Head of Internal Audit

Company Description

A bit about us

At Judo, we’re redefining business banking for the modern era. Built on teamwork, trusted relationships and a challenger spirit, we exist to better serve Australian SMEs. What began in 2016 as a bold idea has grown into one of the fastest‑growing new banks globally, with more than 30 locations nationwide.

We put our people and customers at the heart of everything we do. Our agility means we can say ‘yes’ when others say ‘no’, delivering personalised banking that helps businesses access the funding they need, when they need it. Relationships matter here – with our customers and with each other.

Our culture – a multi‑award‑winning place to work

We firmly believe that culture eats strategy for breakfast, lunch, and dinner and that the most important investment we can make is in our people. Our values of Trust, Teamwork, Accountability and Performance guide how we work every day.

Judo was built from the ground up with a clear purpose: to be the most trusted SME business bank in Australia. Our customers and relationships are at the heart of how we work, not bureaucracy. We think differently, invite new ideas, and create an environment where people feel they belong and are empowered.

We’re proud to be externally recognised too – including being named on the AFR BOSS Best Places to Work list for four consecutive years. We are certified as a Great Place To Work® Australia organisation, being recognised as one of Australia’s Best Workplaces™ 2025, celebrating our dedication to fostering an inclusive, empowering environment.

Our vision is to build a world-class SME business bank and it’s our people that can make it happen.

Job Description

Now, about this opportunity…

This is a rare opportunity to lead and shape Judo's Internal Audit function.

As Head of Internal Audit, you'll provide independent assurance over governance, risk management and internal controls across the Bank while serving as the principal Internal Audit adviser to the Board Audit Committee.

Reporting functionally to the Board Audit Committee and administratively to the General Manager Finance, you'll play a critical role in establishing and leading Judo's future co-sourced Internal Audit operating model. You will be responsible for building capability, driving audit excellence and ensuring Internal Audit remains aligned to Judo's strategic objectives, risk profile and regulatory obligations.

This is both a strategic leadership role and a hands-on transformation opportunity, requiring someone who can build, influence and deliver while maintaining the independence and objectivity expected of a modern Internal Audit function.

If that excites you, this just might be your dream job:

• Lead the establishment, implementation and ongoing operation of Judo's co-sourced Internal Audit model.
• Act as the principal Internal Audit adviser to the Board Audit Committee, providing independent insight on governance, risk and control matters.
• Develop and maintain Judo's Internal Audit strategy, audit universe and risk-based annual and multi-year audit plans.
• Oversee delivery of the approved Internal Audit program, ensuring high-quality, evidence-based and commercially pragmatic assurance outcomes.
• Establish and maintain Internal Audit methodologies, frameworks, policies and a Quality Assurance and Improvement Program (QAIP).
• Monitor emerging risks and recommend changes to assurance coverage to meet evolving business and regulatory requirements.
• Lead the selection, mobilisation and ongoing management of co-source providers, ensuring quality, independence, knowledge transfer and value delivery.
• Recruit, develop and lead Judo's Internal Audit team, fostering a culture of professionalism, accountability and continuous improvement.
• Build strong and constructive relationships across the organisation while maintaining Internal Audit independence.
• Partner with Executive leaders, Risk, Governance, External Audit and other assurance providers to maximise assurance effectiveness and minimise duplication.
• Support engagement with APRA and other regulators on Internal Audit-related matters and ensure alignment with evolving regulatory expectations.
• Maintain continuity of audit coverage during the transition period and provide clear reporting on implementation progress, risks and readiness.
• Assess future Internal Audit capability, capacity and operating model requirements, providing recommendations to support Judo's ongoing growth.

Qualifications

You’ll likely bring:

• Significant senior Internal Audit leadership experience within banking or a regulated financial services environment.
• Demonstrated experience engaging with Boards, Audit Committees, Executive leadership teams and regulators.
• Proven experience developing and delivering risk-based Internal Audit plans across complex organisations.
• Experience establishing, transforming or materially enhancing Internal Audit functions and operating models.
• Strong experience managing co-sourced or outsourced Internal Audit providers, including quality, performance, independence and commercial outcomes.
• Deep knowledge of governance, risk management, internal controls and contemporary Internal Audit practices.
• A track record of building, leading and developing high-performing teams.
• Exceptional stakeholder management, executive communication and report writing skills.
• Strong judgement and the ability to provide objective, independent and constructive challenge.
• A collaborative approach combined with the confidence to influence senior stakeholders and drive meaningful outcomes.

Highly regarded:

• Experience within an APRA-regulated bank or similar prudentially regulated institution.
• Exposure across areas such as credit risk, treasury and liquidity, regulatory reporting, operational resilience, technology and cyber risk, financial crime and third-party risk.
• Experience selecting and mobilising co-source providers and leading organisational knowledge transfer activities.
• Experience establishing or maintaining a Quality Assurance and Improvement Program (QAIP).
• Experience with audit issue rating, validation and closure frameworks.
• CIA or an equivalent Internal Audit qualification.
• CA, CPA, CISA or other relevant governance, risk or technology qualifications. 

If you don’t meet every requirement, we still encourage you to apply – your experience, mindset and potential matter to us.

Additional Information

Why you’ll love working at Judo:

• Two Weeks of Additional Leave Every Year
• Paid Volunteer Leave
• Our signature Judo induction experience
• Big Life Event Leave
• Holistic Health & Wellbeing Offerings designed to support your best life, including access to GPs, nutritionists, coaches and psychologists via our partner, CU Health
• Working from Home Setup Allowance
• Flare Benefits & Discounts - access to a wide range of everyday savings and perks
• Freedom to work flexibly with flexible work options including hybrid working
• Equal access to Company Paid Parental Leave – up to 20 weeks
• Education Assistance

Judo is proud to be an inclusive workplace where everyone is valued and can feel that they belong. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, experiences and identities.

Please no agencies! We maintain a preferred panel, and kindly request no unsolicited contact. We do not hold any responsibility for dispute over candidate ownership if you have not been engaged directly. 

To learn more about how Judo manages your personal information during the recruitment process, please refer to our Privacy Statement. By providing your information, you consent to its collection, use, disclosure, and management as outlined therein.