Expressions of Interest sought

Camden Council is seeking a representative to become Independent Chairperson of its Audit, Risk and Improvement Committee (ARIC).

Note: Applications may also be considered for independent member of the ARIC should a position become available in the next 12 months.

The ARIC, which currently consists of three independent members (including the Chairperson) and one non-voting Councillor member provides independent assurance to Council by monitoring, reviewing, and providing advice about Camden Council’s governance processes, risk management and control frameworks, and external accountability responsibilities.

Expressions of Interest are sought for a Chairperson that meets the independence and eligibility requirements included in the Local Government (General) Regulation 2021 and the Office of Local Government’s Guidelines for Risk Management and Internal Audit for local government in NSW (Guidelines) and has the capacity to attend up to six meetings per year with one being held during the month of October for review of Council’s Financial Statements.

This is a per meeting paid role noting that the ARIC currently meets five to six times per year. Business Papers for each meeting will be distributed electronically one week prior to the meeting. Microsoft Teams is required to gain access to Business Papers.

The term will be for four years with potential to renew for a further period of up to four years, subject to satisfactory performance. The current fee is included in the Information Package referenced below.

ARIC Chairperson may be selected where they meet the following essential criteria:

  • Leadership qualities and the ability to promote effective working relationships in complex organisations;
  • An ability to communicate complex and sensitive assessments in a tactful manner to the Council’s Internal Audit Coordinator, senior management and the Mayor and Councillors;
  • A sound understanding of:
    • the principles of good organisational governance and capacity to understand local government accountability, including financial reporting,
    • the business of the Council or the environment in which it operates,
    • internal audit operations, including selection and review of the Council’s Internal Audit Coordinator,
    • risk management principles.
  • Extensive senior level experience in governance and management of complex organisations;
  • An ability to read and understand financial statements and a capacity to understand the ethical requirements of government (including potential conflicts of interest);
  • Functional knowledge in one or more of the following areas:
    • 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),
    • business operations.
  • The capacity to form independent judgements and a 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 as the Chairperson of an Audit, Risk and Improvement Committee; and
  • Previous experience serving as Chairperson and/or independent member on similar committees.

The following desirable section criteria will also be considered:

  • Possession of relevant professional qualifications or memberships (eg Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA); CPA Australia (CPA); Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand (CA) and Australian Institute of Company Directors (AICD)); and/or
  • Understanding of and/or experience in the local government sector and in particular the Camden local government area.

NOTE: The Chairperson cannot be an employee of a council or a joint organisation and must satisfy the independence criteria outlined in section 216F of the Local Government Regulation 2021. Applicants may also be considered for an independent member position should one become available in the next 12 months.

Interested?

Please familiarise yourself with the selection criteria and the Audit, Risk and Improvement Committee operations before submitting an Expression of Interest.

The closing date for nominations is Friday 8 November 2024, 5pm.

An online EOI form to be used is provided below, which includes the option to upload a CV.

For more information about the Audit, Risk and Improvement Committee visit www.camden.nsw.gov.au and review the Information Package or contact Michelle Brockwell, Internal Audit Coordinator, on 13 22 63.

Submit an Expression of Interest