Deputy Company Secretary

Fairness feels good 

Make a real impact at AFCA. Where fairness drives every decision. Help us deliver world-class, independent complaints resolution for Australians. As a not-for-profit and progressive financial ombudsman, we’re championing positive change. Achieving our purpose takes progressive thinking, accountability and resilience. At AFCA, our inclusive leadership values every voice. We offer our people flexible work options, thoughtful benefits and opportunities to deepen expertise. Flourish in a diverse, caring culture. Feel the difference of belonging to an organisation intentionally designed to put people first. 

The Opportunity

As the Deputy Company Secretary, reporting into the General Counsel, you will play a pivotal role in supporting the AFCA Board and Executive on all matters relating to corporate governance, company secretariat responsibilities and membership governance.

Operating with a high level of independence and accountability, you will lead Board and member governance frameworks, oversee compliance with AFCA’s Constitution and the Corporations Act, and act as a trusted adviser across the organisation.

This is a senior, influential role suited to someone who thrives in complexity, enjoys working with Boards, and values purpose alongside professionalism.

Key Responsibilities

In this broad and impactful role, you will:

• Provide strategic advice on Board, Member and Corporate Governance, including compliance with AFCA’s Constitution and Rules
• Lead AFCA’s company secretariat function, including end‑to‑end delivery of Board and Board Committee meetings
• Oversee compliance with Corporations Act obligations, ASIC lodgements and Annual Review reporting
• Draft high‑quality Board and Committee papers for the Board, ARC, PRC and Nominations Committee
• Lead development and continuous improvement of Board frameworks, policies and governance processes
• You will lead the Membership Governance team, setting clear direction and ensuring strong governance, compliance and risk oversight across AFCA’s membership governance framework.
• Act as the Board's delegate for the member governance framework
• Provide senior advice to Executives, Ombudsmen and leaders on matters impacting AFCA member governance
• Support projects responding to regulatory change and evolving membership requirements
• Manage governance‑related risk and external reporting to regulators and government bodies
• Serve as business owner for governance processes in organisational projects
• Lead the membership expulsion process to ensure membership risks are managed appropriately
• Manage membership risks throughout the member lifecycle and chairing the relevant governance Committee to ensure robust governance, compliance and risk controls.

You are a confident, respected governance professional with the gravitas to work at Board level and the pragmatism to deliver outcomes.

You will bring:

• A relevant tertiary qualification and 7+ years’ experience in Company Secretariat or governance leadership roles
• Deep expertise in company secretariat practice, corporate governance and regulatory compliance
• Experience working independently with clear accountability for outcomes
• Strong knowledge of financial services regulation, ideally in complex or not‑for‑profit environments
• Exceptional drafting, writing and communication skills
• The ability to provide commercially astute, balanced governance advice
• Highly developed interpersonal, negotiation and analytical skills
• A collaborative leadership style aligned to AFCA’s Leadership Capability Framework

Additional Information

• BOSS Best Places to Work 2024 –credited for its culture, engagement and flexible working arrangements.
• Most Inclusive Workplace 2024 – Australian HR Institute (AHRI) Awards.
• Employer of Choice Public Sector and NFP – Australian HR Awards 2023
• Silver AWEI Accreditation 2025 – Recognised for LGBTQ+ workplace inclusion.
• Accredited Family Friendly Workplace – Supporting work-life balance and inclusivity.
• Hybrid working – Flexible arrangements with state-of-the-art offices designed for collaboration and wellbeing.
• Inclusive leave options – Flexible public holidays, 20 weeks paid parental leave, gender affirmation leave, women’s health leave, and paid time off over Christmas.
• Locations – A team of over 1,600 dedicated professionals based in modern Melbourne and Sydney CBD offices.

To apply

If you’re passionate about fairness and believe your skills align with this role, we encourage you to apply even if you don’t meet every single criterion.

We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, cultures, abilities, sexual orientations, and gender identities. If you require any accessibility support during the recruitment process, please reach out to our team at [email protected].

We believe fairness starts with people. That’s why we don’t use AI or automated tools to screen candidates. As a result, our processes may take a little longer, and we thank you for your patience.

AFCA is a 2026 Circle Back Initiative Employer - we are committed to responding to every applicant.