EL2 Director, Enforcement

Join to apply for the EL2 Director, Enforcement role at AUSTRAC.

AUSTRAC is Australia's AML/CTF regulator and financial intelligence unit, responsible for detecting, deterring and disrupting criminal exploitation of the Australian financial system to protect the community from serious and organised crime.

AUSTRAC's unique value is its dual, interconnected regulation and intelligence functions, and its collaboration with industry and government partners to build a financial system free from criminal abuse. Regulation hardens the financial sector against criminal exploitation, while intelligence provides crucial information to national security and law enforcement partners.

AUSTRAC's Enforcement Team investigates serious non-compliance with the Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing Act 2006 and takes enforcement action to restrict criminal abuse of Australia's financial system. The team's role can include commencing civil penalty proceedings in the Federal Court, issuing infringement notices and undertaking other administrative actions to support AUSTRAC's regulatory priorities.

AUSTRAC's Enforcement team is looking for a Director with demonstrated knowledge and experience in one or more of the following areas:

• Regulatory Compliance
• Investigations
• Enforcement and civil litigation

While we are looking for these capabilities, we consider transferrable skills and encourage applicants who embody AUSTRAC's culture and values to apply.

• Tertiary qualifications in law, finance, justice or similar fields, as well as familiarity with government investigations; highly desirable but not essential.
• Investigation and evidence gathering — leads the collection and analysis of information relevant to investigations into potential non-compliance and the implementation of risk-based solutions.
• Apply legislation and exercise statutory powers — understands and applies the correct legislation relevant to the situation to resolve complex statutory interpretation issues.

The Director, Enforcement, under broad direction of the General Counsel/National Manager Legal and Enforcement, is responsible for:

• Leading the development and implementation of key strategies, policies and procedures, and providing advice to senior management to enable the effective regulation and enforcement of the Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing Act 2006.
• Providing high level leadership to the Enforcement teams to deliver agreed outcomes by building and maintaining a high performing team with the appropriate capabilities and skill sets.
• Leading internal and external experts outside of your team in complex investigations and litigation.
• Exercising complex professional judgement in Enforcement matters.
• Contributing to the achievement of AUSTRAC's strategic goals.
• Representing AUSTRAC in external forums and liaising with external and internal stakeholders in building and maintaining networks.
• Exercising approved delegations in accordance with legal and other requirements.
• Modelling the professional work standards and behaviours in line with the APS Values, Employment Principles and Code of Conduct.

To be eligible for this role you:

• Must be an Australian citizen at the time you apply.
• Will need to undertake AUSTRAC's pre-engagement checks.
• Will need to obtain and maintain an ongoing Baseline Security Clearance.

This vacancy is also being advertised under Affirmative Measures. To apply under Affirmative Measures you must be an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person. For more information, please visit the APSC Guide for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander applicants.

To be eligible to apply under Affirmative Measures provisions:

• Must be of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander descent and/or identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander.
• Provide evidence that you are an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person.

Please indicate in your application if you are applying under Affirmative Measures by ticking the relevant box in the application form.

Flexible, hybrid work environment: We are committed to providing flexibility in working arrangements to recognise the importance of balancing work commitments with family, caring and other personal commitments of employees outside of work. AUSTRAC currently operates under a hybrid work arrangement.

Diversity and Inclusion: Our core values of diversity, inclusion, and integrity drive everything we do. We actively encourage applications from Indigenous Australians, people with disabilities, LGBTQIA+ individuals, people with diverse linguistic and cultural backgrounds, and those of mature age. We recognise that united behaviours and mindsets will support our agency today and guide us into the future.

Employer of Choice: We have a strong reputation as an Employer of Choice, renowned for our exceptional work culture and outstanding employee census results which highlight our dedication to creating a positive and engaging environment.

Applications close at 11:30 pm on 5 September 2025

For enquiries, please contact: Tim Lear at