- Executive remuneration package
- Part-time, fixed-term appointment for 5 years (22.8 hours/week)
- Toowoomba, Springfield or Ipswich campus
- Part-time fixed-term senior executive appointment for 5 years (22.8 hours/week)
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$230,000 - $240,000 p.a. (full-time equivalent base salary). The position is offered at 0.6 FTE, with salary paid on a pro rata basis
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Toowoomba, Springfield or Ipswich campus
Shape Governance. Strengthen Integrity. Enable Performance.
Are you an accomplished internal audit leader ready to make a lasting impact across a progressive and values-driven university?
UniSQ is seeking an experienced Principal Auditor to lead our independent internal audit and assurance function in this senior executive appointment. Reporting independently to the University's Audit and Risk Committee, you'll play a pivotal role in strengthening governance, integrity and accountability while providing trusted strategic advice to senior leaders, Council and the Executive.
Joining the Office of the Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer, you'll work in a collaborative environment committed to excellence, continuous improvement and responsible stewardship. This is a unique opportunity to influence organisational performance, enhance assurance capability and contribute to the long-term success and sustainability of one of Australia's leading regional universities.
This position provides flexible working arrangements, including part-time (0.6 FTE) employment and access to a range of staff benefits, including professional development and wellbeing initiatives.
Who you are
You are an experienced and respected internal audit executive who combines strategic thinking with sound professional judgement and unwavering integrity. You are recognised for your ability to build trusted relationships, provide independent and objective advice, and influence positive organisational outcomes while maintaining professional independence.
You thrive in complex environments, are motivated by strengthening governance, integrity and organisational resilience, and are passionate about delivering independent assurance that drives meaningful organisational improvement, informed decision-making and long-term value.
You will bring:
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Extensive experience in internal audit or governance leadership roles influencing key decisions at the highest levels
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Proven ability to provide independent, evidence-based advice to senior executives and governing bodies
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Strong understanding of contemporary audit methodologies and risk-based assurance frameworks
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Proven capability to lead strategic programs and influence organisational outcomes
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Exceptional stakeholder engagement and communication skills, including experience working with Boards or Committees
Having successfully led the design and delivery of strategic initiatives that enhance performance and integrity, you understand the critical role of effective governance in supporting organisational resilience and success.
Most importantly, you are motivated by the opportunity to contribute to an organisation with a strong public purpose and to lead the continued evolution of a mature, forward-looking assurance function that supports sustainable outcomes and strengthens institutional trust.
What you'll do
The Principal Auditor is a senior leadership position responsible for delivering independent, objective assurance and advisory services across the University.
As Principal Auditor, you will lead UniSQ's internal audit and assurance function, developing and delivering a contemporary, risk-informed audit program that provides meaningful insight across the University. You'll oversee independent audit and assurance activities, and strengthen governance, internal controls, integrity and accountability across the organisation.
The role provides trusted advice, insights and assurance on the effectiveness of governance and internal controls to senior leaders, the University Executive, Council and the Audit and Risk Committee.
Within your first 6–12 months, you'll establish strong relationships across the University, deliver a high-quality internal audit program aligned with strategic priorities, enhance assurance practices and provide valuable insights that support informed decision-making and continuous improvement.
These key responsibilities are central to protecting the University’s integrity, operational effectiveness, and reputation and your leadership will help safeguard these while supporting the achievement of the University’s strategic objectives.
What will help you succeed
Success in this role will be underpinned by your exceptional understanding and application of governance and control frameworks and extensive senior leadership experience delivering risk-based internal audit and assurance programs. You will bring:
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Tertiary qualifications in accounting, audit, governance, law, business, finance or a related discipline, together with relevant professional accreditation such as CIA, CA, CPA, CRMA or an equivalent qualification.
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Deep expertise in contemporary internal audit, governance, internal controls, assurance frameworks and professional auditing standards.
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Strong knowledge of governance, compliance and regulatory frameworks, with the ability to provide credible, independent advice to senior executives, governing bodies and audit committees
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Exceptional leadership, stakeholder engagement and communication skills
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The ability to prepare clear, timely and actionable reports that provide meaningful insights and support informed strategic decision-making.
This role offers the opportunity to shape UniSQ’s assurance capability, influence strategic decision-making and contribute to an organisation committed to innovation, excellence and serving regional communities.
Why Join UniSQ
UniSQ offers a supportive and values-driven environment, with a strong commitment to innovation, integrity and community impact.
As Principal Auditor, you will benefit from:
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The opportunity to lead and shape a critical governance function with University-wide influence
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Direct engagement with senior leadership and the Audit and Risk Committee
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Flexible working arrangements, including part-time (0.6 FTE up to 3 days per week) employment
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A collaborative and high-performing team
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Access to a range of staff benefits, including professional development and wellbeing initiatives.
This is a role where your expertise will directly contribute to strengthening institutional performance and safeguarding public trust.
For further information about this role, please contact Mr Cliff Kaye, Chief Operating and Financial Officer, via +61 7 4631 2926 or COO&[email protected].
Building on its strengths as Australia’s leading regional university, UniSQ partners closely with its communities to drive innovation and create opportunity through education and research. Guided by our values of respect, integrity, and excellence, UniSQ’s Strategic Plan 2026–2030 sets a clear ambition: to be Australia’s most transformative university by embracing our regional identity, fostering inclusive learning and research environments, and delivering globally relevant outcomes with strong local impact.
The University offers a range of different ways of working and connecting across our physical and virtual spaces to meet the needs of our students, partners and community. We value diversity and strive to foster an inclusive environment that is underpinned by our values and champions, embraces and respects differences.
We support and encourage applications from all diversity groups. With an increasingly diverse workforce, we understand that careers may be placed on hold or limited throughout many life circumstances.
Find out more about UniSQ at www.unisq.edu.au.
Reference Number: 0118_05/26
Location: Toowoomba, Springfield or Ipswich campus
Term: Part-time fixed-term appointment for 5 years (22.8 hours/week)
Salary: $230,000 - $240,000 p.a. (full-time equivalent base salary). The position is offered at 0.6 FTE, with salary paid on a pro rata basis.
Closes: Wednesday, 9 September 2026 at 11:30 pm (AEST)
At UniSQ we are united by our core values of Respect, Integrity and Excellence, which guide our daily actions and decision-making. UniSQ is a child safe organisation.
As part of the University of Southern Queensland's commitment to fostering a safe, respectful and rewarding work environment and in compliance with our legal obligations, we require candidates to declare whether they have been investigated for an allegation of Gender Based Violence, or determined to have engaged in conduct that constitutes Gender Based Violence, during the course of their previous employment or in any legal process.
This information helps us meet our legal obligations under the National Higher Education Code to Prevent and Respond to Gender Based Violence, and will be considered when determining a candidate's suitability for employment, so that we can keep our University community safe.
If you know that this role is right for you, please submit your current resume together with a two-page (maximum) statement, outlining your skills and experience relative to ‘Who we’re looking for’ in the position description.
For more information on our selection process please refer to your recruitment journey available on our website.
