About Vista Advisory
Vista Advisory is a specialist Canberra-based professional services firm that provides performance audit, review, evaluation and governance-related services to public sector entities and audit offices across Australia and the Pacific.
Our Services
Vista Advisory provides a range of assurance and governance services
Outsourced Performance Audits
We deliver high quality outsourced performance audits on behalf of audit offices and statutory authorities assessing the effectiveness and efficiency of public sector programs and functions.
Program Evaluations and Performance Reviews
We plan and undertake program evaluations and performance reviews – independently or with management – to assess whether programs and functions have achieved their intended outcomes.
Early Program Implementation and Assurances Reviews
Public sector entities engage us early in a program or process to obtain assurance that they are on track and meeting key accountability requirements.
Assurance and Evaluation Frameworks
We bring our public sector assurance and governance expertise when designing audit and evaluation frameworks for public sector functions and programs.
Assurance and Public Sector Governance advice
We provide assurance and governance advice to assist public sector entities implement programs and functions.
Audit Training and Capacity Building
Vista Advisory develops and delivers tailored audit, assurance and governance training programs for public sector clients, incorporating both hard and soft skills for auditors and non-auditors to build organisational capacity.
Audit Quality Control and Quality Assurance Reviews
We conduct audit engagement quality control reviews (EQCRs, for audits in progress) and audit quality assurance reviews following audit completion.
View Our Work
View examples of our recent workOur Past Clients
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Rebecca Smyth - Managing Partner
An highly experienced program reviewer, performance auditor, governance and compliance consultant to Commonwealth and regulated entities.
Rebecca has over 20 years experience in the field of water and natural resource management spanning policy development, program assessment, performance audit and review, monitoring and evaluation, project and strategic relationship management in the Commonwealth and NSW Government.
Rebecca is highly professional and has strong skills in complex analysis and report writing for executive and public audiences.
Qualifications
- Bachelor of Applied Science (Environmental Management, Hons)
Rebecca has previously worked with the National Water Commission and was involved assessing State and Commonwealth progress against commitments made in the National Water Initiative (NWI) and Water Management Partnership Agreements (WMPAs).
Some recent professional engagements include:
- Australian National Audit Office (ANAO), appointed ANAO Quality Assurance Reviewer for ANAO performance audits, 2019-2021
- Natural Resources Commission (NSW), Advisor on audit program and Quality Audit Reviewer for audits of flood plain management plans and water sharing plans, 2020-present
- Environmental Planning, Sustainability Directorate, Performance Audit of ACT Service Level Agreements (Feb-April 2020)
- Department of Environment and Energy, Review of Parks Australia’s performance measures (Stage 1) and reporting methods (Stage 2) (August 2019 – May 2020)
- ACT Audit Office, “On Call” Audit Engagement Quality Control Reviewer, 2019
- Department of Primary Industries (Water) (NSW), Establishment of audit framework and lead auditor for Water Sharing Plans (October 2018-October 2019)
- Department of Human Services, Principal Auditor, internal audit on strategic ICT workforce planning (October 2018-January 2018)
- Community Services Directorate ACT Government, Internal Audit and Assurance Services, 2018.
- Victorian Auditor-General’s Office (VAGO), South Australian Auditor-General’s Department and Queensland Audit Office (QAO), Quality Reviewer of performance audits 2015-2018
- Murray Darling Basin Authority, Senior evaluator for assessment of the Water Resource Plan assessment and accreditation process for the Murray-Darling Basin Authority, 2017.
- Department of Agriculture and Water Resources, Senior Reviewer of a Commonwealth pilot program for Irrigation Efficiency, review conducted in accordance with Australian Assurance Standards examining lessons learnt for full program roll out across the Murray-Darling Basin, 2017.
- Australian National Audit Office, ANAO’s performance audit of the funding and Management of the Nimmie-Caira System Enhanced Environmental Water Delivery Project, tabled in Parliament April 2015.
- Parliament of Western Australia’s Joint Standing Committee on Audit, Assistance and analysis for the Performance review of the Western Australian Auditor General and his Office (2015).
- Clean Energy Regulator, assistance and analysis for reporting of the pilot auditor inspection program (2016).