Audit and Risk Committee member

Are you interested in contributing to the governance and risk management of a small but impactful Commonwealth Government agency ? We are seeking a new member of our Audit and Risk Committee, with a particular focus on ICT risk management and controls. The Committee meets three times a year and might suit someone ready to branch out into non executive roles or someone adding to their portfolio career.

Company Description

The Tax Ombudsman works to promote fairness and integrity within Australia's tax and superannuation systems. The institution investigates and resolves complaints from taxpayers and tax practitioners related to the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) or Tax Practitioners Board (TPB). Additionally, it reviews systemic issues and provides recommendations to enhance tax administration. The Tax Ombudsman also delivers independent advice to the Government and Parliament on the administration of the tax system.

Role summary

The Tax Ombudsman Audit and Risk Committee (ARC) supports the Inspector-General of Taxation and Taxation Ombudsman (the Agency Head) by providing independent advice and assurance on financial and performance reporting, risk oversight and management, and internal controls. Members play a critical role in strengthening governance, integrity, and accountability across the agency.

The ARC is comprised of three external members appointed by the Agency Head and chaired by Bruce Turner AM. The members of the ARC, taken collectively, will have a broad range of knowledge, skills and experience relevant to the operations of the agency, including its information technology environment. All members should be conversant with financial management reporting.

Essential skills and attributes

·  Strong and credible senior executive leadership experience;

·  Expertise in best practice risk management and mitigation, governance, assurance, audit and compliance activities;

·  Experience in cyber / information security and information technology to identify potential risks, threats and opportunities to strengthen and protect agency systems and information, in particular:

• knowledge of Commonwealth cyber 'essentials' compliance requirements - to provide assurance the agency is meeting its compliance and statutory requirements;
• ability to provide outcome focused, risk and control advice on the agency's use and management of technology;

·  Proven track record in working collegiately and professionally with other ARC members and the executive by offering support, advice and challenge - in particular to the agency head and ARC Chair;

·  Capacity to interrogate complex information, form independent judgements and willingness to constructively challenge/question practices and information;

·  Ability to understand and critically analyse financial statements;

·  Capacity to understand and promote the ethical requirements of government (including potential conflicts of interest).

· Australian citizenship

All candidates should confirm that their tax obligations are up-to-date, there are no material disputes with the ATO, and there is no outstanding legal action with the ATO or other Commonwealth entities.

Desirable

· Deep knowledge or experience in one or other areas such as performance management, human resources management, internal auditing, external auditing, management control frameworks or business operations;

· Knowledge and understanding of the operational context, constraints, opportunities, and resource limitations of a small agency, so as to provide advice and guidance that is proportionate and fit-for-purpose within that environment;

· Relevant tertiary qualifications and current professional certifications in one or more of accounting, finance, law, taxation, technology or a related field.

One or more of the following attributes will be highly regarded - private sector executive leadership; previous board-level experience; AICD membership; capability to assume the role of ARC Chair if the opportunity arises.

Independence and other requirements

Members of the Committee must not be officials of the agency or any Commonwealth entity. Members of the Committee are expected to understand and observe the requirements of the PGPA Act and are also expected to have a proven track record to:

a act with the best interests of the agency and APS as a whole;

b.      review meeting papers and apply strong analytical skills, objectivity and judgement;

c express opinions constructively and raise issues that relate to the committee responsibilities and pursue independent lines of enquiry;

d.      attend and actively participate in all scheduled meetings;

e respond promptly and constructively to draft minutes and other secretariat communications; and

f undertake any follow-up actions requested by the Committee

ARC members must not use or disclose information obtained in their role on the ARC except in meeting the ARC's role and functions. Members may be required to obtain and maintain a valid baseline Australian Government Security Clearance and undergo a criminal history check.

Term and remuneration

Initial appointment is for 3 years, with potential for renewal for a further 3 years after undertaking a performance assessment.
The Committee meets at least three times formally per year face to face (May, September and November) with additional meetings, as required, with consultation with the Committee

Remuneration is set at $1,300 (GST inc) per meeting.

Further information

For further information, please contact the agency head: Ruth Owen on or