Senior Audit and Compliance Manager

• Permanent, full-time position
• Our HW Evolve approach includes hybrid and flexible working. WFH and from modern, open plan offices. We will provide you with WFH IT equipment plus reimbursement of up to $500 for additional equipment
• Competitive remuneration and our Hallstar reward and recognition program
• Learning and career development programs for all roles and levels
• Flexible leave options, including up to 26 weeks paid parental leave
• Free daily breakfast and office social events
• Genuine commitment to diversity, inclusion and wellbeing, and pro bono and community
  
  

Make the smarter choice. Come thrive with us. Learn more about what Hall & Wilcox can offer you here.

About The Role And Team

We have a new and exciting opportunity for an experienced internal audit and compliance professional to join our Legal Excellence and Risk team as Senior Audit and Compliance Manager.

This role can be based in either Melbourne or Sydney.

Reporting into the firm’s General Counsel, the focus of this role will be on:

• overseeing the firm’s internal audit function and ensuring compliance with contractual, financial and regulatory obligations;
• developing and implementing the firm’s compliance framework;
• developing and leading a comprehensive risk-based audit approach and working with the Risk team to advise senior management on risks, controls and governance; and
• leading the review, development and implementation of internal controls, working with relevant risk owners to safeguard the firm’s assets and reputation.
  
  

The successful candidate will be responsible for a broad range of matters, including:

• developing and implementing a robust risk-based internal audit plan aligned with the firm’s strategic goals and regulatory environment;
• leading and overseeing internal audit projects across all departments, including financial reporting, trust account management, client billing, IT security, and operational processes;
• working with the Risk team to evaluate the effectiveness of internal controls, ensuring they are sufficient to mitigate risk, prevent fraud, and ensure the accuracy of financial reporting;
• establishing and maintaining a compliance framework that ensures adherence to internal policies and all relevant regulations, including corporate, tax, anti-money laundering (AML), privacy & data protection laws and ethical standards;
• ensuring all of the firm’s contractual compliance obligations are recorded, monitored and satisfied by relevant stakeholders;
• monitoring changes in contractual obligations, legislation and regulations affecting the firm and ensuring these changes are adopted appropriately;
• presenting audit findings and compliance reports to the Board of Partners, Risk Committee, and senior leadership, offering actionable recommendations for improvement;
• developing and delivering periodic compliance reports, assessing the firm’s adherence to contractual obligations, internal policies and regulatory requirements;
• leading discussions with external auditors and regulatory bodies, ensuring transparency and providing necessary support during reviews;
• fostering a culture of compliance within the firm, including by offering training and education on compliance;
• ensuring continuous improvement of audit methodologies, compliance monitoring systems and relevant firm processes;
• recommending updates to internal policies, procedures, and controls to strengthen compliance efforts and improve operational efficiency; and
• implementing technology and audit tools that enhance the firm’s ability to monitor, report, and respond to compliance risks in real-time.
  
  

About You

You will ideally have the following skills and experience:

• a Bachelors degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, Law, or a related field;
• a Masters degree or advanced certifications (e.g., CPA, CIA, CFE, or CAMS) will be highly regarded;
• a minimum of 7 years of experience in internal audit, risk management, or compliance, with at least 3-5 years senior management experience, preferably within a law firm or professional services environment;
• strong knowledge of legal industry compliance standards, including AML, privacy, IT security, client billing, and trust accounting practices;
• strong understanding of financial auditing, legal and business compliance, and risk management frameworks;
• excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to interpret complex regulatory requirements;
• high proficiency in audit tools, financial systems, and compliance software;
• strong communication and presentation skills, with the ability to interact with senior leadership and external stakeholders;
• uncompromising ethics and professional integrity;
• high attention to detail and strong decision-making capabilities;
• a proactive approach to identifying and mitigating risks; and
• the ability to influence and drive cultural change in compliance and risk management.
  
  

About Us

At Hall & Wilcox, we deliver outstanding legal services to corporate, public sector and private clients, both Australian-based and those offshore doing business in Australia. Our purpose is to enable our clients, our people and our communities to thrive.

We do great work, smarter. We’re passionate about the work we do and how it creates value for today and tomorrow. We’re known for Smarter Law: smarter thinking to create smarter solutions. We embrace innovative thinking and technology. We listen. We partner. We solve.

We are also known for having a great culture that values people and that lives our purpose and values - our Hallmarks.

Hall & Wilcox is a successful independent Australian law firm; a place to belong, with the freedom to learn and grow. We thrive together. We are diverse and inclusive - everyone is welcome and respected. We encourage applications from candidates of all cultural backgrounds (including First Nations), abilities, sexual orientation and gender identities.

Hear from our people about what it’s like to thrive at Hall & Wilcox: bit.ly/HWpeople

To learn more about Hall & Wilcox visit our website.

Apply now

Are you ready to make the smarter choice? Let’s connect. Click apply to submit your application.

We are committed to supporting candidates with disability so that every candidate is offered a fair, equitable and supportive recruitment experience. If you require any adjustments or support to complete your application, or if you have any questions, please contact Alison Daly-Thomson, Talent Acquisition Manager, at [email protected] for a confidential discussion.

This vacancy is being managed directly by the Hall & Wilcox Talent Acquisition team. We will contact our preferred agency partners should we require any assistance.

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