Eoi - Independent Member - Council’s Audit, Risk And Improvement Committee

Cowra Council is seeking expressions of interest from suitably qualified and experienced individuals for appointment as an Independent Member of Council’s Audit, Risk and Improvement Committee (ARIC) for a period of 4 years commencing 01 July 2024.

Council provides a diverse range of services (including water function) and facilities for the residents within the local government area, as well as for visitors. Council is committed to providing effective, responsible and authentic leadership through effective governance and internal operations needed to provide community services.

ARICs are mandatory for councils under section 428A of the Local Government Act 1993. Under section 428A of the Act, council Committees must keep under review the following aspects of council's operations:
a) compliance,
b) risk management,
c) fraud control,
d) financial management,
e) governance,
f) implementation of the strategic plan, delivery program and strategies,
g) service reviews,
h) collection of performance measurement data by the council,
i) any other matters prescribed by the regulations.
 

The ARIC provides information to Council for the purpose of improving Council’s performance of its functions and provides an advisory role only. It performs its role by monitoring, reviewing, endorsing and advising Council on matters set out in its Terms of Reference.

The Chair and Members of the ARIC are expected to understand and observe the requirements of the Local Government (General) Amendment (Audit Risk and Improvement Committee) Regulation 2023 and the Guidelines for Risk Management and Internal Audit for Local Government in NSW.

Essential Criteria

• Meet the independence criteria as per the Regulation.
• An ability to read and understand financial statements and a capacity to understand the broad requirements and responsibilities of Local Government.
• 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, cyber security and IT Governance, Corporate Governance (including planning, reporting and oversight), or business operations
• A capacity to form independent judgements and willingness to
  constructively question practices.
• Can function as an Independent Member of the committee who is willing to
  challenge the status-quo and the prevailing consensus to ensure diverse
  perspectives are considered.
• 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

Desirable Criteria

• Extensive senior level experience in governance and management
  of complex organisations;
• Possession of a relevant professional qualification or membership (e.g. Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA); CPA Australia (CPA) and Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand (CA)); and 
• Understanding the Cowra local government area.
   

Meetings
Committee meetings are held in February, May, August and November, including a meeting for the discussion of Financial Statements with the external auditor. In addition, the ARIC may be required to attend special meetings on significant Council issues as required.

The ARIC meetings are held in-person unless exceptional circumstances arise and remote attendance is permitted by the Chair.

Remuneration
Council currently pays $1,500 ex gst for Independent Members plus the Superannuation Guarantee Levy per meeting. Reasonable travel expenses will be reimbursed with prior approval of the General Manager.

How to apply
Interested applicants must provide:

1. A cover letter to support the expression of interest, including addressing the selection criteria.
2. A completed Expression of Interest Form (link below)
3. A current resume detailing their qualifications and experiences.
4. Advice on their independence from the Council and its staff.

Applicants will be subject to reference checks together with a criminal record and a financial status (bankruptcy) check prior to any appointment being made. The successful applicant will be required to abide with Council’s Code of Conduct commencing from the date of appointment.

To view the application form and information package follow the link - 

 https://www.cowracouncil.com.au/Business/Tenders-Quotes 

Expressions of interest must be received by email at *******@cowra.nsw.gov.au by no later than 9am AEST on 30 May 2024.