Head of Internal Audit - W&CM and Insurances

About us

Established in 1840, we are Australia’s first wellbeing company, delivering health, wealth and care services for our members and the community.

As a social enterprise, we’re motivated by our purpose to positively impact the wellbeing of millions. We reinvest profits to deliver products and services sustainably that matter most to our members, customers and the Australian community.                                 

For us, Real Wellbeing encompasses the whole experience of life. It’s about feeling supported in your health, connected with your community and empowered to live life on your terms.

Your New Role Looks Like This:

The Head of Internal Audit – Wealth & Capital Markets and Insurances, leads the internal audit program for the Australian Unity’s Wealth & Capital Markets and Insurances businesses, including funds management, superannuation, and personal health insurance.

Reporting to the Chief Audit Executive (CAE), this is a leadership role that translates the organisation’s internal audit strategy into a targeted audit plan for the financial services portfolio. Additionally, they will be responsible for a team of 4 – 6 FTEs.

The Head will oversee delivery of high-quality assurance and advisory activities, engage senior stakeholders across the business, and develop a high-performing team that provides insights to strengthen governance, risk management, and compliance.

Key Responsibilities include:

• Audit Planning & Delivery: Develop and deliver the risk-based audit plan for the financial services portfolio, ensuring strategic alignment with Australian Unity’s strategic priorities; Ensure coverage of key financial services risk areas, including funds management, product governance, superannuation obligations, operations, compliance frameworks, cybersecurity, and regulatory change; Monitor sector trends and emerging risks (e.g., APRA, ASIC, AUSTRAC requirements) to ensure the audit program remains responsive and relevant; Oversee the execution of audits within the financial services portfolio, ensuring reviews are risk-focused, conducted to professional IIA standards and within agreed timeframes.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Act as the primary liaison with senior executives and functional leaders across the Wealth & Capital Markets and Health Insurances businesses; Support the CAE in engaging the Audit Committee, providing subject matter input on financial services risks and outcomes; Engage directly with operational and functional leaders during audit reviews; Present findings clearly, gaining agreement on remediation actions and timeframes.
• Accountability & Governance: Ensure financial services audits meet professional standards and maintain independence; Monitor and report on the progress of management action plans for the portfolio; Provide assurance that the financial services business is meeting relevant legislative, prudential, and regulatory obligations; Identify emerging risks, regulatory changes, and sector developments that may impact future audit planning;  Ensure audits are delivered on time, to quality standards, and in line with IIA professional practices; Monitor the implementation of agreed management actions and escalate delays where required; Contribute to continuous improvement of the internal audit function and its methodologies.
• Leadership & People: Lead and develop Managers and Auditors within the financial services internal audit team; Provide coaching, mentoring, and sector-specific guidance to build subject matter depth, audit team capability and professional growth; Foster a high-performing, collaborative team culture aligned to organisational values.  Role model the aspired Leadership behaviors to source, lead, develop and retain high quality team members aligned to the Australian Unity culture; Partner and collaborate across functions to deliver on key strategic initiatives and drive customer obsession.

 About You:

• Tertiary qualifications in Accounting, Finance, Business, Health Administration, or a related discipline.
• Professional accreditation (CA, CPA, CIA or equivalent).
• Extensive internal audit or risk management leadership experience (10- 12 years) in financial services is highly desirable
• In-depth knowledge of wealth management, superannuation, insurance, and funds management operations.
• Strong understanding of relevant Australian regulatory requirements and standards (e.g., APRA Prudential Standards, ASIC guidelines, AUSTRAC reporting, Corporations Act).
• Proven track record of engaging senior executives and influencing improvements in governance and risk management.
• Demonstrated success in leading teams and developing professional capability.
• Proven ability to lead complex audits and deliver clear, actionable recommendations.
• Proven leadership experience managing teams and developing talent.

Specifically, the successful candidate will be a highly strategic thinker who can identify linkages between industry trends, regulatory requirements, and organisational risk. They will be an exceptional communicator, able to tailor messages for executives, regulators, and governance forums with strong leadership presence and ability to build confidence and trust at Executive levels.

What’s on Offer:

You will enjoy a range of great employee benefits and rewards including:

• Competitive salary + bonus program
• Enjoy additional yearly Well-Being and Community leave days
• 14-week paid parental leave, with equal benefit for both parents
• Employee Referral Program
• Employee Assistance Program – support and assistance for you and your partner at those times in life when you need it most
• Maxxia Rewards - a great range of discounts and benefits at selected retail outlets, department stores, attractions, travel, cinemas, restaurants.
• Discounts across the Australian Unity business including Private Health Insurance, General Insurance + more!
• Available access to LinkedIn Learning courses through our great Learning platform

For further benefits visit: https://www.australianunity.com.au/careers/culture

Australian Unity is an Equal Opportunity employer and we encourage applications from all members of the community, including people of Aboriginal and Torres strait Islander descent, culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds and, mature aged people.