The Audit Officer (Schools) primary responsibility relates to the planning and delivery of the school council financial assurance program. The role also contributes towards enhancing governance, compliance, and risk management by delivering relevant audit and assurance programs, tracking and assessing implementation of agreed management actions, assisting in the development of a risk-based internal audit rolling program, preparing reports and briefings, collaborating closely with business areas, providing support to school and corporate management and delivering the branch's other activities as required.
About the Department
The role of the Department of Education is to support Victorians to build prosperous, socially engaged, happy and healthy lives. It does this by supporting lifelong learning and healthy development, strengthening families and helping to equip people with the skills and knowledge for a 21st century economy and society. The department supports a culture of leadership, learning and renewal in all workplaces with opportunities for career development and advancement.
About the Division
The Assurance, Knowledge, and Executive Services Division (AKESD) has three branches (Assurance; Executive and Ministerial Services; Knowledge, Privacy and Records) within the Division and is responsible for the following functions:
- Internal audit planning and delivery
- School Council Financial Assurance program and follow-up of audit action implementation
- Supporting the Victorian Auditor-General's Office (VAGO) performance audits and the Audit and Risk Committee (ARC)
- Cabinet and Parliament support, including board appointments
- Freedom of Information
- Briefings and correspondence support
- Departmental Liaison Unit
- Privacy advice and support
- Records and digital content management, SharePoint and copyright advice and support
Mail services.
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About the Role
The Audit Officer (Schools) is part of the Assurance Branch. The responsibilities of the role primarily relate to the School Council Financial Assurance programme, but include:
- undertaking school internal audits either as part of the Internal Audit Plan or in response to ad-hoc requests (requires willingness to travel across the State of Victoria as part of delivering the audits), including liaising with third-party auditors.
- supporting corporate internal audits either as part of the Internal Audit Plan or in response to ad-hoc requests
- follow-up on the implementation of management actions arising from school and corporate audits
- undertaking the school's Agreed-upon-Procedures program, including liaising with third-party auditors.
- preparing reports and briefings for the Audit & Risk Committee, the Executive Board and statutory authorities or other stakeholders as required
- assisting in the development of a risk based internal audit rolling plan and program
- assisting with audit and risk-related business/process improvement initiatives and contributing to the provision of advice and assurance support to management on matters of governance, compliance, controls and risk management
- working closely with business areas within the department responsible for financial and operational activities, other auditors and VAGO financial auditors
- building strong relationships with business areas and acting as a trusted advisor.
This role may also be required to undertake other tasks such as maintenance of audit tools and assisting with the Division's other activities as required.
Attributes
The ideal candidate:
- excels in finding innovative solutions and are always on the lookout for continuous improvement opportunities.
- is resilient when facing challenges and working with stakeholders.
- is proactive and takes accountability and responsibility for tasks and activities.
- is collaborative, works well with others and can provide and accept honest and constructive feedback; they actively listen to challenges and foster a supportive team environment.
- is comfortable with complexity and reason through problems using analytical and conceptual skills.
- generates creative ideas and translate ideas into tangible workplace improvements.
Desirable Exp erience
The candidate demonstrates:
- experience in applying internal controls to assess business processes.
- experience in managing projects, working to deadlines and reporting on progress to senior team members.
- experience following up on past audits or project outcomes.
- experience working effectively with internal and external stakeholders.
- experience drafting professional reports for stakeholders with supervision.
- understanding of accounting and financial reporting.
- experience delivering data analytics analysis and/or reporting with tools such as PowerBI.
- knowledge of IIA Standards, COSO, and ISO31000 risk management practices, and can assess the effectiveness of controls, risks, and governance.
familiarity with risk and assurance tools, including data analytics and control self-assessment.
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Qualifications
- Essential: Bachelor's degree in a relevant field such as Accounting, Finance or Business
Desirable: CA / CPA / CIA designation or a desire to work towards this accreditation
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How to Apply
Applicants are required to submit a CV (no more than two pages) and a cover letter (no more than one page) summarising their skills and experience with reference to the key selection criteria in the position description.
Further Information
For more details regarding this position please see attached position description for the capabilities to address in application.
The department values diversity and inclusion in all forms - gender, religion, ethnicity, LGBTIQ+, disability and neurodiversity. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander candidates are strongly encouraged to apply. For more information about our work, working for the Department, diversity and inclusion, and our employment conditions visit the Department website and our Diversity and Inclusion page
Applicants requiring adjustments can contact the nominated contact person.
Information about the Department of Education's operations and employment conditions can be located at www.education.vic.gov.au.
For further information pertaining to the role, please contact Sheetal Narayan – A/Internal Audit Manager Schools via (03) 7022 2519 or [email protected] .
Preferred applicants may be required to complete a police check and may be subject to other pre-employment checks. Applicants must be able to obtain and maintain a Working with Children's Check. Information provided to the Department of Education will be treated in the strictest confidence.
Please let us know via phone or email if you require any adjustments to ensure your full participation in the recruitment process or if you need the ad or any attachments in an accessible format (e.g large print) due to any viewing difficulties or other accessibility requirements.
Applications close at 11:59pm on Monday, 31st August 2026.
