Internal Audit & Controls Advisor

Join a newly formed shared service that unites the strengths of Napier City Council and Hawke’s Bay Regional Council to elevate risk and assurance. As part of this collaborative team, you’ll help build a centre of excellence that develops internal expertise, drives innovation, and delivers tangible value to our communities. Working across both councils, you’ll contribute to raising risk maturity, embedding a proactive risk culture, and facilitating more informed, strategic decision-making throughout the region.

As the Internal Audit and Controls Advisor, you’ll play a pivotal role in strengthening internal controls, assessing risk, and improving operational efficiency. You’ll lead audits, analyse data, identify gaps, and provide clear recommendations to management. Your work will ensure compliance, support continuous improvement, and help safeguard the organisation’s financial and operational integrity.

This is a hands-on, analytical role for someone who enjoys solving complex problems, collaborating with multiple teams, and making a tangible impact on processes and risk management across both the councils.

Te Āheinga - The Opportunity

• Lead internal audits and risk assessments, turning complex compliance and controls work into valuable improvements.
• Drive cross-council collaboration, working with diverse teams to solve challenges and streamline processes for sustainable outcomes.
• Analyse data, identify gaps, and make practical recommendations that drive real change.
• Support regulatory compliance while helping business units implement better controls and risk practices.
• Contribute to continuous improvement and help build a proactive, risk-aware culture.
• Build strong relationships across departments and councils, making internal controls engaging and relevant.

He kōrero mōhou - About You

• Degree in Business, Accounting, Finance, Public Administration, or related field.
• 5–6 years’ experience in internal audit, risk management, controls, or compliance roles.
• Analytical, detail-oriented, and enjoys turning technical processes into tangible improvements.
• Strong communicator, able to make complex information clear and actionable.
• With a collaborative and proactive approach, you build strong relationships across teams and organisations, fostering trust and effective teamwork.
• Technologically proficient with tools for data analysis, reporting, and audit management.

Ngā painga mōhou - What we Offer

• 5 weeks annual leave after 2 years service
• Discounted Health Insurance Work Scheme + Eye Test Subsidy
• Retailer Discounts + Study assistance
• Employee Assistance Program (OCP)
• Quarterly values awards + Birthday vouchers + Social club
• Free flu vaccinations (annual)
• Ka Awatea Cultural Wānanga + NCC Kapa Haka
• Te Reo Māori language classes

This is a permanent, full time opportunity working 40 hours per week, Monday-Friday. You’ll be based in Napier CBD.

The annual salary package for this role is between $98,696 - $116,113 (including KiwiSaver), depending on your skills and experience.

Applications for this role close on 26 September 2025 but we will be interviewing applications as we receive them and may close the role when we have found the right person.

He kōrero mō Te Kaunihera o Ahuriri me Te Kaunihera ā-Rohe o Te Matau-a-Māui – About NCC and HBRC

As an employee of Napier City Council, you'll play a pivotal role in our innovative shared services model with Hawke’s Bay Regional Council. This partnership enhances our collective capability, fosters operational efficiency, and strengthens service delivery across both councils. While your primary employment will be with Napier City Council, you'll have the unique opportunity to operate across both Councils, with a dual reporting relationship to Hawke’s Bay Regional Council, contributing to a shared resource model for risk management and assurance.

This collaborative framework ensures that our shared services are not just a structural arrangement but a dynamic, integrated partnership that delivers greater value to our communities.

Please visit Napier City Council Careers website to see full job description

Job Description – Internal Audit & Controls Advisor