Audit, Risk and Improvement Committee Independent Member EOI

Background
Council is committed to ensuring its community is engaged and informed in its future, and can have trust and confidence in the management of Council.
The objective of Council’s Audit, Risk and Improvement Committee (ARIC) is to enhance the Council’s existing governance framework, risk management practices, control, strategy and performance environment by providing independent assurance and assistance to the Council on key aspects of its operations.
The approach the Committee adopts in its interaction with senior management has a direct bearing on the effectiveness of the Committee. It is the responsibility of the Committee to promote a positive culture of continuous improvement to ensure its effectiveness.
Council’s Audit, Risk and Improvement Committee was formed in May 2017. Membership currently comprises of two elected Councillors and three independent external members, one of whom is the chairperson.
Following the expiration of terms, one Independent Member vacancy has arisen on Council’s ARIC.
Expression of interest
Council invites suitably qualified individuals to provide an Expression of Interest by submitting the below online application including a cover letter addressing the selection criteria and your CV by 10pm Monday 29 January 2023. Your CV or cover letter must include the name and contact details for two referees in support of your Expression of Interest.
Selection Criteria
The Independent Members of the Committee, taken collectively, will have a broad range of personal attributes, and professional skills and experience relevant to the operations of Council.
The following criteria will be used when assessing applications:

• Relevant professional qualifications in financial management, and/or audit, along with an understanding of accounting and auditing standards in a public sector environment;
• Functional knowledge in areas such as risk management, performance management, human resources management, internal and external auditing, financial reporting, accounting, management control frameworks, internal financial controls, governance (including planning, reporting and oversight,) or business operations;
• a capacity to form independent judgements and willingness to constructively challenge/question management practices and information;
• a professional, ethical approach to the exercise of their duties and the capacity to devote the necessary time and effort to the responsibilities of an Independent Member of an audit, Risk and Improvement Committee, and;
• preparedness to undertake any training on the operation of audit, Risk and Improvement Committees recommended by the chair based on their assessment of the skills, knowledge and experience of the Independent Member.
• Understanding of and / or experience in the public sector;
• Understanding of the role of corporate governance in organisations; and
• Relevant experience on similar committees in the local government, broader public or private sectors.

Appointment of Committee members
Council will appoint ARIC members following an Expression of Interest and interview process. Terms of appointment will be in accordance with the Committee Charter.
Role and Responsibilities
The role and responsibilities of the Committee are outlined in the ARIC Charter and, as per section 428A of the Act, involve review of the following aspects of Council’s operations:

• Compliance
• Risk Management
• Fraud Control
• Financial Management
• Governance
• Implementation of Strategic Plans, and the Delivery Program and Operational Plans
• Service Reviews
• Performance Measurement
• Any other matters prescribed by regulations.

These responsibilities are further defined in the ARIC Charter .
Members of the Committee are expected to:

• Attend and actively participate in all ARIC meetings. This will include working collaboratively with other members in achieving the objectives of the Committee.
• Understand the relevant legislative and regulatory requirements appropriate to Council
• Contribute the time needed to review and understand Committee business papers and provide input into creation of Committee meeting agendas.
• Provide well-considered advice and recommendations to Council based on objective analysis of facts that are relevant to the agenda items being considered.
• Communicate with influence and understand complex matters.
• Comply with the Committee Charter.

Committee meetings
The Committee will meet at least four times per year (quarterly), with the standard duration for a meeting being three to four hours. Meetings are held at the Council Administration Building, 4 -10 Eton Street, Sutherland. An additional meeting is held to review and endorse the annual audited financial reports and if necessary other time critical reports. Meeting preparation will involve review and critical analysis of the Committee business paper pack and discussion with other Committee members and relevant Council staff. Where the need arises, entire meetings may be held remotely, and individual members may also attend meeting remotely.
Obligations/Constraints
Committee members are required to comply with the following requirements:

• Council’s Code of Conduct for Council Committee Members, Delegates of Council and Council Advisors - located on the Council website
• Maintaining confidentiality in relation to all discussions and information obtained during or as a result of meetings
• Ensuring all conflicts of interest are declared and recorded in Meeting Minutes and, if necessary, appropriate action taken if a conflict is declared.

