Associate Director – Digital Assurance

Join us. But be you. At Deloitte, you'll do more than just join something, you'll add something. You've found a place that values your curiosity, passion, and desire to work alongside brilliant people on the things that really matter. There really is only one question: What impact do YOU want to make?

The team you’ll join:

Our Assurance business is looking for an Associate Director to join our national Digital Assurance team, leading and growing our emerging AI Assurance capability.

As organisations increasingly adopt AI, Boards, executives, regulators and customers are seeking greater confidence that AI systems are reliable, controlled, transparent and fit for purpose. We help organisations navigate this rapidly evolving landscape through AI assurance, governance, controls assessment, internal audit, independent evaluation and advisory services.

This is an exciting opportunity to help shape Deloitte New Zealand's AI Assurance offering while working with some of New Zealand's leading organisations on complex and high-profile engagements.

The impact you'll make:

As an Associate Director within our AI Assurance practice, you will lead client engagements, develop market opportunities, and help organisations build confidence in their AI systems and governance frameworks.

You will work across AI advisory, assurance and internal audit engagements, helping clients identify and respond to AI-related risks while designing practical and proportionate controls that support responsible innovation.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Leading complex AI assurance, governance, controls and internal audit engagements from planning through to delivery.
• Advising clients on AI governance, model risk management, regulatory readiness and control frameworks.
• Assessing AI systems, machine learning models, retrieval-augmented generation (RAG) solutions and agent-based technologies.
• Evaluating the design and effectiveness of AI lifecycle controls, platform controls and monitoring processes.
• Translating technical, business and risk considerations into practical recommendations for executives, boards and governance committees.
• Supporting organisations in preparing for emerging AI regulatory expectations and industry standards.
• Contributing to Deloitte's AI Assurance methodology, thought leadership and market eminence.
• Identifying business development opportunities and building trusted client relationships across the market.
• Coaching and mentoring managers and junior team members while maintaining delivery quality, financial performance and client satisfaction.
• Collaborating with colleagues across Audit & Assurance, Risk Advisory, Cyber, Data & AI, and broader Consulting practices to deliver integrated client solutions.

Your expertise:

You are someone who:

• Has 8+ years' experience in AI, data and analytics, technology risk, technology assurance, internal audit, cyber, cloud, governance, risk management or a related advisory environment.
• Has experience leading large or complex client engagements and managing multidisciplinary teams.
• Demonstrates strong commercial acumen and a proven ability to build trusted client relationships.
• Has experience in AI governance, model risk management, AI controls, technology assurance or emerging technology risk.
• Possesses knowledge of AI technologies, machine learning concepts, generative AI, RAG architectures, agentic AI or model evaluation approaches.
• Understands AI governance frameworks and relevant standards such as NIST AI RMF, ISO 42001, SOC reporting, or similar frameworks. 
• Has a professional qualification such as AAIA, CA, CISA, CISSP, CIA, or equivalent. 
• Is confident communicating complex technical concepts to executive and non-technical stakeholders.
• Has strong written communication skills and a disciplined approach to documentation and quality.
• Brings curiosity, strategic thinking and a passion for helping organisations navigate emerging technology risks.
• Is motivated to contribute to thought leadership, market eminence and the growth of Deloitte's AI Assurance practice.

Making an impact that matters, together:

We are driven by our desire to create positive outcomes for our clients, communities, and people. Everything we do is with intent, the intent to make a meaningful difference.

Our shared values are at the heart of everything we do. Living these values, including taking care of each other and fostering inclusion, is essential to ensuring everyone feels included at work and able to reach their full potential. For us to succeed and thrive as an organisation, we understand the importance of creating a culture where diverse perspectives matter and where everyone is given an equal opportunity to grow and develop.

How you'll be rewarded

We hold a simple belief: our people's hard work should be recognised and rewarded beyond their remuneration. The Deloitte experience is founded on concepts of trust, balance, wellbeing, and meaningful connection.

We offer:

• Subsidised professional qualifications and paid professional memberships
• Subsidised health insurance
• Income protection insurance
• 22 days annual leave
• Social events, sports teams, and monthly firm drinks
• Wellbeing initiatives and support
• Volunteer and community impact days
• Environmental and sustainability initiatives
• Plus much more

Does this sound like the sort of role and organisation for you? Then apply now. We'd love to hear from you.

We believe the strongest teams are made up of diverse individuals and we are proud to be an equal opportunities employer. We recognise that women and individuals from under-represented backgrounds may hesitate to apply if they don't meet all criteria. If you're passionate about this role and believe you have the skills, we encourage you to apply, even if your experience, ideal working hours or qualifications aren't a perfect match.

Please be aware of phishing attempts posing as Deloitte recruiters. Official communications from Deloitte New Zealand will come from “@deloitte.co.nz,” “@smartrecruiters.com,” or our video interview platform Deloitte<interviews@hirevue.com>. If you receive a suspicious email, verify its authenticity by contacting us at NZinfo@deloitte.co.nz.