Senior Manager – Audit & Risk
Mō tēnei mahi | About this role
At Te Wānanga o Aotearoa, we’re looking for a Senior Manager – Audit and Risk who will operate at the heart of strategic decision-making — providing independent insight, strengthening organisational resilience, and protecting the mana of one of Aotearoa’s most impactful educational institutions.
You’ll lead the end-to-end audit and risk function, operating with autonomy and credibility at the highest levels of the organisation, including direct engagement with governance.
This is a rare opportunity to shape how risk is understood, owned, and leveraged across a complex and purpose-driven organisation.
What you’ll lead and influence
You’ll step into a role where your expertise genuinely matters:
- Own and evolve the enterprise-wide audit and risk ecosystem — from frameworks and strategy through to execution and insight
- Serve as a trusted advisor to executive and governance leaders, delivering clear, independent assurance that drives confident decision-making
- Lead a forward-looking audit programme, including horizon scanning and emerging risk identification
- Act as the organisation’s escalation point for critical and complex risks, shaping responses to protect organisational integrity
- Elevate organisational maturity by embedding risk ownership, accountability, and capability across all levels
- Deliver sharp, governance-ready insights and reporting that influence strategic direction
You won’t just report on risk — you’ll shape how the organisation thinks about it.
Why this role stands out
- Operational independence within a connected system – exercise objective judgement while working alongside senior leaders and specialist teams
- Enterprise impact – shape how risk and assurance inform strategy, performance, and long-term resilience
- A genuine platform for impact – this is not a compliance-driven audit role; you’ll influence how the organisation thinks about risk
- Purpose with depth – contribute to outcomes for whānau, hapū and iwi across Aotearoa
- Cultural context that matters – work in a kaupapa Māori environment grounded in values that prioritise collective wellbeing and long-term impact
Mōu | About you
You’re not just technically strong — you’re credible, strategic, and courageous.
You know how to step into complexity, ask the right questions, and influence at the highest levels while maintaining independence.
You’ll bring:
- Significant experience in audit, risk, or assurance leadership (7+ years)
- Deep knowledge of risk frameworks, audit standards, and governance practices
- Proven ability to engage and influence senior leaders and governance forums
- A track record of lifting organisational capability and driving improvement
- The judgement and confidence to act as a trusted escalation point in complex environments
Ideally, you’ll also bring:
- A relevant postgraduate qualification and/or CIA, CA, CPA (or equivalent)
- Experience in or genuine commitment to working within kaupapa Māori environments
Kua whati te tai, tono mai! | Apply now
If you’re ready to step into a role where your expertise will challenge thinking, strengthen governance, and protect what matters most — we want to hear from you.
Join us as we move towards Te Pae Tawhiti 2030, and help shape a future where risk, assurance, and purpose are deeply connected.
A position description is available on our careers website. For any other queries, please email jobs@twoa.ac.nz.
