Are you interested in work that is rewarding and varied, which involves:

  • research and analysis;
  • gaining an in-depth knowledge of and insights into many different areas of government policy and programs;
  • engaging with all levels of staff, including senior management, in your organisation and others; and
  • working outside the office, including some travel?

Performance audits aim to improve how government agencies go about their work. From high level governance issues through to the delivery of services to communities, performance audits look at a diverse range of topics across public sector agencies.

As part of the Performance Audit Services Group, you will be working in a collaborative environment with staff who have a diverse range of skills. Performance audits are usually conducted in small teams of two to four people. The audits can take up to 12 months, during which time the team will gain an in-depth knowledge of the subject matter, building a picture of how the relevant area is performing.

The end result of a performance audit is a report to the Parliament of Australia. Public sector agencies are required to respond to each report's recommendations, and Parliament may then monitor the implementation of these recommendations. All team members make a significant contribution to all stages of the audit.

Roles, requirements and responsibilities

Job requirements

To be considered for a performance audit position at the ANAO, you will require the following:

  • Tertiary qualifications in a relevant discipline and/or experience that is considered relevant by the delegate;
  • Training/background in evaluation and/or administrative review is highly desirable;
  • Strong analytical skills; and
  • Australian Citizenship.

More senior positions also require:

  • Relevant tertiary qualifications are highly desirable;
  • A professional background demonstrating superior management ability;
  • A strong track record in client and project management; and
  • Capacity to lead and manage audit operations.

Roles and responsibilities

Analyst (APS Level 4)

Individuals in Analyst level positions engage in specific audit assignments with a low to medium level of complexity. The main tasks involve gathering data and evidence and preparing documentation, reports and papers on those audit assignments. You have a fair degree of independence, but within the guidance of your supervisors.

Under the broad supervision and guidance of the Audit Manager, staff working at this level:

  • Undertake specific audit assignments as a member of a performance audit team;
  • Contribute to the maintenance and enhancement of client relationships;
  • Assist in encouraging and promoting effective teamwork; and
  • Provide professional or technical support and advice.

Analyst (APS Level 5)

Individuals in Analyst level positions engage in specific audit assignments with a low to medium level of complexity. The main tasks involve gathering data and evidence and preparing documentation, reports and papers on those audit assignments. You have a fair degree of independence, but within the guidance of your supervisors.

Under the broad supervision and guidance of the Audit Manager, staff working at this level:

  • Contribute the delivery of complex performance audit tasks in accordance with an approved plan and supervisor’s directions;
  • Are responsible for one of the more complex performance audit issues, projects or tasks;
  • Assist in encouraging and promoting effective teamwork; and
  • Provide significant professional or technical support.

Senior Analyst (APS Level 6)

At Senior Analyst level, you engage in more complex audit tasks and are responsible for formulating audit work plans and participating in the continuous improvement of audit techniques. In addition to data gathering and documentation tasks, you also form opinions and develop recommendations. The increased responsibility at this level is matched with a higher level of autonomy.

Under the general supervision and guidance of the Audit Manager, staff working at this level:

  • Contribute the delivery of complex performance audit tasks in accordance with an approved plan and supervisor’s directions;
  • Are responsible for at least one or more complex performance audit issues, projects or tasks;
  • Assist in encouraging and promoting effective teamwork; and
  • Provide significant professional or technical support.

Director (Executive Level 1)

At Director level, you are responsible for managing and delivering smaller and less complex audits or leading teams in larger and more complex audits, or managing follow-up audits. Your focus is on managing audit projects, analysing and reporting complex audit issues, and leading and developing team members. You are also responsible for managing constructive client relationships, and developing professional relationships with Parliamentary Committees, Client Audit Committees and other senior stakeholders.

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

  • Manage and deliver less complex audit products or assist in the management and delivery of complex audit products in accordance with approved plans and operational priorities;
  • Develop team members’ skills and communicate audit goals and priorities;
  • Provide high level professional and technical advice; and
  • Manage client relationships.

Senior Director/Audit Manager (Executive Level 2)

At Senior Director level, you are responsible for managing and delivering large, complex audits and managing overall audit products. Your focus is on managing audit projects, analysing and reporting complex audit issues, and leading and developing team members. You are also responsible for managing constructive client relationships, and developing professional relationships with Parliamentary Committees, Client Audit Committees and other senior stakeholders, and assisting in the management of the Performance Audit Services Group.

Under the broad guidance of the Executive Director, staff working at this level:

  • Are responsible for the delivery of audit products and services in accordance with approved plans and operational priorities;
  • Manage a performance audit team and establish and communicate a shared strategic focus for the team;
  • Provide high level professional and technical advice;
  • Manage client relationships, including with Parliamentary committees; and
  • Undertake designated non-audit duties.