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* Permanent, full-time position, however flexible working opportunities will be considered
* 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
* Reward and recognition, including competitive remuneration and career progression
* Learning and career development programs for all roles and levels
* Flexible leave options and up to 26 weeks paid parental leave
* Free daily breakfast, office drinks and social events
* Genuine commitment to health and wellbeing, pro bono and community, and diversity and inclusion across our firm
About the role and team
We have a new opportunity for an experienced internal audit and compliance professional to join our Corporate Services team in Melbourne as Head of Internal Audit and Compliance.
Reporting directly into the firm’s Chief Operating Officer, this role’s focus 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 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 contracts, legislation and regulations affecting the firm and ensure 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 regarding trust account audits, 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, GDPR, 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
Hall & Wilcox is a leading independent Australian law firm. 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.
Some of our recent awards and citations include:
* Law Firm of the Year at the 2023 Lawyers Weekly Australian Law Awards
* Ranked fourth in the Lawyers Weekly Top 25 Attraction Firms for 2023 and 2024
* Workplace Gender Equality Agency (WGEA) Employer of Choice for Gender Equality (EOCGE) citation holder since 2018
* Best Australian Law Firm (> $200m revenue) at the 2025 Beaton Client Choice Awards
We are known for having a great culture that is warm and welcoming, progressive, inclusive and supportive, and that is underpinned by our enduring values - known as Hallmarks.
We are also renowned for Smarter Law, which means we look beyond the status quo to think differently and find solutions. Smarter Law includes enabling technology, challenging business models, innovative pricing and creative resourcing.
We are a firm of the future. We offer our people interesting and challenging work, and access to great clients. To learn more about HW visit our website.
Apply now
Let’s connect. Click apply to submit your application.
At Hall & Wilcox, we are committed to creating and maintaining a workplace that actively seeks to include, welcome and value unique contributions of all people. We encourage applications from candidates of all cultural backgrounds (including First Nations), age, abilities, sexual orientation and gender identities.
We are also 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 alison.dalythomson@hallandwilcox.com.au for a confidential discussion.
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