The South West Development Commission (SWDC) is seeking Expressions of Interest for an Independent Chair to head its Audit and Risk Committee (ARC).
Overview
The ARC is a sub-committee of the SWDC Board and was formed in accordance with WA State Government Treasurers Instructions. It is comprised of at least three members, with an appropriate mix of skills, experience and knowledge to competently perform their duties. In this regard, at least one member of the Committee has financial and risk management experience, given the Committee’s role includes overseeing the financial and performance reporting of the agency. All members of the ARC are formally appointed by the Board with an initial term of not more than three (3) years.
The ARC conducts a minimum of (3) meetings per year (usually 1 hour in length), with the potential for extra meetings at the discretion of the Chair.
Requirements of the Position
The Chair of the ARC plays a key role in the independence and overall effectiveness of the internal audit function. The role of the Chair includes
• overseeing the planning and conduct of meetings, including the approval of the agenda and draft minutes, and reporting to the accountable authority;
• ensuring meetings run smoothly so the views of all members are heard, adequate time is allowed for discussion of each issue and the agenda and meeting papers properly reflect proceedings;
• promoting effective communications between the Committee and the accountable authority, Chief Finance Officer, the head of internal audit, other senior management and the external auditor; setting clear expectations for members; and understanding and holding to account, both management and the head of internal audit.
Criteria
In accordance with WA State Government Treasurers Instructions, the Chair should satisfy the following criteria:
(i) Current membership of CPA Australia as a CPA; or
(ii) Current membership of Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand as a Chartered Accountant; or
(iii) Current membership of the Institute of Public Accountants as a Member of the Institute of Public Accountants; or
(iv) Current membership of the IIA as a Professional Member; or
(v) Relevant experience, skills and knowledge to perform the roles, as determined by the accountable authority appropriate for the size, complexity and type of agency.
The Chair of the Committee is permitted to be either an independent Board member, a person from another WA Government agency, or a person external to Government. If the Chair is a person external to Government they are entitled to be paid for attendance at meetings in accordance with the Deputy Chair half day Board sitting fee rate (further details can be provided on request).
How to Apply
For any queries regarding the role, please contact Cate Brooks, Chief Executive Officer, South West Development Commission on cate.brooks@swdc.wa.gov.au.
Please submit your expression of interest via email addressing the role requirements and criteria and provide a copy of your current resume to the Board Secretariat at board@swdc.wa.gov.au by Friday 23 May 2025. The role will commence in the second half of 2025.
