Overview
OnTalent is proud to represent the Queensland Audit Office (QAO) - the independent auditor of Queensland's public sector and a cornerstone of the state's integrity system. QAO provides Parliament and the community with trusted assurance over how public funds are managed and whether government entities are operating effectively, transparently and in the public interest.
Through its financial audit program, QAO works with more than 600 state and local government entities, examining some of Queensland's most complex and high-profile organisations including central agencies, major infrastructure bodies, education entities and large local governments. This work requires the same technical rigour, judgement and stakeholder sophistication found in leading professional services firms, applied to deliver on the QAO's vision of better public services.
QAO's employer value proposition is exceptional - offering an employment experience that balances impact with flexibility, fostering a focused, collaborative and intellectually engaging culture. Employees work closely with senior government leaders, contribute to recommendations that shape future service delivery, and benefit from strong career development pathways. With structured onboarding, clear frameworks, extensive coaching and exceptional support, a career with QAO expands your professional network in ways few employers can match – offering a meaningful opportunity to influence outcomes that matter to Queensland communities.
About the Role
The Senior Manager, Financial Audit will play a pivotal role in leading some of QAO's most complex and higher-risk audit engagements. This is a senior position for someone who enjoys owning a portfolio, leading with integrity and guiding teams through challenging work that culminates in Reports to Parliament.
You will lead multiple audit engagements end-to-end, from planning and risk assessment through to delivery and reporting, while managing budgets, quality and stakeholder expectations. Your portfolio may span central agencies, infrastructure and economic development bodies, education entities or large local governments, providing broad exposure across the Queensland public sector.
Working closely with Directors and Senior Directors, you will present to Audit Committees, engage with senior executives and ensure audit conclusions are robust, evidence-based and clearly communicated. The role combines technical excellence with leadership, requiring strong commercial acumen, the ability to manage complexity and confidence operating at senior levels.
Senior Managers play a critical role in building QAO's future capability. You will lead and develop Managers and emerging leaders, provide coaching and review work for quality and consistency, and contribute to practice improvement initiatives. This includes refining audit approaches, strengthening methodology application and embedding better practices across teams.
The role offers significant autonomy, supported by experienced Directors and a collaborative leadership group. Engagements typically run across full audit cycles, allowing you to see work through from inception to parliamentary reporting, offering depth and professional satisfaction rarely available in traditional professional services environments.
Why This Role Is Great
This role offers senior-level challenge and stretch in a collaborative, respectful and progressive environment. You will continue to work on complex, high-risk audits and engage with senior stakeholders, while benefiting from our hybrid work principles that balances time in the office, on client sites, and from home
You will gain exposure to diverse portfolios and emerging risks, build a deep understanding of public sector governance and accountability, and develop a network across government that enhances your career long-term. The Senior Manager role offers strong career progression opportunities for those who are motivated to grow further within the organisation, while others value the opportunity to remain at a senior level with genuine influence and balance.
With hybrid working, strong work–life balance, and a clear sense of purpose, this is a compelling long-term career pathway for experienced audit professionals seeking depth, impact and longevity.
About You
You are a senior audit professional from a Big 4 or mid-tier firm, or a comparable environment, who has demonstrated experience in leading complex engagements and mentoring others. You lead your work with integrity, bring strong technical expertise, commercial judgement and the ability to manage multiple priorities across a portfolio.
You have experience presenting to senior stakeholders, managing audit risk and budgets, and translating complex financial and governance issues into clear, defensible conclusions. You are confident guiding teams, exercising professional judgement and operating with autonomy, while collaborating closely with senior leaders. You will have clear written and verbal communication skills that are suitable for senior stakeholders and formal reporting.
CA or CPA (or equivalent) qualification is required. Most importantly, you are motivated by work that matters and are seeking a senior role you can commit to for the long term.
To find out more, click on the microsite link below or to arrange a confidential discussion please phone to speak with Chris Dougherty or Wayne Rademeyer.
Microsite:
QAO encourages flexible working and supports hybrid arrangements. Some travel may be required depending on portfolio.
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