Audit Program Lead

Who are we?

We’re here to help people live well and create a better and more sustainable future. We support healthy and liveable communities by delivering water, sewerage and recycled water services to 1.77 million people who rely on us every day and every night. At South East Water, we innovate with purpose and act with care to deliver healthy water for life. Fresh thinking and collaboration are at the heart of our organisation. We are constantly learning, embracing the challenges of today and excited by the opportunities that tomorrow will bring.  

The role

We’re seeking an experienced Audit Program Lead to drive and continuously improve South East Water’s audit and assurance program. In this key role, you will lead a risk‑based audit program that delivers meaningful insights to management, executives, and the Board, while ensuring alignment with regulatory requirements and organisational priorities.

You’ll oversee the end‑to‑end audit lifecycle, including planning, delivery, reporting, and follow‑up of actions, while managing internal and external audit providers. You may be required to conduct internal audits as required to support business needs. You will also coordinate organisational reporting and attestation requirements under the Security of Critical Infrastructure Act 2018 (SOCI Act).

Key skills and experience:

• Strong experience in audit, risk, or assurance leadership
• Experience managing audit programs and external providers
• Knowledge of management systems and regulatory frameworks
• Ability to influence senior stakeholders and communicate complex insights
• Experience with SOCI or critical infrastructure risk management (desirable)

Who are you?

The ideal candidate will have:

• Proven experience in internal audit, assurance, risk, or governance within large, complex, or regulated organisations.
• Strong technical knowledge of relevant ISO standards (e.g. ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 45001, ISO 37301, ISO 31000, ISO 27001/VPDSS, ISO 55000, HACCP) and auditing methodologies.
• Experience conducting or leading audits aligned with ISO-based management systems and internal audit standards.
• Hands-on experience managing internal audit programs, including coordinating external audit providers.
• Demonstrated ability to prepare and present high‑quality reports to Executive and Board-level stakeholders.
• Strong stakeholder engagement and influencing skills, with the confidence to provide constructive challenge.
• Tertiary qualification in accounting, auditing, risk, business, governance, or a related field.
• Relevant professional certification (e.g. CA, CPA, CIA, CISA, or equivalent).

What's in it for you?

Working at South East Water means you can enjoy a wealth of benefits, starting with the chance to be part of an organisation deeply committed to environmental initiatives and sustainability; one who has been recognised as one of the top 101 Workplaces for Women in Australia by Work180 for the past two consecutive years and a 2026 Finalist in the Work180 Equitable Workplace Awards ‘Flexible Working’ category.   

South East Water cultivates a dynamic culture that emphasises collaboration and strong work ethics, supported by career-focused learning and development opportunities.   As a SEW employee, you can enjoy the following offerings from our benefits package: 

• Access to My Fitness Passport, an Employee Assistance Program (EAP), annual flu shots, and health checks.  
• Work-life balance with flexible working arrangements, including hybrid work options and leave purchasing. 
• Additional leave offerings, such as cultural and ceremonial leave and study leave.  
• Head office with modern facilities and panoramic beachfront views, a separate parents' room, a prayer and meditation room and an onsite cafe.
• Limited free onsite and offsite car parking available, as well as pay-as-you-go parking options nearby.
• Opportunity to be part of great initiatives involving the local community.  

We're for everyone

Our people are as diverse as the communities we serve. It makes us better learners, thinkers and collaborators, helping create better outcomes for our customers.  

We are deeply committed to Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging, and we encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, LGBTIQ+ individuals, people with disability and jobseekers of all ages and cultures. We aim to provide an inclusive, accessible workplace where everyone is welcome, safe, and celebrated. If you need any help with the application process or would like to discuss your reasonable adjustments during interviews, please reach out to our Talent team at careers@southeastwater.com.au. 

Keen to make an impact?

Click here to check out the position description. We're accepting applications for this exciting opportunity until Tuesday 8th June 2026!

To be considered for this opportunity, you must hold unrestricted working rights for the period of employment at the time of application.  Successful candidates will also be required to undergo a number of pre-employment checks, including a police records check 

South East Water operates a 24/7 service environment. Whilst this role does not involve after-hours rostered duty, all employees may be required to provide out of hours support from time to time as required. 

Visit southeastwater.com.au to learn more about us and how we serve our customers.