Principal Advisor Ethics Conduct and Fraud
Date: 4 Sept 2026
Location: Central Auckland, NZ, 1010
Company: Auckland Council
- Contribute to building trust within Auckland Council and public confidence in the organisation
- Make a meaningful difference in one of Aotearoa’s most complex public sector environments
- Permanent full time hybrid role with 3 days onsite in Auckland CBD
He angitūtanga: The opportunity
Auckland Council’s Risk and Assurance department has an opportunity for a Principal Advisor – Ethics, Conduct & Fraud to join the team. Your work will contribute to maintaining the confidence of employees, elected members and Aucklanders in the integrity of Auckland Council.
This is a critical role that will lead the Council’s approach to ethics, conduct and fraud response, shaping a safe, equitable and inclusive culture across the Council and its Council-Controlled Organisations (CCOs).
This role sits at the centre of Auckland Council's commitment to integrity, accountability and public trust. You'll work on some of the organisation's most sensitive and complex matters, partnering with senior leaders to provide independent advice, oversee investigations and strengthen Council's ethics and fraud management framework. Your work will help ensure concerns are addressed appropriately, risks are managed effectively, and employees feel safe to speak up.
Day-to-day you could expect to:
- Lead and advise on internal investigations into ethics, conduct, and fraud, delivering high-quality reports, recommendations, and briefings to senior leaders and governance bodies
- Provide specialised advice, recommendations and reports to senior leaders on issues with a Council-wide impact
- Oversee cases identified as Protected Disclosures in line with legislative requirements
- Promote and empower employees to raise concerns safely, confidentially and in good faith through Council’s external “speak up” provider
He kōrero mōu: About you
This role requires significant experience in investigations, regulatory matters and ethical governance. You will have experience in similar roles within a complex local government, public or private sector environment.
We will be looking for specific experience aligning with the key role requirements:
- At least 10 years’ experience of ethics, fraud or internal audit in a complex local government, public or private sector environment
- Extensive investigatory experience and excellent analytical skills
- Proven experience leading sensitive investigations and delivering clear, objective findings
- You will be recognised for your integrity, sound judgement and ability to navigate complex organisational environments.
- Degree-level qualification in relevant discipline and professional qualification in relevant field (e.g. Certified Fraud Examiner, Certified Internal Auditor, NZICA, ISACA etc)
- A full, clean New Zealand driver's licence
What will make you successful?
You'll bring credibility, objectivity and the confidence to navigate complex and sensitive matters. Comfortable engaging with senior leaders and elected members, you'll build trusted relationships, provide expert advice and manage confidential issues with discretion and professionalism.
You'll be an excellent investigator and communicator, able to analyse information, identify key issues and present clear, evidence-based findings and recommendations. Just as importantly, you'll be passionate about fostering an ethical culture where employees feel safe to raise concerns and trust that those concerns will be handled appropriately.
Ngā āhuatanga kei a mātou: What we offer
Auckland Council is the largest local government council across Oceania, serving over 1.7 million people and contributing towards making Tāmaki Makaurau a world-class city.
We offer a range of employee benefits and proudly support flexible working options where possible.
You’ll have access to a range of fantastic Auckland Council benefits, EAP services, an Oranga Day and discounted Leisure Centre membership and a range of other partnership discounts! View a snapshot of some of our employee benefits here:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1HCrGnm_Fy1RMrhSkvVZaf3GPtZDk3BLd/view?usp=sharing
We are a diverse organisation – we value diversity in our thinking, and we can only achieve that with a diverse team!
Tono Mai: Apply Now!
You can find the position description here
Applications close: Sunday 20th September
Please note: Qualification Checks will be conducted along with other relevant pre-employment checks required for employment with Auckland Council.
Our employer KiwiSaver contribution is additional to base salary offered.
Auckland Council is committed to protecting your privacy in accordance with the Privacy Act 2020. We collect personal information directly from you and, where relevant for the purpose of assessing you for employment, and employing you as part of the transport reform process, from third parties such as referees, previous employers (including Auckland Transport) recruitment agencies, and background checking providers.
By applying for this role, you consent to Council obtaining a reference from your current employer, including information about any active conduct investigations and current performance management processes, if you are the preferred candidate. Reference checks will only be undertaken at the preferred candidate stage. Any non-active performance or conduct matters may also be discussed with referees as part of the reference checking process.
If you do not consent to this information being provided, Council may be unable to properly assess your application and your application will not progress further. If you wish to withhold your consent, or to access or correct your personal information, please contact the Privacy Officer at privacy@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz.
Auckland Council is an equal opportunity employer (EOE) and we are committed to providing a working environment that embraces and values diversity and inclusion. If you have any support or access requirements, we encourage you to advise us at the time of application to assist you through the recruitment process.
#workingforauckland #aucklandcouncil