The Director Internal Audit is a key member of the Northern Sydney Local Health District (NSLHD) Executive Team, and is responsible for planning and directing the independent, objective, and comprehensive internal audit and review of the activity, performance, financial and related operations and systems of internal control of the NSLHD. This role is responsible for providing the Chief Executive and management with independent and objective advice and information on control, risk and governance issues in order to support the efficient functioning of NSLHD.

At the request of the Chief Executive, Internal Audit also conducts special investigations/reviews in response to allegations of impropriety, or corrupt conduct. Such matters may be raised internally or referred by external bodies such as ICAC, the Ombudsman and the Auditor-General.

• Lead and motivate an internal audit team that offers risk-based, unbiased assurance, counsel, and insights to strengthen and safeguard organisational value. Demonstrate comprehension when providing advice to the Chairman of the Board, the Chief Executive and the Audit and Risk Committee.
• Create and implement a risk-based audit program that guarantees ongoing evaluation of the District's control system's efficacy and adequacy, including digital controls; ensuring policy compliance, risk management, and evaluation of compliance with system and governance processes.
• Determine and evaluate the efficacy of the organisation's risk management systems and monitor and suggest workable, value-adding solutions that strengthen the control environment and the efficacy and efficiency of the organisation's systems, contributing to the ongoing improvement of risk management, governance, and internal control systems.
• Identify and report on new and current risks to the Chief Executive and the Audit and Risk Committee for approval. Develop audit plans that are in line with the District's long- and short-term strategies and objectives.
• Co-ordinate and oversee the delivery of projects against the audit plan approved by the Audit Committee. This involves scheduling projects, assigning staff and other resources, monitoring progress, and ensuring audit reports and outcomes are timely, add value and are of good quality.
• Manage audit methodologies to ensure they are appropriate and that professional standards are met and research new audit methodologies and techniques to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of internal audit practice in the Local Health District.
• Prepare and submit regular Internal Audit reports to the Chief Executive and Audit Committee on the progress of audit projects against plans and on any emerging trends or risks noted in day to day audit work.
• Provide advice to the Chief Executive and senior management on the best course of action to improve economy, efficiency and effectiveness of the District's operations where such opportunities arise from the conduct of audits/investigations.

1. 1.Consistently demonstrates behaviours that reinforce the CORE Values of our organisation; Collaboration, Openness, Respect and Empowerment. Demonstrates these behaviours with all stakeholders; colleagues, direct reports, as well as our patients and consumers, and those that care for them.
2. 2.Appropriate tertiary qualifications in a relevant discipline; and current membership of the Australian Society of CPAs, the Institute of Chartered Accountants or the Institute of Internal Auditors.
3. 3.Extensive experience in progressing organisational improvement and capacity to make sound and balanced judgements on complex problems in the context of the regulatory requirements of a large and diverse organisation.
4. 4.Capacity to make sound and balanced judgements on complex problems and interpret and apply relevant legislation.
5. 5.Proficiency in applying contemporary audit methodologies/techniques, and proven ability to conduct special audit projects/ investigations.
6. 6.Experience in audit team management and effective leadership skills and the ability to motivate and develop staff.
7. 7.High level interpersonal skills with the ability to negotiate and to establish and maintain effective communication and working relationships with a range of internal and external clients and stakeholders.
8. 8.Demonstrated understanding and/or experience of professional auditing standards as prescribed by the Institute of Internal Auditors and professional accounting standards as presented by the Australian Society of Certified Practicing Accountants, and the Institute of Chartered Accountants.

View the full scope of these in the Position Description.

Chief Executive
​Communicate results of Audits and discuss actions required to meet compliance standards.

Executive Leadership Team
​Communication around areas of compliance and risk reduction.

NSW Ministry of Health
​Communication of audit findings and other adhoc matters that arise.

Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC)
​Communication regarding matters of suspected corruption and inappropriate use of resources.

Please Contact Your HardyGroup Consultant

• The Director Internal Audit is expected to exemplify and uphold the principles of integrity, discretion, objectivity, confidentiality and competence. The integrity of internal auditors and their capacity to remain objective in an often hostile environment, establishes trust and provides the basis for reliance on their judgment.
• The Director Internal Audit maximises risk based audit coverage. A key challenge of this position is to both assess and improve compliance and to identify and promulgate better administrative practice. Manage a range of diverse projects at various stages of completion, balancing appropriate staff, time, project focus and quality issues to provide the best possible service and outcomes within existing resources.
• The Director keeps up-to-date with constant changes in government policies and regulations; accounting and auditing standards; legislation especially in the area of taxation, superannuation, information and health and communication technology, to assimilate new information into existing auditing practice. The Director also monitors the changing needs of Internal Audit customers and the services they require to provide a quality service.

Service Location: Northern Sydney Local Health District

Classification: Health Mgr Level 6

Vaccination category: B

Role Description

Northern Sydney LHD website

NSLHD Executive Team

NSLHD Planetary Health Framework 2024-2027

Director Internal Audit Organisational Structure

The closing date for applications is Sunday, 30 November 2025

The reference number to include in your application is H25_5297

Note: Please use the online platform to submit your application. It will not be accepted via email.

If you require assistance in submitting your application online, please get in touch with Executive Search Coordinator, Bradie Hammat: M: +61 (0)417 882 900 / E: bhammat@hardygroupintl.com

Your application must include:

1. 1.Cover letter addressed to the Principal Consultant;
2. 2.A written response addressing the key selection criteria; and
3. 3.An up to date copy of your Curriculum Vitae.

It Is standard practice for HardyGroup to acknowledge receipt of your application no later than the next business day. We request that if you do not receive the acknowledgement, you contact the search coordinator listed above as soon as possible after the 24-hour business period and arrange to resend your application if necessary.

For a confidential discussion, please contact:

Rhodie Miller
​HardyGroup Principal Consultant

M. +61 (0)422 816 557

E. rmiller@hardygroupintl.com