- Lead and steward audit and assurance standards, methodologies, policies and guidance (including the Audit Manual).
- Provide high‑quality technical advice and support to auditors and senior leaders.
- Lead, develop, and mentor a specialist technical team (3 direct reports), creating clarity and confidence through periods of change
The Office of the Auditor‑General (OAG) is an independent statutory office of Parliament with a critical role in maintaining trust, transparency and accountability in New Zealand’s Public Sector. OAG provide independent assurance to Parliament and the public that public organisations are using resources effectively and as intended. OAG work supports strong public finance, high‑quality reporting, and continuous improvement across the Public Sector.
About the role
Reporting to the Assistant Auditor‑General, Audit System, the Director, Methodologies and Technical Support will lead the development, oversight and continuous improvement of audit and assurance standards, policies and methodologies used across all mandatory audits carried out on behalf of the Auditor‑General. You will provide authoritative technical advice, support and training to auditors, represent the Auditor‑General on changes to national and international audit and assurance standards and lead effectively in an evolving audit and regulatory environment.
Key responsibilities
- Lead and steward audit and assurance standards, methodologies, policies and guidance (including the Audit Manual).
- Provide high‑quality technical advice and support to auditors and senior leaders.
- Ensure methodologies support efficient, high‑quality audits across a range of public sector contexts.
- Oversee professional consultation processes and the resolution of complex technical issues.
- Lead and support change initiatives in response to evolving standards, quality findings, system priorities, and emerging risks.
- Monitor international developments in auditing, assurance, technology, AI and data, and assess their application in New Zealand.
- Support and shape professional development and technical training programmes.
- Collaborate across the Audit System group and wider Office to drive continuous improvement in a changing environment.
- Lead, develop, and mentor a specialist technical team (3 direct reports), creating clarity and confidence through periods of change.
About you
You are a respected audit professional with strong technical expertise and leadership capability, with the ability to lead people and programmes through change. You bring:
- Significant senior‑level external audit experience (public sector experience preferred but not essential).
- Deep knowledge of audit and assurance standards and their practical application.
- Strong understanding of financial, service performance and sustainability reporting.
- Demonstrated experience leading teams and delivering outcomes in complex and changing environments.
- Proven change leadership capability, including influencing stakeholders, embedding new ways of working and sustaining improvements.
- Excellent stakeholder management, influencing and communication skills.
- Sound judgement, decisiveness and the ability to work independently and confidentially.
Qualifications
- Relevant tertiary qualification in auditing/accounting.
- Chartered Accountant (CAANZ) or equivalent professional qualification.
Why join us?
This is a rare opportunity to influence the integrity and quality of public sector auditing at a national level, contribute to New Zealand’s constitutional accountability framework and work with a committed organisation that values independence, collaboration, continuous improvement and strong leadership — including a clear commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi.
