Head of Compliance

Hybrid work environment- 5-year Fixed Term Contract- Play an important part shaping the future of our iconic Australian institution- Oversee the strategic direction of the compliance function, leading a high-performing team to deliver outcomes aligned with the Bank’s values and objectives

About the team

The Risk and Compliance Department supports the Bank in identifying, assessing, and managing risk and compliance across all areas of operations. The Compliance function ensures the Bank meets its legal and regulatory obligations, maintains high standards of integrity, and fosters a strong culture of accountability.

Reporting directly to the Chief Risk Officer, as Head of Compliance, you will oversee the strategic direction of the compliance function, leading a high-performing team to deliver outcomes aligned with the Bank’s values and objectives. You will play a key role in strengthening and maintaining the Bank’s compliance framework, and contribute to the broader leadership of the department.

About the role
- Key responsibilities include:_

Strategic Leadership and Governance- Develop and execute the Bank’s compliance strategy in alignment with its risk appetite and regulatory obligations.- Provide expert advice to the CRO and Executive Committee on compliance risks, regulatory developments and emerging issues.- Represent the department across the Bank and contribute to enterprise-wide initiatives.- Participate in governance committees and project steering committees, where required.- Fulfill responsibilities as an officer in domains such as privacy, fraud and corruption.

Policy Development and Advisory- Oversee the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of compliance policies, standards, and frameworks.- Review and update existing policies in accordance with the Bank’s compliance framework in collaboration with other areas of the Bank.- Coach policy owners on their individual responsibilities and provide clear and practical advice on compliance matters that enable business objectives.

Compliance Risk Management- Ensure compliance risks are effectively identified, assessed, and mitigated across all departments.- Identify and respond to compliance risks and opportunities, ensuring frameworks remain fit-for-purpose.- Ensure the Bank meets internal, industry, and legal compliance obligations.

Monitoring, Reporting and Controls- Lead the design and execution of compliance monitoring programs and internal control reviews.- Provide strategic advice and oversight of compliance and control monitoring services.- Report on compliance performance, breaches, and remediation plans to the CRO and relevant governance bodies.

Stakeholder Engagement- Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders, including regulators, to maintain trust and transparency.

People Leadership and Culture- Lead and develop individuals and teams to achieve compliance outcomes and foster a culture of integrity and engagement.- Manage operational accountability, including people leadership, budget oversight, and process improvement.

About you

You are a seasoned compliance professional with deep expertise in regulatory frameworks and risk management. You bring strategic insight, sound judgement, and a collaborative leadership style.
- To be successful in this role, you will have:_- Extensive experience in senior compliance roles, ideally within financial services or government (20+ years).- Extensive experience in developing and implementing compliance programs that cover a range of different regulatory domains, including privacy, AML/CTF, fraud/corruption.- Experience in fulfilling officer responsibilities in compliance domains.- Proven leadership capability, including experience coaching and leading teams.- Strong knowledge of relevant legislation, standards, and regulatory expectations.-
- Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills.- A commitment to continuous improvement and public service.

Qualifications- Relevant tertiary qualifications in legal, economics, finance, risk, compliance or a related discipline, or equivalent experience.

Be More

Working for an organisation that truly makes a difference to the people of Australia, we can offer development and career opportunities in a collaborative environment that supports your growth, wellbeing and promotes flexibility. Your individual growth and success drives the RBA forward as an organisation. Be more means you can do more, for yourself and for Australia.

Why RBA?

The RBA makes an important contribution to the Australian economy through the pursuit of national economic policy objectives and associated activities in financial markets and banking. We also issue Australia's banknotes and operate infrastructure critical to the payments system, all of which contribute to the welfare of the Australian people. Made up of specialists across a wide range of fields, our people, values, and culture play a critical role in achieving our objectives. Stri