Our vision. A highperforming. trusted public sector.

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2 Our vision A highperforming and trusted public sector.

3 Audit New Zealand is the leading public sector auditor. Our work helps create a high-performing public sector, and helps New Zealanders to have trust and confidence in the public sector. Audit New Zealand is a business unit of the Controller and Auditor-General. Every year, we carry out about 700 audits of public sector organisations on behalf of the Auditor-General, and you ll be part of a team that works together to complete these audits. Everyone in New Zealand benefits from the services provided by public sector organisations, from roads and water supply to schools and universities, welfare support, hospitals, and prisons. When you work for us, you could be auditing your local council or polytech, a district health board, or a large government department. You could also be auditing smaller organisations such as economic development agencies, sports stadiums, airports, and museums. We also oversee the Lotto draws and, on behalf of the Auditor-General, we audit the Governments of Niue and Tokelau. Our audit opinions help reassure the public they can trust an organisation s financial and performance reports. We also suggest areas for improvements to how they manage their business systems. We ve got over 250 staff, in seven offices: Auckland, Hamilton, Tauranga, Palmerston North, Wellington, Christchurch, and Dunedin. There are Graduate and Intern positions in each office. Although you ll be primarily based in one of these offices, during our busiest period you may work anywhere in New Zealand.

4 Auditing is an important job with a lot of responsibility. By doing it well, we help create a highperforming public sector and help New Zealanders have trust and confidence in the public sector.

5 STEPHEN WALKER Executive Director At Audit New Zealand, we have more than 250 people who are committed to helping public entities improve the way they operate and report. This helps New Zealanders to have confidence in the information reported by public entities and to know whether they are doing what they said they would. Audit New Zealand s reputation is recognised internationally for the work we do and for the way we do it. I began my career at Audit New Zealand more than 25 years ago. The skills and experience I developed as a trainee led me to a range of exciting opportunities both in New Zealand and overseas. One of those opportunities was working as the Director of Operations for the International Federation of Accountants in New York; another was rejoining Audit New Zealand several years ago as Executive Director. Choosing where to begin your career is an important decision. As one of the largest New Zealand employers of aspiring Chartered Accountants, we will help you progress from a high-calibre graduate into a well-rounded professional. As you read the following pages, you ll get a sense of what we re about, and what we re looking for in our Interns and Graduates. You ll also meet some of the people who make Audit New Zealand a great place to work and read about what makes them excited to come to work each day. If you think being part of an organisation like ours would inspire you too, we want to hear from you. Stephen Walker Executive Director 3

6 4 Here s what our interns said about their experience: Jasdeep Singh Auckland It s been an amazing journey being an Intern, from knowing nothing about auditing, to being able to understand what it actually entails. The Office has a great welcoming culture, and everyone is always ready to help. I ve thoroughly enjoyed my time as an intern where, not only did I get to increase my knowledge in auditing, but I also got to utilise it with a variety of clients. Celia Clark Wellington As soon as I arrived at Audit New Zealand, everyone was very welcoming and inclusive. This made it really easy to get to know everyone, and I felt I could ask as many questions as I wanted. I didn t expect to spend most of my time working with the team at clients offices. I ve had a great time at social events such as golf day and end-of-year functions. Leighton Szeto Wellington Being an Intern at Audit New Zealand has been an awesome learning experience. From visiting various client sites to on-the-job training, you get the opportunity to improve your knowledge about auditing and the public sector. The Audit New Zealand team have a very welcoming culture and are always willing to help. Jo Budd Palmerston North I was extremely impressed with the amount of support I received as an Intern. The initial training set us up nicely to be able to hit the ground running. The Audit New Zealand staff maintain a good balance between checking I am doing OK, and allowing me to get on with the job. Working in the Palmerston North office has been great There s been plenty of opportunities to travel all over the central North Island.

7 Michael Lei Palmerston North My time as an Intern at Audit New Zealand has given me that first real tangible and practical experience of the knowledge that we ve been studying for the past few years. At Audit New Zealand, I was able to really get a feel for what goes on here and the influence they have on public sector accountability. Lewis Sullivan-Hill Dunedin The Audit New Zealand internship was a great way to spend my summer. I had opportunities to travel to the West Coast and Christchurch to work with a range of clients, and received great support from the audit teams working these jobs. Actually interacting and asking the clients questions is a great part about this internship, the team is really keen for you to develop your client communication skills. Nicole Cooper Wellington It s been an incredibly positive experience. I ve learnt so much over the past three months, and the Office was so welcoming. The staff have been very inclusive, supportive, and helpful I never felt like I was asking a silly question. Ankita Walia Hamilton It s been an amazing experience interning for Audit New Zealand. I ve enjoyed the opportunity to have one-on-one conversations with clients and getting to visit client sites. The range of different jobs made available to Interns was a surprise to me, from financial audits at the Hamilton Office to performance audits at the Office of the Auditor-General. 5

