Chairperson, Audit, Risk and Improvement Committee

Are you passionate about good governance, risk management, and improving organisational performance? Do you have the leadership skills to guide a key committee that ensures transparency and accountability in local government? Do you have a good handle on financial statements, data governance, cyber security and the legislative requirements round such matters?

Murray River Council is seeking a dedicated and experienced professional for the Chairperson for our Audit, Risk, and Improvement Committee (ARIC).

ARIC is a regulatory requirement for all NSW local Government entities. The role will be remunerated in line with Council’s ARIC Framework on a per meeting basis.

About the Role:

As the Chairperson of ARIC, you will play a crucial role in supporting Murray River Council’s commitment to sound governance, effective risk management, and continuous improvement. You will need to be across contemporary issues related to data and cyber security. This is a unique opportunity to contribute to your community by providing strategic leadership to the ARIC, ensuring that Council achieves its goals while maintaining the highest standards of accountability and transparency.
Key Responsibilities:

• Lead and facilitate effective Committee meetings.
• Oversee the Council’s internal audit function and ensure maximum value from its audit activities.
• Guide the development and annual review of the Committee’s Strategic Workplan.
• Provide quarterly updates and an Annual Assessment Statement to Council and the CEO on the Committee’s activities.
• Ensure the Council’s risk management, financial management, and governance frameworks are robust and effective.
• Build and maintain strong working relationships with Council members, senior management, and external auditors.

Essential Criteria:

• Demonstrated leadership qualities with experience in managing complex organisations.
• Strong understanding of governance principles, internal audit operations, and risk management.
• A comprehensive knowledge of financial statements and financial management practices.
• Sound understanding of  contemporary and emerging issues relating to data governance, cyber security and the legislative requirements related to such matters.
• Extensive senior-level experience in governance, financial reporting, and organisational performance management.
• Ability to communicate complex and sensitive assessments tactfully and effectively.
• A professional, ethical approach with a commitment to public service and community welfare.

Desirable Qualifications:

• Knowledge of local government operations.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Relevant professional qualifications (e.g., CPA, CA, Institute of Internal Auditors).

How to Apply:

If you are ready to contribute your skills and experience to this vital role, we would love to hear from you. Please send your expression of interest, along with your CV, to Stephen Fernando - HR@murrayriver.nsw.gov.au by 5pm 22 September 2024.

Applications should consist of the following:

• A cover letter of no more than 2 pages, summarising the credentials and experience related to the responsibilities of the role.
• A resume that details both the executive experience of the candidate as well as any non-executive experience, as a board director or a committee member of board subcommittees (e.g. finance committee, audit committee).
• Prior experience as a Chair or Member of audit committees within Australian local government would be highly regarded.

Join us in making a difference to the community by ensuring the Murray River Council operates with integrity, transparency, and accountability

The Annual Report and the Statutory Financial Statements for 2023-24 is located at https://www.murrayriver.nsw.gov.au/Council/Forms-and-documents/Yearly-Planning-and-Reporting. The

Community Strategic Plan (CSP), Long Term Financial Plan, and the Operational Plan (Budget) for 2024-25 can be found at - https://www.murrayriver.nsw.gov.au/Council/Forms-and-documents/Strategies-and-Plans/Yearly-planning-and-reporting and the Revenue Policy (details the Rates, utility charges and the schedule of fees) for 2024-25 at https://www.murrayriver.nsw.gov.au/Council/Forms-and-documents/Revenue-Policy-including-fees-and-charges.
With the new Council to be sworn in, in October, the current CSP will be revised for the new term of Council.