Remuneration
Remuneration for each Independent Member of the ARIC is $1,705.44 (excluding GST) per meeting and $2,131.80 (excluding GST) for the Chairperson. This rate is inclusive of time spent on preparation for the meeting, travel time and travel expenses.
Superannuation is paid in addition to the above set fee in accordance with the requirements of the Superannuation Guarantee (Administration) Act 1992; currently 11%.
Induction and training
Members are expected to participate in an induction and training session prior to their first ARIC meeting.
Pre-Screening Checks
As part of this recruitment process you may be required to participate in pre engagement screening which may include but not be limited to the following; National Criminal Background Check, Reference Checking & Covid-19 Vaccination immunisation requirement.
Keen to learn more about any specifics of the role
All enquiries or requests for information should be directed to Clare Phelan – Director Corporate Support via or 9710 0333.
Apply Now
Privacy Acknowledgment
Sutherland Shire Council (Council) adheres to The Privacy and Personal Information Protection Act 1998 NSW when collecting, using and storing your personal information, and is committed to ensuring the privacy of your personal information. Council is collecting your personal information as part of the recruitment and selection process and advises your application will be hosted by an external service provider under contract by Council. By proceeding with your application, you acknowledge your personal information will be hosted by Councils’ external service provider until such time as you notify otherwise. * Yes I agree to the privacy statement*
Personal Details * Required field * Title*

• First name*
• Last name*
• E-mail*
• Mobile*
• Street*
• Street Cont.
• City, Town or Suburb*
• Postcode or Zipcode*
• Country*
• State, Region or Province*
• Gender

Questions * Employer or Business Name *

• Employer or Business Address *
• Current Occupation*

As part of this recruitment process you may be required to participate in pre employment screening which may include but not limited to the following; National Criminal Background Check, Reference Checking & Covid-19 Vaccination immunisation requirements. Do you understand and acknowledge this requirement? * * Yes

• No

Are you fully vaccinated (minimum 2 doses) with an approved COVID-19 vaccine and can provide Council with evidence of vaccination, or do you have an appropriately certified medical contraindication? * * Yes

• No

Are you prequalified under the NSW Government's prequalification scheme? * * Yes

• No

To ensure that as an Independent Member of the Audit Risk & Improvement Committee is free of any relationships that could be perceived to result in, you CANNOT: • currently be a councillor of any NSW council • be a non-voting representative of the board of a joint organisation • be a candidate at the last election of the Council • be a person who has held office in the Council during its previous term • be currently employed by the Council, or been employed during the last 12 months • conduct audits of the Council on behalf of the Audit Office of NSW • have a close personal or business relationship with a Councillor or a person who has a senior role in the Council that may lead to a real or perceived conflict of interest • currently, or within the last three years, provided any material goods or services (including consultancy, legal, internal audit and advisory services) to the Council which directly relate to the subjects and/or issues that may be considered by the ARIC • be (or have a close family member who is) a substantial shareholder, owner, officer or employee of a company that has a material business, contractual relationship, direct financial interest or material indirect financial interest with the Council or a related entity which could be considered a real or perceived conflict of interest, or • currently or have previously acted as an advocate of a material interest on behalf of the Council or a related entity which could be considered a real or perceived conflict of interest Do any of the above relate to you? * * Yes

• No
• If you answered Yes, please provide any further information that you feel may be relevant to demonstrate your ability to act with independence (including perceived independence) as a member of the Audit Risk & Improvement Committee notwithstanding the above.

Declaration As a potential Independent Member of Sutherland Shire Council's Audit Risk & Improvement Committee, I declare that: 1. The information provided in this expression of interest (including any attachments) is true and correct. 2. I have read and understood Sutherland Shire Council's Code of Conduct. 3. I have no known actual or perceived conflicts of interest that would prevent me from fulfilling my duties as a member of the Committee. * * I agree

• I do not agree
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