8 MY INTERN EXPERIENCE EVERN SIMONSEN Intermediate Auditor Wellington One of the highlights of being an Intern at Audit New Zealand was I got to go out and work with clients. Watch video> One of my clients was WorkSafe. While there, I got to look at their payroll systems and expenses, and really got a basic understanding of what they do and their directions. It helped me understand what I d be doing if I became an auditor and helped me decide that it actually was a very interesting job. Every week, you re doing something quite different, which keeps it interesting and changing so you re not stuck in the same thing every day. One of the great things about Audit New Zealand is the people. They make you very welcome when you come along. They show you the ropes and, if you ever have any questions, they help you out and answer them. They actually want you to ask questions, otherwise how are you supposed to learn? Another great thing about Audit New Zealand is they provide you time to learn, and you re doing it in big groups so that you can really make the most of working towards your CA qualification. 6

9 OUR SUMMER INTERNSHIP PROGRAMME If you re in your second-to-last year of study and considering your career options then read on. If you re in your final year of study, see page 9 to find out about applying for one of our Graduate roles. Our Internship Programme will run from late November 2018 until mid-february We know it s hard to make the transition from student life to full-time work, so you ll get a four-week break over the Christmas and New Year holiday period. As an Intern, you ll get a taste of what it s like to work for Audit New Zealand and gain valuable on-the-job experience. We provide a different programme for each Intern, so you ll work on a variety of clients and projects. Most of our Interns get the opportunity to travel, and every Intern spends a week working at the Office of the Auditor-General. If successful, you ll go back to university to complete your studies, and start working for us as an Assistant Auditor the following February. You ll be given responsibility from the start and opportunities to talk directly with our clients. There may also be some opportunities to work for us during the year. Applications for our next Summer Internship Programme open at 2pm on 28 February 2018 and close at 4pm on 17 March You can watch videos of our Interns talking about their experiences and find more information about what to expect from a summer internship on our website Watch video> At the end of the internship, you ll return to Wellington to prepare and give a presentation to our Executive Leadership Team. We ll make job offers to those Interns we think will succeed at Audit New Zealand. 7

10 MY GRADUATE EXPERIENCE Wellington BONAR ROBERTSON Audit Manager, Wellington I started as a graduate at Audit New Zealand in February We get given lots of really great opportunities at Audit New Zealand for example, visiting places that the normal New Zealanders can t go and see, like when I ve been doing the audit of the New Zealand Defence Force and going onto their bases. We get really fantastic accounting and auditing training. The thing that I really love about working for Audit New Zealand is working in a team with people the same age as me and also different ages, to get lots of different perspectives. We have a lot of fun when we re auditing because we re working in teams. We spend a lot of time going out on site with our clients. This is really interesting because we get to see where the money goes and what it s actually spent on. 8

11 OUR GRADUATE PROGRAMME If you re in your final year of study, you can consider applying for our 2019 Graduate Programme. opportunity to get to know the other people in your year group. They ll be a great source of support as you study and work together towards qualifying as a Chartered Accountant. Our Graduates begin in late February after they finish their studies. You ll start as an Assistant Auditor and immediately begin working on a portfolio of clients. You ll be supported by senior staff as you learn on the job. Once you ve got into the swing of work, you ll start working towards qualifying as a Chartered Accountant. To be accepted into the programme, you need to meet the provisional entrance requirements for Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand by early March The Graduate Programme begins with an induction programme where you ll receive training from our specialists and technical experts and get the tools you need to do your job. Graduate induction is also a great Applications for our next Graduate Programme intake open at 2pm on 28 February 2018 and close at 4pm on 17 March The online application form is on our website, Watch video> 9

12 MY CA PENICA CORTEZ Assistant Manager, Auckland EXPERIENCE Auckland The CA programme is challenging, and the support from Audit New Zealand throughout was greatly appreciated. Audit New Zealand provided paid study leave leading up to each exam, and we were able to attend workshops that really helped us prepare. It was useful to hear about what to expect from Audit New Zealand staff who have completed the programme. I really enjoyed going through it with my year group. We were able to study together and share ideas. It was all worth it at the end. Being a CA means that your qualification is recognised by key organisations both in New Zealand and overseas. Working in the public sector gives me the chance to make a difference and give something back to the community. As part of my role, I can get to know how the public sector organisation works and help them to be more effective and efficient on providing their services. The Auckland office has a very friendly environment which means that staff are approachable and fosters the culture of openness. People care about you as a person and are there to help you develop professionally and personally. 10

