Senior Internal Auditor 

Department of Corrections | Ara Poutama Aotearoa 

About this role

• Work across a varied and rewarding portfolio of responsibilities.
• Support improvement in a complex operational agency | Enjoy flexible working and a supportive team culture.
• Fixed-term/secondment opportunity from February 2026 to October 2026, to cover parental leave.

Mō te tūnga | About the role

As a Senior Internal Auditor, you'll play a key role in delivering a modern, responsive internal audit service that supports continuous improvement across the Department. You'll work closely with the Executive Leadership Team, the Audit and Risk Committee, and other assurance providers to deliver high-quality audits and reviews that strengthen organisational performance.

As one of three Senior Internal Auditors you will be responsible for providing assurance and advisory services to the business as well as guidance and assistance to help them succeed.  This is an opportunity to be involved in diverse and unique audits and reviews, focusing on corporate and operational processes both inside and outside of prisons, providing pragmatic and forward-looking advice.  Recent work include has included reviews of Rehabilitation Programmes, Cyber Security, Custodial Overtime and Integrated Pathways.

Mōu | About you

To be successful in this role, you'll bring strong experience in internal audit or assurance, with the ability to deliver pragmatic, forward-looking advice. You'll be confident managing complex audits, providing guidance to the business, and working collaboratively with a wide range of stakeholders.

You'll have excellent analytical and communication skills, a strategic mindset, and a commitment to continuous improvement. Your ability to navigate a dynamic environment and support organisational improvement will be key to your success.

Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills and experience

You will have a diverse range of skills including:

• Strong experience in an Internal Audit position, preferably in a large or complex organisation.
• Experience in undertaking complex assurance, advisory and review engagements.
• Demonstrated ability to influence others to gain support for audit actions and recommendations.
• The skills to develop and maintain positive and effective relationships with a broad range of internal and external stakeholders, including at a senior management level.
• Producing well-crafted, audience-friendly reports with practical recommendations that provide a platform for continuous improvement.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Ngā painga | The benefits

The midpoint of the salary range is $119,013 per annum and the full range (85%-120%) is $101,162 - $142,816 per annum. Appointment and remuneration will reflect skills and experience relevant to the role.

Mō mātou | About us

Join Ara Poutama Aotearoa - Department of Corrections, where your work will contribute to improving public safety, reducing re-offending, and address the overrepresentation of Māori in correctional facilities. As a values-led organisation, we use the principles of rangatira (leadership), manaaki (respect), wairua (spirituality), kaitiaki (guardianship), and whānau (relationships) to guide our work and achieve the goals of our Hōkai Rangi strategy.

We value inclusion and diversity in our workforce, and as a Public Service organisation we are committed to building a workforce that reflects the public we serve. We strive to make our recruitment process fair, and we encourage you to discuss reasonable accommodations with us if required.

Tono ināianei | Apply HERE Now

To submit an application and view the position description, click the apply link. All applications must be submitted through our careers site to ensure transparency – applications received via email will not be considered.

When applying, submit a tailored CV and a cover letter describing your motivation for joining the department highlighting relevant skills and experience and the alignment to our work.

Applications close on: Sunday the 23^rd of November.

Shortlisted candidates will be contacted in early-December for an initial chat, and formal interviews will be held after the holidays in mid-January.

If you have any questions or want to learn more about a career with us, contact Sarah.Newbold@corrections.govt.nz, or visit careers.corrections.govt.nz.