Independent Members of Audit, Risk and Improvement Committee

About Strathfield Council

Strathfield Council is centrally located in Sydney’s inner-west with accessible public transport options and parking available.

As a small metropolitan council, we are committed to ensuring our 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 will have 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.

About the Role

Council is seeking expressions of interest from suitably qualified and experienced individuals for the appointment of two (2) Independent Committee Members to its Audit, Risk, and Improvement Committee (ARIC) for a term of up to four (4) years. Noting that from 1 July 2025, Council will be seeking a new Chairperson and so it is desirable that one of the successful candidates meet the extra criteria of the Chairperson as outlined in the Guidelines for ARIC as listed below.

To view the ARIC Model Terms of Reference Guidelines from the Office of Local Government, please click here.

The appointment of external members to the ARIC will be undertaken in accordance with the Office of Local Government’s Risk Management and Internal Audit for Local Government in NSW Guidelines (Guidelines).

Under the Guidelines, the ARIC continually reviews and provides independent advice to the General Manager and Council on how it is functioning and managing risk.

Essential

The successful candidates must possess the skills, knowledge and experience outlined in the Guidelines, in particular:

• Independence Criteria for Committee Chairs and Independent Members (page 20)
• Eligibility Criteria for Committee Chairs (page 21) and
• Eligibility Criteria for Independent Committee Members (page 22).

Conditions

• Member fee = $600 per meeting (excluding GST) per meeting 
• Attend at least 4 quarterly meetings over the financial year
• Council’s ARIC meetings are held in a hybrid environment which includes in person meetings held at 65 Homebush Road, Strathfield and online via MS Teams
• Effective from 1 July 2024 up to 30 June 2028
• You must participate in pre-engagement screening which may include but not limited to National Criminal Background, financial status, and reference checking. 

The AIRC committee looks after the following:

• Risk management
• Control Framework
• External Accountability
• Legislative Compliance
• Internal and External Audit. 

Remuneration

Independent Members of the ARIC will be paid a fee of $600 (excluding GST) per meeting for preparing for and attending meetings of the ARIC. The fee includes all other costs associated with attending the meetings such as travel, meeting preparation etc.

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.

Collectively, the Members of the Committee will have a strong background in accountancy or financial management, and/or audit, with an understanding of accounting and auditing standards in a public sector environment. They will also collectively have senior/executive level legal, governance, risk management and information technology.

To be eligible to be an independent member of Council’s Audit, Risk, and Improvement Committee, you must meet the requirements set out in model Audit, Risk, and Improvement Committee Terms of Reference from the Office of Local Government. These include:

1. An understanding of the duties and responsibilities of the ARIC and the position as outlined in the model Audit, Risk, and Improvement Committee Terms of Reference.
2. Relevant professional qualifications and/or demonstrated professional level experience in one or more of the following areas: business, administration, risk management, assurance, financial management or law.
3. The ability to communicate effectively and work in partnership with other people (including, but not limited to, officers of Council).
4. Possess strong communication skills.
5. The ability to provide flexibility and availability of time to attend meetings and undertake duties and responsibilities as a member of the ARIC.
6. Possess high levels of personal integrity and ethics.
7. Relevant experience on similar committees in the local government, broader public or private sectors; and
8. Satisfactory levels of financial literacy.

How to Apply

To apply for this position, please submit your expression of interest through our online applications process. 

1. Please fill out the questions below, review and answer our designated questions

2. On the next page, attach the following:

• A one-page cover letter, addressing the selection criteria and explaining your interest in joining the committee.
• Your resume, which includes two professional referees and their contact details.

In line with Council's Vaccination Policy, all applicants must be vaccinated against COVID-19.

If you have any questions about the role, please contact Amanda Rutherford via email, amanda.rutherford@strathfield.nsw.gov.au 

Applications Close at 10pm, Sunday 7 April 2024

Strathfield Council is an EEO employer. We are an inclusive employer and encourage applications from people from diverse groups, including, but not limited to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people from culturally diverse backgrounds, young people, older workers, people with disabilities, LGBTQIA+ and other minority groups.