13 BECOMING A CHARTERED ACCOUNTANT Graduating from university with your degree is the start of your career becoming a Chartered Accountant (CA) is the next part of the journey. We re committed to supporting our Graduates to qualify as Chartered Accountants with Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand. Each office also carries out its own local office training. Sometimes, this training finishes with a team social event. These events can be anything from playing golf or going sailing to cooking up a feast. Audit New Zealand is one of New Zealand s largest employers of aspiring Chartered Accountants. We take our role seriously in helping high-calibre graduates turn into well-rounded professionals. You ll need to complete five modules four technical and a Capstone. For each module, we cover all of the costs, we organise for you to attend a workshop, and we provide paid study leave so you can prepare for your exam. We also organise year-group support and make sure you get the practical experience you need. Watch video> In addition to supporting you to become a CA, we run a professional development programme to help you become a competent auditor. All of our Assistant Auditors receive a minimum of five days training each year. We cover everything from technical topics such as financial instruments and audit methodology through to non-technical competencies such as how to write and communicate with clients. 11

14 Here s what your career progression looks like at Audit New Zealand INTERN ASSISTANT AUDITOR INTERMEDIATE AUDITOR AUDITOR SENIOR AUDITOR ASSISTANT MANAGER AUDIT MANAGER ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR AUDIT DIRECTOR 12 Before Chartered Accountant qualification After Chartered Accountant qualification

15 ... and what you ll do in each role Interns join us in their second-to-last year at university. As an Intern, you ll get on-the-job work experience over the summer holidays and, potentially, an offer to join Audit New Zealand as an Assistant Auditor once you graduate. Graduates start as Assistant Auditors. They become skilled in auditing various accounts. From day one, you ll start working on a portfolio of clients. You ll also start studying technical modules. Intermediate Auditors may lead small public entity audits, and help coach the Assistant Auditors. By the end of your second year, you ll have experience of planning and completing a full audit cycle. Auditors are responsible for full completion of the audit of small to medium-sized public entities, including supervising and coaching Assistant Auditors and Intermediate Auditors. This is the year you ll complete your Capstone module. Senior Auditors are Chartered Accountants. As a Senior Auditor you ll be leading audit teams and be responsible for completing the audit of larger public entities. Assistant Managers lead teams working with our larger and more complex clients and contribute to other business initiatives including training. Audit Managers work in many aspects of the business. You ll be responsible for practice management, assigning staff to appropriate clients, mentoring and coaching staff, and ensuring that audits are completed to a high standard. Associate Directors develop the key strategic leadership skills required of our Directors, and often sign audit opinions for low-risk public entities. This role is an important stepping stone to becoming an Audit Director. Audit Directors are responsible for guiding and leading the direction of Audit New Zealand as a professional services firm. You ll be authorised to sign audit opinions on behalf of the Auditor-General for a wide range of clients, and will also complete quality reviews over your colleagues work. 13

16 Auckland ATHOL GRAHAM Audit Director, Auckland I joined Audit New Zealand in 1998 in the Tauranga office. I was already a CA, had been working for the Tauranga office of a private accounting firm, and had been overseas for a couple of years. There is so much I enjoy about working for Audit New Zealand. For starters, I ve had many opportunities to gain a wide variety of work experiences. One of them involved joining our Professional Practices Group for a year. During that time, I was involved in some of our exciting continuing quality improvement programmes. I also supported and trained auditors on our audit methodology and auditing standards. I ve appreciated the effect that staff training and support has on the quality of our work, our client relationships, and team atmosphere. A real driver for me is making sure there is appropriate accountability for the use of public funds in the public sector. I get a lot of satisfaction from successfully and proactively working through issues with clients. Not that things always go to plan; I always seem to be working on a number of challenges! Looking back, I ve learned a lot over the years. I m passionate about sharing those lessons and working in an environment where we learn together. It s also great seeing Graduates develop into competent professionals. 14

17 REALISE YOUR POTENTIAL Our goal is to develop the potential of our people. Our work is important, and we have a responsibility to all New Zealanders to be the best. That s why we re dedicated to helping you to be your best. Everyone who joins us, whether as an Intern, as a Graduate, or in a more senior position, is given a buddy and a mentor. Your buddy is a bit like a coach. They can answer all of those little day-to-day questions, such as our dress code, where the photocopier is, or how to use an auditing tool for the first time. Your mentor is a senior member of staff who is there to encourage and support you. They ll meet with you regularly, both formally and informally, to talk about how you re going, share their experience, and provide guidance around training and career development issues. Your mentor will also co-ordinate your performance review, including helping you decide what your Individual Development Plan goals should be and making sure you get an appropriate range of on-the-job experiences. When you graduate as a Chartered Accountant, you ll continue to have development opportunities and can progress to senior levels of the organisation. Audit New Zealand has an excellent reputation and you ll be well placed to pursue other career opportunities in the private and public sectors as well as overseas. Auckland Tauranga Hamilton Palmerston North Wellington At your Graduate Induction Programme, you ll meet your Year Group Managers. They ll help make sure that your year group gels so that you provide each other with peer support. They send out regular s, check you re supporting each other with your studies, and facilitate your annual training in Wellington. Dunedin Christchurch 15

