James Cottrill

James joined Stantons in 2003 and is the Principal responsible for internal audit, IT audit, and risk consulting at Stantons, bringing over 40 years of professional experience gained through senior roles in accounting, audit, and information technology, including an extensive career with a "Big 4" firm. He is an accomplished internal auditor with extensive expertise across operational, compliance, performance, and financial audits, as well as IT reviews, policy development, and probity audit services for high-value, technically complex tenders.

James has advised Ministers, Director Generals, and internal audit committees, and has been providing internal audit services to the WA State Government and local government since 2003. He is highly familiar with the Financial Management Act, Treasurer's Instructions, the Local Government Act, and associated regulations. He also provides internal audit services to several private entities.

Of note James has led and managed all internal audits for Stantons including formulating strategic internal audit plans, annual internal audit programs and either overseeing or executing audits. He also leads financial viability assessments and acquittal assignments for grants. In addition, he is an accomplished IT auditor and is responsible for the conduct of vulnerability (penetration testing) assignments as well as IT and cybersecurity audits against recognised standards such as ISO AS/NZS 27001 as well as the Essential Eight.

Over his time at Stantons he has audited every state government agency including most government trading enterprises across all finance related operational areas as well as the majority of metropolitan based local government entities and numerous regional entities.