RSL Australia seeks Independent Member for Finance, Audit & Risk Committee
RSL Australia is seeking an experienced finance, audit and risk professional to join its Finance, Audit and Risk Committee as an independent member.
This volunteer governance opportunity offers the chance to contribute strategic oversight and independent expertise to one of Australia's most respected veteran service organisations, helping strengthen the governance, accountability and long-term sustainability of RSL Australia. Applications close 7 August 2026.
Independent Member – Finance, Audit and Risk Committee
RSL Australia (RSLA) is the national governing body of the Returned Services League of Australia – one of Australia's most enduring institutions, with more than 110 years of service to veterans and their families, 150,000 members, and 1,100 Sub-Branches across every state and territory.
We are seeking a volunteer with high-level financial, audit, and risk management expertise to join the RSLA Finance, Audit and Risk Committee (FAR Committee) as an independent member.
About the role
The FAR Committee provides the Board with oversight of RSL Australia's financial reporting, internal controls, risk management framework, and external audit function. Members review and assess financial accounts, oversee internal and external audit processes, contribute to the compilation of annual reports, and evaluate risk across the organisation.
This is an ongoing standing committee role meeting at least four times per year, with additional meetings as required. Members work alongside the Committee Chair and fellow members to provide rigorous, independent scrutiny of matters before the Committee and report findings and recommendations to the Board.
What you will bring
We are seeking a Chartered or Certified Practicing Accountant with strong financial, audit, and risk management capability. The key skills and competencies sought include:
Core Financial and Accounting Literacy
Financial fluency – the ability to read, analyse, and comprehend financial statements (income statement, balance sheet, cash flow)
Practical understanding of corporate finance, auditing standards, and statutory financial reporting obligations
Competence in overseeing financial controls, internal audit functions, and external auditor relationships
Risk Management and Compliance
Ability to identify and evaluate enterprise, operational, and emerging financial risks
Understanding of risk management and mitigation principles aligned with the Board's risk appetite
Sound understanding of legal obligations, corporate governance principles, and relevant statutory frameworks
Behavioural and Soft Skills
An appreciation of the veteran community, the ex-service organisation sector, or a demonstrated commitment to organisations supporting veterans and their families.
Inquisitiveness and the courage to constructively challenge management and peers
Critical thinking — the capacity to analyse data, distil key issues, and oversee sound solutions
Strong collaborative skills, working effectively with the Board, management, and internal/external auditors
A background in law, governance, or related fields is welcomed but not a requirement.
Independence requirements
Independence from RSLA, being applicants must not:
a) hold any executive, governance, or representative role within RSL Australia, a State Branch, or a Sub-Branch, including as President, Deputy President, director, committee member, or paid employee;
b) have a material financial relationship with RSL Australia or any State Branch, other than payment of ordinary membership subscription; or
c) have any other interest or relationship that, in the view of the Committee, would materially compromise their capacity to exercise independent judgment as a director of RSLA.
What this role offers
The opportunity to contribute meaningful independent expertise to the governance of one of Australia's most respected veteran service organisations
A substantive ongoing role alongside an experienced committee
Engagement with a dedicated Board, CEO, and National Office team committed to building a stronger, more transparent organisation
The satisfaction of giving back to an institution that exists solely to serve those who have served Australia
Expressions of interest
To express your interest, please send a brief cover letter and current CV to phil.winter@rsl.org.au. Applications close COB 7 August 2026.
RSLA welcomes expressions of interest from finance, audit, and risk professionals with an interest in the not-for-profit and veteran service sector.