

Responsible for high level audit planning, investigation and reporting, project management and resource management for more complex and higher risk level audits. Also responsible for the development of strategic solutions for the Assurance Audit Services Group and formulating business and operational plans. You will develop and mentor staff, manage client relationships and develop professional relationships with Parliamentary Committees, Client Audit Committees and other senior stakeholders.

Under the broad guidance of the Group Executive Director, positions at this level:

  • Participate in the development, implementation and achievement of the ANAO’s Business Plan and AASG’s Product Plan;
  • Direct and be accountable for the planning, execution, reporting and signing of audit opinions on financial statement audits in accordance with ANAO standards;
  • Be accountable for the management of the practice, ensuring achievement of corporate objectives;
  • Promote a culture of continuous improvement in practice operations;
  • Manage staff engaged in audit and audit support functions including the promotion of staff development and application of public sector principles;
  • Represent the ANAO as required to the Parliament, audit clients and the public; and
  • Effectively manage relevant business risks in their areas of responsibility.