Expression of Interest Audit, Risk & Improvement Committee (ARIC)

• $1500 per meeting (excluding Super and GST)
• Part time

Background

Woollahra Council is committed to open and transparent governance that satisfies the community expectations and best practice standards. 

As part of the overall governance framework Council’s Audit, Risk & Improvement Committee (ARIC) plays an important role in strengthening risk management and corporate governance practices within Council.  This is in line with the current Office of Local Government (OLG) guidelines on Audit, Risk & Improvement Committees.

Through this Expression of Interest (EOI) process, Council is seeking to appoint a person with appropriate skills for the role of an independent member of the Audit, Risk and Improvement Committee. 

Audit, Risk and Improvement Committee (ARIC)

The objective of Council’s ARIC is to enhance the Council’s existing governance framework, risk management practices, control, strategy and performance environment by providing independent assurance, oversight and assistance to the Council on key aspects of its operations.

ARIC’s role is to review aspects of Council’s operation and provide advice and guidance to Council for the purpose of improving the performance of its functions.

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.

The membership of the Audit, Risk and Improvement Committee is currently comprised of one (1) elected Councillors and two (2) independent members. However, in line with Draft OLG Risk Management & Internal Audit Guidelines, the independent membership will increase to three (3) in the future.

ARIC members will be appointed by a resolution of Council following an EOI and/or Interview process. 

Council will generally seek to ensure a rotational expiry of terms for Committee members.

Eligibility and Selection Criteria

The following are the criteria that will be the basis for the selection of successful applicants:

1. Significant recent and relevant professional management/audit experience with a comprehensive understanding of accounting and auditing standards in a public sector environment;
2. Understanding contemporary governance, risk management and compliance challenges facing Local Government;
3. Applicant must be an Australian Citizen or a Permanent Resident;
4. Relevant professional qualifications;
5. Current / prior experience on similar committees in local government, broader public and private sector;
6. Independence from Council and its staff;
7. Contact details for at least two referees (Note: Applicants must not list Woollahra Council officers, Councillors or other ARIC members as referees).

Appointment of Committee Members

Council will appoint ARIC members following an Expression of Interest and interview process. Terms of appointment will be in accordance with the Committee Charter.

Role and Responsibilities

The key role of the ARIC is to provide independent assurance, an oversight function and assistance to the General Manager and governing body of Council in the following areas:

• Compliance
• Risk Management
• Fraud control
• Governance
• Financial management
• Service reviews
• Policy development and review
• Collection of Performance Measurement data by council
• Any other matters prescribed by legislation
• Provide information to Council for the purpose of improving council’s performance of its functions
• Administrative and attendance duties associated with running the Committee

Duties of Members

The duties of the members will be in accordance with the Charter of the Audit, Risk and Improvement Committee, and include:

• Attend and actively participate in meetings of the Audit, Risk and Improvement Committee. This will include working collaboratively with other members in achieving the aims of the Committee;
• Understand the relevant legislative and regulatory requirements appropriate to local government;
• Contribute the time needed to review and understand the papers provided and suggest ideas relevant to items on the meeting agenda;
• Provide well considered advice and recommendations to Council, based on objective analysis of facts that are relevant to the agenda items being considered;
• Action and follow up tasks established by the Committee.

Committee Meetings

It is proposed that the Committee will meet on a quarterly basis with one of these meetings to include review and endorsement of the annual audited financial reports and external audit opinion. In total, there are 4 meetings in a year and an informal meeting to review the Financial Statements.

A typical meeting will run for up to 3 hours and preparation will involve review and critical analysis of papers.

The Chairperson may convene meetings as required and in accordance with the Audit, Risk and Improvement Committee Charter.

Currently, Council’s ARIC meetings are held face to face at Council’s office at 536 New South Head Road Double Bay. In the past, meetings have been held in a virtual environment because of Public Health Orders and will be available again should circumstances require it.

Obligations/Constraints

Committee members are required to comply with the following requirements:

• Council’s Code of Conduct;
• ARIC Charter;
• Maintaining confidentiality in relation to all discussions and information obtained during or as a result of meetings;
• Ensuring all conflicts of interest are declared and recorded in Meeting Minutes and, if necessary, appropriate action taken if a conflict is declared.

Remuneration

Council nominated remuneration for independent member of the Audit, Risk and Improvement Committee is $1,500 per meeting (excluding GST) and for the Chair it is $2,000 (excluding GST) per meeting. This rate is inclusive of time spent on preparation for the meeting and travel.

Induction and training

At the beginning of the Audit, Risk and Improvement Committee term, all Committee members will participate in an induction and training session face-to-face, or via video conference or e-learning. Where any further external training is deemed necessary, these costs will be paid by Council.

Pre-Screening Checks

As part of this recruitment process you may be required to participate in pre-engagement screening which may include but not be limited to the following: National Criminal Background Check, Reference Checking & COVID-19 Vaccination immunisation requirement.

Independent Member Information Package

Please read the information pack and Charter to familiarise yourself with all the requirements and conditions of the role.

EOI Submission

Council invites interested members from the community to submit an Expression of Interest to Council by 9am, Monday 23 May 2022. Interested parties should attach a separate document addressing the selection criteria as stated above and complete the online EOI application form as advertised.

Download the EOI form here

Please note you can only upload two documents to your application, so please combine your documents if required. 

All enquiries or requests for information should be directed to Mr Tremayne Lilly, Coordinator Risk & Improvement on telephone (02) 9391 7960; or e-mail: Tremayne.Lilly@woollahra.nsw.gov.au