Payments Counsel

The role & impact

As a critical connector within our legal and compliance functions, you will support Xero’s Payments business in executing its global strategy. You will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of our financial services by developing regulatory guardrails for new payment participation models, ranging from alternative payment methods to embedded finance.

Your expertise will directly guide product innovation, providing practical, hands-on legal advice from the very first sketch of a new design. By ensuring our teams have a deep understanding of their regulatory obligations, you contribute to Xero’s vision of being the most insightful and trusted small business platform.

The team & how they connect

You will work closely with the Senior Payments Counsel and the Senior Manager for Payments Risk & Compliance in a highly collaborative environment. Your day-to-day involves connecting with diverse cross-functional groups, including Product, Engineering, Marketing, and Privacy teams, to ensure financial crime considerations are built into the fabric of our products.

Initially, you will focus on

• Supporting the development and extension of payments capabilities across Australia, the US, and the UK.

• Acting as the go-to regulatory advisor for Product and Tech teams regarding AFSL obligations, AML, and risk management processes.

• Providing expert legal guidance and smart risk mitigation for high-priority strategic projects and incident support.

• Building proactive relationships with external stakeholders, including regulators and technical subject matter experts.

Where and how you can work

This is a permanent, full-time role based in either our Sydney or Melbourne offices. At Xero, we value a hybrid approach that balances the energy of in-office collaboration on "boost days" with the focus of remote work, allowing you to manage your own time and approach to work effectively.

Here are some of the things we are looking for

• You have a law degree and a solid foundation in legal practice, ideally within the payments industry and financial services.

• A strong, practical understanding of AFSL and AML obligations is something you will bring to help our teams navigate complex regulatory landscapes.

• You possess a growth mindset and a hands-on approach to problem-solving, thriving in fast-paced product technology environments.

• Your communication skills allow you to translate dense regulatory requirements into clear, actionable advice for senior leadership and technical teams alike.

• You are comfortable working both independently and as part of a coordinated team, maintaining a results-driven attitude toward delivery.

• Excellent organisational skills enable you to prioritise multiple high-priority projects without losing your meticulous attention to detail.

Apply even if your experience isn't a perfect match! At Xero, we hire based on your skills, passion, and the unique perspective you can bring to enhance our culture and team.