Shoalhaven City Council

Expression of Interest – Committee Member – Audit Risk & Improvement Committee

• Opportunity for community representatives to assist the local Council
• Four year term commencing in January 2027
• Council currently pays $1,621 per meeting
• Travel expenses reimbursed
• Candidates will need to have the relevant skills and experience.
• Applications close Thursday, 12 November 2026 (at midnight)

The Opportunity
Shoalhaven City Council (Council) is seeking expressions of interest from suitably qualified and experienced individuals for appointment as an Independent Member of Council’s Audit, Risk and Improvement Committee (ARIC) for a period of 4 years commencing 01 January 2027.

The appointment of the independent ARIC member will be undertaken in accordance with the Local Government (General) Amendment (Audit, Risk and Improvement Committees), Regulation 2023.

The ARIC provides independent advice (advisory role) to Council by monitoring, reviewing, and advising Council about Council’s governance processes, compliance, risk management and control frameworks, external accountability obligations and overall performance.

Skills and Experience
Independent members of the Audit, Risk and Improvement Committee must demonstrate the following:

Essential Criteria

• Meet the independence criteria as per the Regulation.
• An ability to read and understand financial statements and a capacity to understand the broad requirements and responsibilities of Local Government.
• Functional knowledge in areas such as risk management, performance management, human resources management, internal and external auditing, financial reporting, accounting, management control frameworks, internal financial controls, cyber security and IT Governance, Corporate Governance (including planning, reporting and oversight), or business operations
• A capacity to form independent judgements and willingness to constructively question practices.
• Can function as an independent member of the committee who is willing to challenge the status-quo and the prevailing consensus to ensure diverse perspectives are considered.
• Professional, ethical approach to the exercise of their duties and the capacity to devote the necessary time and effort to the responsibilities of an independent member of an audit, risk and improvement committee

Desirable Criteria

• Extensive senior level experience in governance and management of complex organisations;
• Possession of a relevant professional qualification or membership (eg Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA); CPA Australia (CPA) and Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand (CA)); and
• Understanding the Shoalhaven local government area.

Applicants will be subject to reference checks together with National Criminal History and financial status (bankruptcy) checks prior to any appointment being made. These checks will be at the expense of Council.

How to Apply
Interested applicants are to submit an online application and provide the following:

1. A cover letter to support the expression of interest addressing the selection criteria.
2. A resume detailing your qualifications and experiences.
3. Advice on your independence from the Council and its staff (refer to the independence criteria in the Information Package under Supporting Documents Attachment).

The successful applicant will be required to sign a confidentiality agreement and abide by the Council’s Code of Conduct commencing from the date of appointment.

Applications close:  Thursday  12 November 2026 (at midnight)

Enquiries and requests for the ARIC charter and Council’s Code of Conduct can be made by contacting Council’s Chief Internal Auditor – Niraj Sharma on 02 4429 3344 or by email: [email protected]     

Shoalhaven City Council is committed to creating a workplace that reflects our diverse community. We welcome applicants of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, veterans, people with a disability, culturally diverse individuals, and LGBTQIA+ community members. We ensure equitable recruitment practices and encourage applicants living with a disability to request reasonable adjustments. As a Child Safe Organisation, we uphold the rights and safety of all children and young people.