18 SHEILA LAU Senior Auditor, Wellington Wellington I ve enjoyed the variety of work and I ve found the team culture to be very supportive. I was an Intern at the Wellington office in the summer of 2013/14. Doing the internship was an eye-opening experience of auditing in the public sector. We all received a really warm welcome and I quickly settled into office life. During my internship, I worked on a variety of clients, from Wellington City Council to the Ministry of Justice. It included interviewing clients, performing tests, and reporting the findings. In 2014, I worked at the Office of the Auditor- General as an Assistant Analyst in their Research and Development group while I finished my studies. In 2015, I started as a Graduate. I ve enjoyed the variety of work and I ve found the team culture to be very supportive. Also, the flexibility that Audit New Zealand and the Office of the Auditor-General have offered me has been fantastic and made me feel like a valued employee. 16

19 REALISING YOUR POTENTIAL AMANDA NICHOLLS Audit Manager, Dunedin I joined Audit New Zealand as an Assistant Auditor in Before that, I had worked in a private accounting firm for my first year s training. I had found that I much preferred auditing, and I felt it suited my personality better as it got me out of the office, speaking to people, and learning more about my clients over and above the numbers. Dunedin During my time with Audit New Zealand, I ve worked on almost all of the Dunedin audits. As there are just two Managers in Dunedin and usually about 10 staff, there are lots of chances to put your hand up for extra responsibilities. On the job, this means that you get the opportunity to work on a range of clients and sections of the audit. You also have a lot of face-to-face time with your clients. I ve also had the opportunity to get involved in wider office roles, such as recruitment, organising social events, and presenting at a national level on various topics. I really like how Audit New Zealand invests in its people. The training and support I ve received enabled me to become a Chartered Accountant. I ve also worked my way up through the levels to become an Audit Manager. The work/life balance at Audit New Zealand has meant that, as a mother, I have good quality time with my two beautiful girls. Being a working mum has improved my time management, organisational skills, and patience! It also helps me relate to clients about life outside of work. 17

20 Contributing to a better New Zealand The work we do helps to ensure that New Zealand s public sector is reporting its financial information and performance appropriately, and that s got to be good for New Zealand. Lam Nguyen, Assistant Manager Wellington Working here, you get the opportunity to see that your work and organisation outputs can make a difference. Matt Sargeant, Intermediate Auditor Hamilton Audit New Zealand provides an opportunity for people to grow and to reach their true potential. They show a real commitment towards training and developing staff at all levels and across different areas, from sector training to methodology. Courtney Lim, Senior Auditor Wellington Audit New Zealand provides a constant learning environment in which you re around people of your own age group. There are also great benefits, like time off in lieu.

21 Building a good career foundation We ll help you become a strong, well-rounded, highly skilled, and sought-after professional. You ll be well supported and prepared for a great career in auditing or accounting. Receiving great training We re well known for our commitment to training and development at all levels. Throughout your career with us, you ll receive training in technical and non-technical subjects to help you realise your potential and build a better future. Simran Singh, Intermediate Auditor Christchurch Audit New Zealand offers a great, supportive, working environment. The variety of clients we work with also provides excellent on-the-job training. Wendy Freeman, Senior Auditor Hamilton The great thing about working at Audit New Zealand is that you re surrounded by such a diverse group of people, who have different experiences and perspectives. AP Srinivasan, Assistant Manager Wellington Being able to make a difference to the public sector makes working at Audit New Zealand worthwhile.

22 WHAT TO DO NEXT If you think Audit New Zealand sounds like a place where you d thrive, then we want to know more about you. First Have a look at our website, You can also check out our Facebook and LinkedIn pages for opportunities to meet some of our people. Then Apply online for our Summer Internship Programme or Graduate Programme. To apply, you ll need your curriculum vitae and a cover letter. After you ve completed the application form, you ll be asked to carry out some online testing.

23 After that We ll be in touch after applications have closed. If we think you might be a good fit for Audit New Zealand, we ll invite you to come along to our offices to go through the rest of our recruitment process. If we discover that you and Audit New Zealand are a good match, we ll aim to have an offer in your hand as soon as possible. If you have questions, please ask us or us at graduates@auditnz.govt.nz. We look forward to hearing from you. Watch videos of our staff sharing their experiences on working at Audit New Zealand >

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