About Us
Kempsey Shire Council is located on the Mid North Coast of New South Wales and is known for its genuine hospitality, pristine beaches, sub-tropical rainforests, mountain ranges, rock river gorges, sprawling farmland and peaceful villages.
The Audit, Risk & Improvement Committee provides independent assurance and assistance to Council on risk management, control, governance, and external accountability responsibilities.
The Opportunity
Council is seeking to appoint one (1) suitably qualified and experienced person as an independent external member of the Audit, Risk & Improvement Committee. The vacancy follows the appointment of a current independent member as the Committee's new independent Chair.
The Committee meets at least four times each year, predominantly by video conference, with one meeting held in person. Remuneration is $1,100 per meeting (excluding GST), plus superannuation contributions of 12%. Travel and accommodation costs are met for the annual in-person meeting.
Applicants must be independent of Council. The eligibility and independence requirements are set out in full in the information pack.
Applications will be assessed against the following criteria:
- Demonstrated independence and eligibility to serve as an independent voting member
- Personal qualities of integrity, inquisitiveness and independent judgment, including the ability to give direct and honest opinions and offer constructive suggestions
- Financial literacy, including the ability to read and understand financial statements and interpret and evaluate the answers to questions about them
- Functional knowledge and practical experience in one or more of the Committee's areas of responsibility, such as risk management, internal and external audit, governance, financial management and reporting, internal control frameworks, fraud and corruption prevention, IT and cyber security, or service delivery and business improvement
- Knowledge and understanding of the local government or broader public sector operating environment
- Capacity and commitment to dedicate sufficient time to the role
Experience in financial management, accounting or audit in a public sector environment, or prior service on an audit, risk and improvement committee, would be well regarded.
Appointment will be for a term of up to four (4) years, after which members may be eligible for extension or re-appointment for a further term following a formal review of performance, to a maximum combined tenure of eight (8) years.
Please note there is a requirement to undertake a National Police Check and Bankruptcy Check before appointment.
For further information regarding the Audit, Risk & Improvement Committee, or the role of independent external members, please contact Matthew Bentley on 02 6566 3200.
How to Apply
An information pack outlining the requirements of the role can be downloaded below.
You will be requested to upload a written response addressing each of the selection criteria (no more than four pages), and a current CV including the details of two professional referees.
We recommend you use Microsoft Edge or Google Chrome to submit your application.
Applications close: Friday 25 September 2026 at 4pm
You will receive an e-mail to confirm your application has been received.
If you experience any difficulties applying online, please contact the Recruitment team on 02 6566 3200 or email [email protected]
Information Pack
