Introduction
Craig Richardson is an Internal Audit and Management Consultant with over 32 years of experience working in the Local Government and Tertiary Education Sectors. In this case study, we will get to know Craig, his background, experience, and areas of expertise.
We will explore the unique challenges he faces as an auditor in the Local Government sector and how he helps his clients maintain high standards of compliance, risk management and accountability. Additionally, we will learn about Craig’s experience with National Audits Group and his advice to anyone interested in pursuing a career in internal auditing, particularly in the Local Government sector.
Background
Over Craig’s extensive and long career in Local Government, particularly in rural and regional Councils, he has gained a wealth of knowledge. His experience includes 15 years of service at the City of Wagga Wagga and 6 years at Temora Shire Council. This has enabled Craig to develop a deep understanding of the unique challenges faced by Councils, and the importance of maintaining high standards of compliance, financial and risk management and reporting.
Craig has also served as a board member for Statewide Mutual and more recently as the Director of Corporate Finance at Charles Sturt University, before joining National Audits Group. With his vast experience, and qualifications as a Fellow Certified Practising Accountant, a Graduate Diploma in Local Government, and a Bachelor of Business in Accounting, Craig is well equipped to provide high quality internal audit, assurance, and advisory services to his clients.
Challenges Facing the Local Government Sector
The Local Government sector is complex, with a broad range of functions and activities performed in providing essential services to communities. The legislative setting and funding constraints also pose significant challenges to Councils. As an auditor, Craig faces the challenge of ensuring that the audits he undertakes provide more than just a compliance exercise to Councils. And he has so much more to give.
Craig takes time to understand each Council and the unique circumstances of each internal audit, providing recommendations that will ultimately benefit the Council. Working for his clients as an external consultant helps to ensure Craig’s independence, enabling him to remain objective, and remove himself from any situations where there are potential, or perceived conflicts of interest. This ensures clients can trust his work and rely on his recommendations as an independent auditor.
Interesting Audit Engagements
Craig has had the opportunity to work on various interesting audit engagements throughout his career, from auditing revenue-generating activities at Leeton Council to conducting on-site audits at Snowy Monaro Council amidst high levels of external scrutiny.
However, what truly makes his career fulfilling are the interesting people he meets. From mayors and councillors, to general managers and the many other talented and passionate professionals in the Local Government and University sectors he has had the pleasure of knowing. He believes that each person he has worked with has been influential in their own way, offering opportunities to observe and learn from their actions and behaviours, including sometimes even learning “what not to do.”
Advice for Pursuing a Career in Auditing
Craig strongly encourages pursuing a career in internal auditing, particularly in the Local Government sector. He believes that it is a growth segment of the accounting and finance sector, and Councils are beginning to understand the value of a strong internal audit function and new graduates also see the value and are interested in making a positive impact with this work, within the community.
Experience Working at National Audits Group
Craig’s experience and knowledge in the Local Government sector make him an asset to National Audits Group and our clients. His ability to quickly identify risks and dedication to providing valuable recommendations to clients, backed by his commitment to remaining independent and objective in his work, make him an invaluable auditor. Craig’s insights into the unique challenges facing the Local Government sector provide unrivalled expertise when delivering work and valuable insight when mentoring those interested in pursuing a career in auditing.
