Internal Auditor – Accounting & Construction Controls

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct internal audits of financial transactions, construction project costs, procurement activities, supplier accounts, subcontractor payments, and operational processes.
• Review project budgets, actual expenditure, cash flow, cost variations, and project profitability.
• Examine supplier invoices, purchase orders, delivery records, subcontractor claims, payment records, contracts, and other supporting documents.
• Review labour costs, employee and contractor timesheets, payroll-related records, and the allocation of labour costs to individual construction projects.
• Verify that materials, labour, equipment, and subcontractor costs are correctly recorded and allocated to the appropriate projects.
• Compare project budgets with actual costs and investigate significant differences, cost overruns, duplicated charges, or unusual transactions.
• Assess the effectiveness of internal controls and identify financial, operational, procurement, and compliance risks.
• Confirm that transactions and payments are properly approved, accurately recorded, and supported by appropriate documentation.
• Review the processes for selecting suppliers and subcontractors, approving quotations, purchasing materials, and authorising payments.
• Assist in monitoring contract variations, progress payments, retentions, deposits, and final project accounts.
• Review accounting records and reconcile relevant information with project reports, bank transactions, invoices, and supporting documents.
• Monitor compliance with company policies, contractual obligations, health and safety procedures, and applicable New Zealand legal and accounting requirements.
• Prepare clear internal audit reports outlining findings, identified risks, financial impacts, and recommended corrective actions.
• Present audit findings and practical recommendations to management.
• Follow up on audit findings and monitor the timely implementation of agreed corrective actions.
• Assist management in developing and improving internal audit procedures, financial controls, procurement policies, and construction project reporting systems.
• Work with accounting staff, project managers, site teams, suppliers, and subcontractors to understand existing processes and identify areas for improvement.
• Maintain complete, organised, and confidential audit records and supporting documentation.
• Keep up to date with relevant accounting practices, construction industry requirements, regulatory changes, and internal audit standards.

Qualifications and Experience

• A bachelor’s degree or higher qualification in Accounting, Finance, Auditing, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Relevant professional experience in internal auditing, accounting, financial control, project accounting, or construction cost control.
• Experience in construction, residential building, property development, project management, or a related industry would be an advantage.
• Sound knowledge of accounting principles, internal controls, budgeting, procurement, cost allocation, and financial reporting.
• An understanding of construction contracts, subcontractor claims, progress payments, retentions, and project variations would be beneficial.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with excellent attention to detail.
• Ability to review complex financial and project information and identify errors, risks, inconsistencies, and weaknesses in existing processes.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Good audit report-writing, documentation, and record-keeping abilities.
• Ability to work independently, manage competing priorities, and meet deadlines.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel.
• Experience with accounting, construction management, or audit software would be an advantage.
• High standards of integrity, professionalism, confidentiality, and accountability.

What We Are Looking For

We are looking for a reliable and methodical professional who can independently review our financial and construction operations, clearly communicate audit findings, and provide practical recommendations.

The ideal candidate will understand both accounting controls and the commercial realities of residential construction. They should be capable of reviewing project costs, procurement, labour expenses, supplier accounts, and subcontractor payments while helping the company improve efficiency, accountability, and financial accuracy.