Head of Internal Audit

Job description

LGT Wealth Management was formed around a clear and uncompromising vision – to bring global best practice in building institutional quality investment portfolios to Australian clients. With a shared passion for building an uncompromised business – we created something new from the ground up. A chance to leave behind the things that weren’t working, while enhancing the things that were. Our authentic and personalised client-first commitment. Our entrepreneurial spirit. Our focus in best-in-class advice. And our intimate understanding of the Australian private wealth landscape. In 2022 we became a part of the LGT Group, who shared our entrepreneurial spirit, long-term approach and private-ownership model. Today, with the global expertise, stability, and capability of LGT behind us, we can work without being reliant on markets or margins, with a singular focus on giving our clients the advice and deep expertise they need for generations to come. Your role overview As Head of Internal Audit, Australia, you will lead the internal audit function for LGT Wealth Management Limited, providing independent and objective assurance and insight on governance, risk management, risk culture and internal controls. The role sits within Group Internal Audit (GIA) as part of the LGT Group and is integrated with the APAC Internal Audit team and broader GIA regions. You are the primary internal audit contact for the Australian wealth management business, maintaining strong connectivity with APAC and Group Internal Audit, and reporting key audit results, risks and significant issues through established functional and committee reporting lines. Your responsibilities Leadership and mandate Safeguard the independence and objectivity of the internal audit function in line with the Internal Audit Charter, Group Internal Audit (GIA) directives and professional standards (IIA). Lead and manage the Australian Internal Audit team setting clear priorities and standards, whilst actively coaching and developing the team to deliver a high-quality, risk-based internal audit plan/assurance program aligned with Group Private Banking and Group Internal Audit strategies. Ensure the internal audit function has unrestricted access to information, systems, records and personnel necessary to discharge its responsibilities. Audit planning and delivery Develop, propose and maintain a risk-based internal audit plan aligned to APAC and Group Internal Audit priorities and approved by the relevant Boards and Audit Committees. Establish and execute a program of audits, thematic reviews and special investigations that assess the effectiveness of governance, risk management, risk culture and internal controls. Embed the use of data analytics and support the adoption of AI-enabled techniques in risk assessment, planning and execution to enhance coverage, efficiency and insight. Act as auditor-in-charge for key engagements and contribute to, or lead, cross-border audits coordinated by APAC or Group Internal Audit. Reporting, insight and follow-up Provide clear, concise and insight-rich reporting on significant risks, control weaknesses, emerging themes and cultural observations to the LGT Wealth Management Limited Boards and Audit Committees, relevant Group/APAC stakeholders and the Australian Executive Team as required. Ensure robust processes to track, validate and report on the timely and sustainable implementation of agreed management actions. Translate audit observations into forward-looking recommendations that support robust governance and continuous improvement in the control environment and risk culture. Whistleblowing and investigations Oversee, and where appropriate lead or support, the independent investigation and assessment of whistleblowing matters relating to LGT Wealth Management Limited, working closely with Risk, Legal & Compliance and HR, and ensure timely escalation and reporting of significant cases and themes in line with Group policy and local regulatory requirements. Stakeholder engagement and three lines of defence Build and maintain independent yet constructive relationships with executive and senior management and key stakeholders across Risk, Legal, Compliance, Finance, Operations and Technology. Support and constructively challenge the first and second lines of defence, strengthening risk ownership, risk culture, control design and ongoing monitoring over the Australian business. Participate in relevant governance and risk committees as an independent observer, contributing to continuous business monitoring and dynamic risk assessments. Group and APAC collaboration, strategy and initiatives Actively support Group Internal Audit strategies and initiatives, particularly in relation to data analytics, AI and digitalisation of audit, sharing industry best practices, insights and lessons learned from Australia. Collaborate closely with APAC and other Group Internal Audit regions, contributing to global audit programs, audit plans, methodology development and thematic work. Provide subject-matter input on Australian wealth management risks and regulatory developments to inform Groupwide risk assessments and planning. Regulatory and industry focus Monitor and assess relevant Australian regulatory changes, prudential standards and supervisory expectations (e.g. ASIC, APRA, AUSTRAC) and ensure appropriate coverage in the audit universe and plan. Consider relevant international (European and Asian) regulatory developments where they impact LGT Wealth Management Limited or Group standards. Engage, as appropriate, with external auditors and regulators on internal audit and other assurance-related matters, in coordination with management and Group Internal Audit. People leadership and culture Lead, coach and mentor to build a high-performing and engaged internal audit team through clear objectives, regular feedback, effective performance management and tailored development (including upskilling in data analytics and emerging audit technologies). Foster an inclusive, values-aligned culture that role-models integrity, professional scepticism and openness, creates psychological safety for raising issues, and develops succession and broader talent through stretch assignments, secondments and collaboration with HR and Group Internal Audit. Ensure ongoing technical, regulatory and methodological training, including in data analytics and emerging audit technologies. Methodology, quality and governance Ensure internal audit work in Australia is conducted in accordance with LGT’s Internal Audit Charter, the GIA handbook, Group directives and IIA Standards. Contribute to the continuous improvement of Group Internal Audit methodology, tools, workflows and governance, including through participation in APAC/Group working groups and projects (e.g. data analytics/AI initiatives, audit management systems). Support internal quality assurance and periodic external assessments of the internal audit function, implementing agreed enhancements in the Australian context. Your qualifications, skills and experience Extensive internal audit or relevant risk management experience (typically 12+ years) in wealth management, private banking or broader financial services. Demonstrated experience in an internal audit leadership role, ideally as Head of Internal Audit, Deputy Head of Internal Audit or equivalent, including regular Board and regulator-facing exposure. Proven people leadership experience Deep understanding of key risks, business models and front-to-back processes in Australian wealth management. Strong familiarity with Australian regulatory requirements and expectations (e.g. ASIC, APRA, AUSTRAC) relevant to wealth management and financial services, with experience in, or understanding of, international (especially European and Asian) regulatory environments an advantage. Experience working in, or closely with, a group-level or international internal audit or risk function, and comfortable operating across different time zones, cultures and regulatory environments. Proven track record in developing and delivering risk-based internal audit plans and reporting effectively to Boards and Audit and Risk (or Audit, Risk and Compliance) Committees. Experience leveraging data analytics and, ideally, AI-enabled tools and techniques to enhance risk assessment, continuous monitoring and audit execution. Excellent communication, interpersonal, intercultural and organisational skills, with highly effective written and verbal communication and the ability to build and maintain independent yet constructive relationships with senior stakeholders. Strong analytical and critical-thinking skills, with the ability to take an objective, out of the box approach to issues, identify root causes, and draw out holistic insights and audit themes that add value to Boards and senior management. Flexibility to travel to other locations within Australia and, where required, to APAC and other Group locations. LGT Wealth Management is committed to the ongoing development of their employees. Your development will be managed and tailored to your role and future career path. LGT Wealth Management is an equal opportunity employer committed to embracing a diverse and inclusive work environment. We aim to attract and retain the best people regardless of their gender, marital/parental status, ethnic origin, nationality, age, background, disability, sexual orientation and gender identity. LGT Wealth Management is committed to the ongoing development of their employees. Your development will be managed and tailored to your role and future career path. LGT Wealth Management is an equal opportunity employer committed to embracing a diverse and inclusive work environment. We aim to attract and retain the best people regardless of their gender, marital/parental status, ethnic origin, nationality, age, background, disability, sexual orientation and gender identity.