Professional Networking Events

We are very excited to have James Rees-Thomas (Partner at PwC), Bernie McKendrey (Independent Internal Audit Consultant) and Bruce Edwards (Manager, Information Systems Audit & Assurance at Audit New Zealand) join us for a panel discussion about their auditing careers and what they have learned along the way! Come along to find out what their experience has taught them and the various do’s and don’ts that these three successful and charismatic leaders have  picked up along the way.

James Rees-Thomas is a Partner in PwC’s Risk Assurance team. James is recognised for his expertise in developing and leading contemporary internal audit practices, and raising risk management effectiveness within organisations. He has a particular interest in using assurance and risk management to support teams in effective decision-making, and brings a people-centred approach to each project. James is also a current board member of the Institute of Internal Auditors, and has held a number of other governance roles outside of PwC. He has been a speaker at IIA conferences and training events and he has an ongoing commitment to professional development.

Bernie McKendrey has a wide-ranging level of experience and expertise across the financial services industry and government in roles encompassing all facets of management, to Board level.  She has been instrumental in the establishment and running of corporate functional areas of Governance, including Internal Audit, Regulatory Relations, Regulatory Compliance and Risk areas within large financial service organisations, in Australasia and the UK. Bernie is a current and past Board member the Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA) in New Zealand and has been a co-opted member of the Australian Board.  She has provided training and education to members in both countries.  She was a member of the Financial Services Interest Group for NZICA and was a facilitator and marker for their previous qualifying regime (PCE I and II).

Bruce Edwards has over 20 years information security, audit and training experience in the public and private sectors including life insurance, health insurance, government, university and utilities sectors and has performed both operational and advisory roles. Bruce is currently Manager, Information Systems Audit and Assurance in Wellington and originally hails from the U.S.A. He is currently the president of ISACA's Wellington chapter and has been involved with ISACA boards/committees first in Louisville, Kentucky and then in Wellington since 1999. He has spoken or instructed at National and International Conferences or events in New Zealand, Australia and the United States from 2005 to the present on implementing information security programmes, practical information security policies and standards, and other audit, risk and compliance topics.

Come along prepared with questions you want answered about how to be successful in your career.