Assurance Principal

Help shape the future of education in New Zealand

Help shape the future of Education

We work to shape an education system that delivers equitable and excellent outcomes

Our organisation is made up of talented and committed people around Aotearoa, from a wide range of backgrounds and cultures. While we work in different groups and on different things, we all strive every day to make the biggest difference we can for our ākonga in our education system.

About this role | Mō tēnei tūranga

This is a full time, permanent role based in our Wellington office.

The role of the Assurance Principal is to manage a client portfolio and lead engagements within their portfolio from scoping and planning to communicating results and closing out the engagement. They report to the Assurance Director, to whom they provide thought leadership on engagement priorities and objectives; and lead the team to deliver engagements from start to finish. This role is one of three Assurance Principals, who will work as a management group to deliver the audit plan and create a strong teaming culture.

Salary range:  $139,346 - $169,396 per annum + 3% kiwi saver. The successful candidate will be appointed at a salary which reflects individual skills and experience.

For more details about the role, you can view the Job Description here.

We also offer:

• Flexible working arrangements where everyone feels valued & supported.
• The ability to purchase extra days leave.
• A range of employee network groups.
• An inclusive environment that encourages your personal cultural competency journey.
• Development and learning, including mentorship programmes and internal secondments.
• Wellness initiatives to support your overall health and wellbeing.

About you | Mōhou ake

You will have a growth mindset and be passionate about learning and working with others. You will value trust and empowerment to exercise professional judgement, and you take great pride in delivering high quality work. You will be curious about why things are, not just what they are and how they work. You can discern cause from effect and understand the importance of critical thinking and solution-orientation for productive business relationships.

Your competencies will include:

• Strong personal leadership and team-work orientation
• Proven relationship building skills for productive engagements
• Ability to see the big picture and understand context quickly
• Agility with competing demands without losing sight of quality and timeliness
• Clear and compelling oral and written communication
• Team leadership and developing others
• The ability and willingness to adhere to the Public Service Standards of Integrity and Conduct
• Expertise in digital technologies, project management, regulatory stewardship, operational assurance, data analytics, public finance or other domains that are relevant to the Ministry.

This role requires a degree-level or equivalent professional qualification and at least five years of assurance management experience, preferably in a large organisation or professional services firm.

You will demonstrate knowledge of, or a willingness to gain an understanding of Te Ao Māori and promote tikanga and Te Reo Māori. You will also have knowledge of, or a willingness to gain an appreciation of te Tiriti o Waitangi (the Treaty of Waitangi) as it applies in the public sector.

About our group and team | Mātau rōpū ake

At Te Tāhuhu o te Mātauranga, we work to provide services and support nationally, regionally, and locally to the education sector, and in some cases, directly to ākonga and whanau.

Internal Audit and Assurance has an important role to safeguard trust and confidence in the Ministry. We provide a broad range of risk-focused assurance and advisory services to improve enterprise systems, business processes and change initiatives that are critical for the achievement of priority outcomes for the education system. We are located in the Office of the Secretary for Education, which reflects the importance of our purpose and independence.

Our way of working enables us to raise risk insights and deliver improvement advice in better time and more inclusively with our clients. We value diversity of strengths, skills, and knowledge in our team to bring different insights to inform our work and new ideas to solve old problems. Our track record of multiple IIANZ awards reinforces our unrelenting goal of professional excellence and achievement for the Ministry.

Are you ready to make a difference? | Kua rite koe mō tēnei mahi?

If this opportunity interests you, please submit your cover letter and resume by using the ‘apply' button. In your cover letter we’d like to know about you, your values, or anything else you’d like to share. We’re keen to understand your motivations, strengths, transferable skills, and the diverse perspectives you will bring to the role.

For further information, please contact Benn Jordan, Practice Manager for more information at benn.jordan@education.govt.nz or 04 463 8445.

Applications close Midnight – Sunday 02 February 2025.

We want our people to feel valued for their unique qualities and have a sense of belonging. If you require assistance or adjustments to fully participate in the recruitment process, please let us know.