Job Description
A rare and much sought-after opportunity to contribute in the financial services sector by determining superannuation complaints to achieve fair complaint outcomes.
As a financial ombudsman service, we are a for-purpose organisation that provides a free service for individuals and small businesses. We listen to and work with customers and their financial firms to find solutions to complaints which have gone unheard or unresolved. This is your opportunity to make a difference.
About the opportunity
Led by Lead Ombudsman Heather Gray, the Superannuation decision-making team at AFCA is focused on complaint resolution and on engaging with regulatory, industry and consumer group stakeholders in tackling important issues affecting superannuation funds and their members.
We are looking for a Sessional Ombudsman to join our busy and collegiate decision-making team to help resolve superannuation disputes. You will work on a “per-engagement” basis. Our sessional Ombudsmen provide expert “on demand” support as part of a pool of talented dispute resolution professionals, who have ongoing access to AFCA resources, specialists and support. These flexible engagements can be as short as one day a week for several months or longer, or a few days per week or month depending on your availability.
The role will suit senior legally qualified professionals with a strong track record of significant achievement and a background in the superannuation sector. You are likely to be at a stage of your career where you have an interest in using your well-developed skills and experience in a role that contributes to good outcomes and helps drive improvements in the sector.
Reporting to Lead Ombudsman, Superannuation, Heather Gray, your role will be to make decisions about complaints, individually or as part of a panel, in accordance with the law, relevant trust deeds and insurance policy terms and the AFCA rules.
This is initially a Board appointed, fixed-term role for a period of 3 years.
To be successful in this role, you will need:
- Legal qualifications and a significant track record of achievement at senior executive level within the superannuation industry or a tribunal, EDR scheme, regulatory agency or related business entity or in private legal practice
- Sound knowledge of superannuation law, regulatory guidance and industry practice
- Strong analytical skills, the ability to quickly get to the heart of complex issues and to efficiently and independently handle a busy caseload, with a clear focus on outcomes
- A demonstrated high level of written and verbal communication and interpersonal skills in dealing with a wide cross-section of the superannuation sector and the broader community
- Resilience, focus, determination and excellent engagement skills and the ability to effectively manage challenges, external criticism and public scrutiny
- You are efficient when working on a per engagement basis and know when to pivot between working independently or collaboratively, with and through others.
What’s on offer
- BOSS Best Places to Work 2024 –credited for its culture, engagement and flexible working arrangements.
- Employer of Choice Public Sector and NFP – Australian HR Awards 2024
- Accredited as a Family Friendly Workplace
Life at AFCA
Our people are at the centre of everything we do. We live and breathe our cultural qualities, which shape how we behave and how we engage with our customers. At AFCA, you will truly feel the difference of working at an organisation which supports people of all backgrounds, experiences, and identities to thrive. Our consistently high employee engagement results reflect that AFCA is a truly great place to work and a place where people can contribute, belong and flourish!
To apply
If you are passionate about how we drive fairness in the financial sector and are looking for an organisation that values the human in all of us, we encourage you to apply – even if you don’t meet every single criterion.
We encourage applications from people of all ages, cultures, abilities, sexual orientation and gender identities. We strive to provide a recruitment experience that’s fair, inclusive and accessible. If you have any specific accessibility requirements, please reach out to the recruiter who is managing this process or email us at [email protected].
AFCA is a 2024 Circle Back Initiative Employer – we are committed to responding to every applicant.