Principal Internal Auditor - Internal Audit

Job Reference QLD/CO679718/26T

Closing date March 9, 2026

Location Brisbane Inner City

Contact

0412 246 214

About the Department of Education Internal Audit team:

Working for the Queensland Department of Education means joining an organisation that values its people and promotes leadership and innovation. Be part of an environment that respects professionalism and diversity, offers training and development opportunities and embraces flexible careers and work-life balance. Find out more about working with us.

Our Internal Audit team operates from central office and regional offices across the state, working collaboratively across all areas of the department's operations and functions. We conduct audits and provide professional advice to support the department's strategic direction.

We are proud to foster an inclusive and diverse team, united by a shared goal of improving the effectiveness and efficiency of the department's governance, risk management, and internal control processes. Our comprehensive audit plans encompass both the department's network of schools and corporate environments.

Your Role:

Reporting to the Audit Manager, you will:

• Plan, conduct, lead, and supervise complex compliance and operational audits, and related activities, across all areas of the department's operations, including schools, to improve governance, risk management, and control processes.
• Provide practical advice to management, including school principals and departmental staff, and make recommendations during audits to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of departmental systems and operations, working closely with Internal Audit management.

Responsibilities include:

• Conduct audits in line with the branch audit methodology, assessing the effectiveness and efficiency of governance, risk management and control processes, as well as compliance with legislation, directives, policies and procedures, to ensure high quality outcomes.
• Apply contemporary auditing tools and techniques, including data-driven auditing, risk and control matrices (RACM), data analytics and visualisation tools, and use IIA standards, departmental requirements, and relevant legislation in the completion of audits.
• Prepare detailed reports for Internal Audit management, outlining audit findings, root causes, and practical recommendations to address risks and improve processes, following negotiation with auditee management.
• Provide expert advice and guidance to management during audits and on an ongoing basis to enhance governance, risk management, and control processes.
• Mentor and support team members, fostering collaboration and professional development within the audit team.

About You:

Our ideal candidate will demonstrate:

• Relevant internal audit experience, particularly in large and complex organisations, with a sound understanding of IIA standards and contemporary auditing tools and techniques.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build and maintain positive relationships with stakeholders at all levels.
• Excellent time management and organisational skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
• A continuous improvement mindset, with a dedication to developing their own skillsets and supporting the professional growth of team members.
• The ability to collaborate effectively with team members and work across all streams of the audit program, fostering a positive and high-performing team environment.

Membership in professional organisations such as the IIA, CA ANZ, or CPA will be highly regarded, as will previous experience in similar roles.

Benefits:

• Generous superannuation contributions of up to 12.75%.
• Flexible work arrangements to support work-life balance.
• Opportunities for professional development and career progression.
• Convenient location in Brisbane CBD, close to public transport.

Interested? To Apply

:

• Attach a brief resume including contact details for 2 referees (referees should be familiar with your relevant work history).
• Attach a written statement (2-page maximum) in response to the attached role description.

We welcome all applicants to share any support needed to ensure our recruitment process is inclusive.

Applications remain current for 12 months from the closing date and may be considered for appointment to identical or similar vacancies within the Department.

Applications from recruitment agencies will not be accepted.