Risk and Assurance Graduate

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Auckland Council is recruiting a Risk and Assurance Graduate for a programme in Auckland starting 15 February 2027, with rotations across Internal Audit, Risk, Integrity and Insurance and Claims to accelerate your career in local government. You’ll gain experience, join a cohort and a path to a permanent role, backed by wellbeing and DEI commitments. Disciplines include Economics, Business, Finance or Accounting, with a relevant bachelor’s degree and NZ work rights for four years or more without sponsorship. Tips: tailor your CV with risk and assurance writing, demonstrate collaboration and problem solving, and prep for online and panel interviews. Apply by 2 August 2026; salary around $65k plus KiwiSaver; indicate accessibility needs.

Auckland Council is on the hunt for graduates! If you're in your final year or recently graduated and ready to kick-start your career where your work truly matters, our 2-year rotational Graduate Programme is your chance to get stuck in. 

Join the largest local government organisation in Oceania, serving over 1.7 million people, and gain hands-on experience and the opportunity to help shape the future of Tāmaki Makaurau as a world-class city.

He angitūtanga: The opportunity

Our Risk and Assurance team are responsible for enabling, supporting, and assisting our people in making good decisions, providing assurance to senior management and elected members to instil trust and confidence in the way Auckland Council meets its obligations to Aucklanders.

Your Rotations

Across your rotations you’ll gain hands-on experience with four core teams:

Internal Audit

Support the team in delivery of the internal audit plan; obtaining relevant information and assessing process and control effectiveness across different areas of council.

Risk

Facilitate and support continuous improvement of risk management practises across Auckland Council, ranging from strategic risks to directorate and business unit risks. This will include the preparation and facilitation of risk workshops, presentations, and hosting risk champion seminars.

Integrity

Respond to integrity related speak ups, obtaining and analysing information relevant to investigations, along with assisting with integrity reporting.

Insurance and claims

Obtain relevant information to support claims under review, predominantly assisting the team to process business as usual claims (most commonly public liability claims).

Start date of programme, Monday 15th February 2027

He kōrero mōu: About you

We’re looking for the right person, not just the right qualification. You communicate well, build authentic relationships easily and feel comfortable working in fast‑paced or ambiguous situations. You value collaboration, continuous improvement and problem solving.

We welcome applications from the following disciplines

• Economics
• Business
• Finance
• Accounting

You must have:

• A minimum of a relevant Bachelor’s degree 
• Eligibility to work in Aotearoa New Zealand for more than 4 years without sponsorship
• Ideally, one or more examples of your own written work (e.g. essay, report, project, or academic writing) related to Risk and Assurance papers you have completed as part of your degree

Ngā āhuatanga kei a mātou: What we offer

You’ll gain a broad understanding of council operations and receive the support you need to step into a permanent role at the end of the programme. We offer flexibility, wellbeing support, tailored learning opportunities, and a development pathway designed to accelerate your career. You’ll also be part of a supportive graduate cohort throughout your journey.

We are proud to be recognised for our commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion. We are accredited by GenderTick, a signatory of the Pride Pledge. These commitments reflect our ongoing efforts to create a workplace where all staff feel valued, respected, and empowered to thrive. 

How we’ll support you as a candidate

We aim to provide an experience where you feel comfortable, supported, and able to be yourself.

• We value whakapapa, reo, and tikanga as strengths - bring your whole self to mahi.
• If you prefer a virtual interview or would like whānau support included, just let us know during the recruitment process.
• We’ll work with you on any access needs so you can show your best self.

For more information about the graduate programme, please visit our careers page.  

Te Tukanga Tono: Application process

• Online application – CV + a few quick questions
• One-way video interview
• Formal interview with a 2-person panel – in person or virtual
• Pre-employment checks
• Offer – Nau mai ki te whānau!

Together, we can create a Tāmaki Makaurau we can all be proud of. Nau mai, uru mai, your journey starts here.

Me Tono Ināianei!: Apply Now!

Applications close: Sunday, 2 August 2026

We will be reviewing and progressing applications as they are received, and may close the vacancy early, so get your application in now!  

This role has a remuneration of $65,000

Our employer KiwiSaver contribution is additional to the base salary offered. 

Auckland Council is an equal opportunity employer. We serve the diverse communities of Tāmaki Makaurau and welcome applications from people of all backgrounds - regardless of gender, ethnicity, age, educational background, or religious beliefs. We also welcome applications from our Rainbow communities as well as disabled and neurodivergent people. We are committed to making our hiring process accessible to everyone. If you require any support or adjustments at any stage of the recruitment process, please let us know.