Internal Audit Professionals Returning to Aotearoa New Zealand

Opportunity

EY is seeking expressions of interest from internal audit professionals planning to return to Aotearoa New Zealand in 2026. The firm is looking for experienced candidates who can begin in early 2026 and contribute to its Risk Consulting practice.

This opportunity supports internal audit work across a wide range of sectors, including government, health, education, and corporate clients such as top 20 ASX-listed entities. The work focuses on strengthening business processes and control environments so organisations can better manage risk, make decisions with confidence, and improve strategic outcomes.

The role may be based in Auckland or Wellington, and flexible working options with reduced hours may be available depending on the arrangement discussed with the employer.

Role scope

As part of the internal audit team, you will work on engagements covering compliance, financial, operational, and strategic risk areas. The role suits professionals who can bring international experience back to New Zealand and contribute to high-quality audit delivery and client advisory work.

Responsibilities - Consultant and Senior Consultant

• Handle risk engagements end to end, from planning through to reporting, across compliance, financial, operational, and strategic risk areas.
• Deliver strong outcomes while supporting the growth of junior team members through coaching and development.
• Use risk and sector knowledge to review client processes and controls, identify risk mitigation opportunities, and suggest practical improvements that lift efficiency, effectiveness, and business performance.
• Keep up with changes in industry trends, regulations, and EY tools, and use that knowledge to improve audit approaches and client solutions.

Responsibilities - Manager

• Oversee a client portfolio and act as a trusted adviser on business risk management and the design and delivery of internal audit plans in co-sourced and outsourced settings.
• Lead teams delivering risk engagements across compliance, financial, operational, and strategic risk areas while developing junior staff.
• Provide practical recommendations that help clients strengthen risk management and internal control frameworks.
• Stay informed about emerging trends, regulatory updates, and EY tools, and apply that knowledge to improve audit delivery and client outcomes.

Requirements

• You must have valid work rights for Aotearoa New Zealand and be either a citizen or permanent resident.
• A bachelor’s degree, master’s degree, or an equivalent qualification is required.
• Professional certifications such as CPA, CISA, CA, CIA, CISM, CISSP, CBCP, or CIPP are viewed favourably, including completion within one year of joining.
• You should be able to deliver engagements from start to finish with strong analytical ability, good organisation, attention to detail, and a strong sense of ownership.
• You need a solid understanding of business processes, risk, and controls, including the ability to assess control design and operating effectiveness and spot improvement opportunities.
• For Senior Consultant level, at least 3 years of experience delivering external audit and assurance engagements is required.
• For Manager level, at least 6 years of experience delivering external audit and assurance engagements is required.
• Applicants should ideally be collaborative team players with strong stakeholder management skills, clear communication, and the ability to produce concise audit reports and workpapers.
• A curious mindset and willingness to keep learning about technology and industry changes are important.

Perks and benefits

• Career development support with opportunities to build future-focused skills and gain world-class experience.
• Flexible work arrangements designed to support balance between work and personal life.
• A broad benefits package that includes a yearly wellness incentive.
• Access to up to 8 additional weeks of flex leave each year.
• Family-friendly policies, including up to 26 weeks of gender-neutral paid parental leave.
• Competitive pay, with salary negotiable based on skills and experience.
• An inclusive workplace culture with support for equitable and barrier-free recruitment.

Additional information

Candidates will be placed into a talent pool and considered for suitable future opportunities at EY offices in Aotearoa New Zealand. EY may conduct employment screening directly or through an external third-party provider for the preferred applicant.

The employer welcomes applications from people of all ages, nationalities, abilities, cultures, sexual orientations, and gender identities. If you need adjustments or support during recruitment, you may contact the recruitment team confidentially by email or phone.