Description

Are you interested in contributing to the governance of a small but impactful agency in Commonwealth Government ? The Tax Ombudsman is looking for a new member for its Audit and Risk Committee (ARC).  The role of the Tax Ombudsman is to improve the integrity and fairness of the tax and superannuation systems of Australia. Chaired by Bruce Turner AM, the Committee is mature and operating well, while undergoing membership changes due to tenure. 

This role might suit someone looking to extend their board memberships or someone looking to start a non executive portfolio. Most notably, someone with a deep understanding of ICT risk and controls would be highly desirable. 

Requirements

Position overview
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. 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.

Location: Sydney, NSW (meetings are in-person and travel expenses will not be reimbursed)

Legislated functions

 Subsections 17(1) and 17(2) of the Public Governance  Performance and Accountability Act establish mandatory functions for audit committees in the Commonwealth Government which includes ensuring the appropriateness of:

•  financial reporting (compliance with subsection 17(2)(a) of the PGPA Rule, the PGPA Act, and the Australian Accounting  Standards Board Accounting Standards).
•  performance reporting (compliance with subsection 17(2)(b) of the PGPA Rule).
•  systems of risk oversight and management (compliance with section 16(a) of the PGPA Act and subsection 17(2)(c) of the PGPA Rule, as well as the Commonwealth Risk Management Policy).
•  system of internal control (compliance with subsection 17(2)(d) of the PGPA Rule).

Further information on the function, scope, role and responsibilities of the committee can be found in the Audit and Risk Committee Charter (available on request).

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 Government 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.

Remuneration is set at $1,300 (GST inc) per meeting which is in line with agency policies and the NSW Government Prequalification Scheme Guidelines and Conditions. The Agency Head may set remuneration where an individual has a competitive and strong mix of skills and experience.

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.

 Application process
The agency invites suitably qualified individuals to provide an Expression of Interest by submitting:

 1.    a cover letter (maximum 2 pages) addressing the selection criteria.

2.    a current CV; and

3.    the name and contact details of two referees.

If you have any queries, please do not hesitate to contact the agency head, Ruth Owen CBE on 0427 902463 or by email at ruth.owen@taxombudsman.gov.au

You can apply online or send your application to ruth.owen@taxombudsman.gov.au