HEAD OF RISK AND COMPLIANCE

 

Are you a Senior Risk and Compliance leader with Company Secretary experience, ready to make a meaningful impact?
Join a purpose driven financial organisation committed to ethical stewardship and use your expertise to serve a greater purpose!

We are seeking a Head of Risk and Compliance to champion governance, risk and regulatory excellence in a not-for-profit financial services organisation with a mission to enable Christian Ministry to thrive in Australia.

About Us

Christian Finance Australia Ltd is a not-for-profit financial ministry established in 1984, serving Christian Churches and ministries across Australia. With over $700 million in assets, Christian Finance operates a registered charitable investment scheme under an AFS license. We offer savings and investment products to resource Christian ministries and provide loans and financial support to help them fulfil their mission.

About the Role:

As Head of Risk and Compliance, you will lead our risk, compliance, and audit functions, ensuring we meet regulatory obligations and uphold the highest standards of governance. Working closely with the executive team and Board Committees, you will provide strategic oversight of compliance systems and serve as Company Secretary. This role is key to safeguarding Christian Finance’s integrity and supporting ethical, transparent operations. The ideal candidate will bring legal expertise, strong leadership, and a deep commitment to our mission, purpose and values.

Key Responsibilities

  • Lead Risk and Compliance – Oversee the development and implementation or robust risk and compliance frameworks.

  • Company Secretary Duties – Provide governance support and ensure statutory obligations are met.

  • Compliance Monitoring – Identify, assess, and report on compliance risks; recommend and implement mitigation strategies.

  • Regulatory Oversight – Ensure ongoing compliance with ASIC, APRA, ACNC, AUSTRAC, and AFCA requirements.

  • Audit Leadership – Act as Chief Audit Officer, leading internal and external audits, including system monitoring, reporting and remediation.

  • AML/CTF Oversight – Provide technical guidance to the AML Officer and operations team.

  • Policy Governance – Develop and maintain a comprehensive policy framework aligned with regulatory standards.

  • Strategic Advisory – Advise the Board, Audit and Risk Committee, and other senior leadership on governance and compliance matters.

  • Culture Champion – Foster a culture of accountability, transparency, and continuous improvement.

  • Training and Awareness – deliver compliance and AML training to across Christian Finance.

What you will bring:

  • Tertiary qualifications in Law, Governance, Business Administration, Finance, or equivalent experience; relevant certifications (e.g. Compliance and Ethics) desirable.

  • Proven experience as a Company Secretary or equivalent role in a regulated environment.

  • Strong understanding of the AFSL and the AML/CTF, and risk management frameworks or willingness and capacity to develop expertise.

  • Knowledge of NFP governance frameworks and regulatory compliance standards for financial organisations.

  • Good knowledge of APRA prudential standards for an ADI and NFP governance for financial organisations.

  • Exceptional communication, organisational, and stakeholder engagement skills.

  • Analytical thinker with a proactive approach to risk and compliance.

  • Skilled in board and committee reporting and presentations.

  • A heart for ministry, demonstrated leadership and commitment to Christian Finance mission and values.

Personal Attributes

  • A committed Christian actively involved in a local church.

  • Deep alignment and commitment to Christian Finance’s purpose and values.

  • Exceptional relationship building and communication skills.

  • Integrity, professionalism, and ethical leadership.

  • Strategic thinker with attention to detail.

  • Able to manage competing priorities under pressure.

  • Passional about fostering a culture of compliance and accountability.

To apply please send your CV with a cover letter including a brief outline of your faith journey to hr@christianfinance.org.au. For more information on the role or a copy of the Position Description, please call Christian Finance on 1300 650 542 and ask for Carly Smith.