Compliance officer

Compliance officers make sure organisations operate legally and ethically. They oversee compliance reporting, review policies and advise on possible risks and legal requirements.

Also known as

Assessment and compliance officer, risk and compliance officer, compliance and privacy officer, compliance adviser, environmental compliance officer, audit and debt officer, company secretary

Work environment

  • Usually work regular business hours
  • Usually work in offices and may travel nationally
  • Need to be methodical, accurate and communicate well

Salary information

MOST COMMON
UPPER
LOWER
$59K-$131K 59000

Typical tasks

  • Make sure businesses follow laws and rules
  • Check licenses and permits are correct
  • Take payments for goods and services
  • Oversee compliance reporting
  • Oversee hiring and recruitment processes
  • Check buildings, equipment and supplies meet rules
  • Make sure financial records follow rules
  • Help others to understand laws and rules
  • Inspect buildings, equipment and supplies for standards
  • Report to government about risks and legal needs

Outlook

Compliance work is becoming more important as regulations continue to change across industries such as finance, healthcare, technology and government. Organisations are increasingly using digital systems to manage compliance activities, monitor risks and improve reporting. In New Zealand and internationally, growing expectations around privacy, cybersecurity, responsible business practices and governance are shaping how compliance functions operate.

What employers and industry want in graduates

  • Attention to detail and accuracy
  • Ability to interpret rules and policies
  • Strong written and verbal communication
  • Good organisation and time management
  • Problem-solving and critical thinking skills
  • Integrity and professional judgement

AUT programmes

The above is a suggestion only and a starting point. You may need to meet other criteria or take additional steps to work in this career.

Content is reviewed by our experts, but information can change over time. Some content is created with AI support.

This data is sourced from the Tertiary Education Commission through the Tahatū Career Navigator website (www.tahtu.govt.nz) and used under the CC BY 4.0 licence. Some of the information has been modified by AUT. TEC has not approved, endorsed or tested these modifications. TEC will not be held accountable for any errors within this data.