The Queensland Audit Office (QAO) is the independent auditor of Queensland’s public sector and its vision is for a better public service for Queenslanders.
Through its financial and performance audit programs, QAO provides Parliament and the community with independent assurance and insights on how public resources are managed and how services are delivered across approximately 400 public sector entities.
QAO examines some of the state’s most significant programs, services and investments, covering areas such as major infrastructure, frontline service delivery, digital transformation, governance, risk management and public sector reform. Its work helps identify opportunities to improve performance, strengthen accountability and deliver better outcomes for Queensland communities.
The breadth of QAO’s work provides exposure to complex and high-profile issues of public interest, often spanning multiple agencies, stakeholders and operating environments. This can include reviews relating to Queensland’s preparedness for Brisbane 2032, alongside examinations of major government initiatives, critical services and long-term public investment.
For professionals seeking to make a meaningful contribution, QAO offers a rare opportunity to influence decisions that shape the future of public services and outcomes for Queenslanders.
A career at QAO offers the opportunity to work in a focused, collaborative and intellectually stimulating environment where your thinking directly contributes to shaping the future of public services for Queenslanders.
You will partner closely with senior leaders across government, gaining exposure to high-profile audits that strengthen your professional reputation and accelerate your leadership capability while building a public-sector network few organisations can match.
QAO provides a compelling alternative to private-sector consulting, offering meaningful work focused on public value. As a growing organisation with expanding director-level opportunities over the next five years, QAO offers genuine career progression. And for those candidates considering a transition into Performance Audits, new QAO employees benefit from comprehensive onboarding and learning and development program designed to set you up for success.
What Sets This Opportunity Apart
Few leadership roles offer the opportunity to influence public sector performance at this scale.
As Senior Manager, Performance Audit, you will lead complex audits that examine whether government programs, services and investments are achieving their intended outcomes. Your work will contribute to recommendations tabled in Parliament and help shape decisions that impact communities across Queensland.
The breadth of the portfolio is a key differentiator. One audit may focus on major infrastructure and procurement, while another examines frontline service delivery, governance, digital transformation or public sector reform. The work provides exposure to some of Queensland’s most significant public policy and service delivery challenges, including matters associated with Brisbane 2032 and the long-term legacy of that investment.
Beyond the audits themselves, you’ll work closely with senior leaders across government, build trusted stakeholder relationships and contribute to the ongoing development of QAO’s Performance Audit capability. You’ll lead talented teams, mentor emerging professionals and play an important role in shaping how the organisation delivers impact.
For leaders who enjoy solving complex problems, influencing decision-makers and seeing their work translate into meaningful outcomes, this is a rare opportunity to make a statewide contribution while continuing to grow professionally.
The Ideal Candidate
The ideal candidate is a curious and analytical leader who brings an evidence-based approach to auditing and a strong focus on improving public sector performance.
With experience in a complex analytical, advisory or review environment, their background may include:
Strong analytical and critical thinking skills are essential to this role, as well as the ability to work through ambiguity to develop impartial and evidence-based conclusions.
They will be confident leading complex projects and multi-disciplinary teams, building trusted relationships with stakeholders and communicating complex information in a clear and practical way.
As a leader, they will build trust through sound judgement, collaboration and the ability to influence through evidence and insight. They will uphold high professional standards and bring a strong commitment to the integrity and quality of their work.
They will be motivated by the opportunity to apply their expertise to matters of public importance, contributing to stronger public sector performance, accountability and outcomes for Queensland communities.
To be considered, please submit your resume and cover letter (Word Format) by selecting the ‘Apply Now’ function.
Applications Close on 1 November 2026.
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