About us

Sparkways is a not-for-profit provider of early childhood education and care services operating within a highly regulated environment. The organisation is committed to delivering high-quality outcomes for children and families through the provision of accessible, inclusive and innovative childhood education and care programs, underpinned by strong governance, financial stewardship and effective risk management.

https://sparkways.org.au/ 

The Board is skills-based and accountable for strategic oversight, organisational oversight, financial stewardship and regulatory compliance.

Position Purpose

The appointed Non-Executive Directors (NED) will serve as members of the Board and Committee Members and contribute to the effective governance, strategic direction and long-term sustainability of the organisation.

This is a significant governance role. The Board seeks an individual who brings professional expertise, sound judgement, strategic thinking, and a commitment to the organisation’s purpose. The Non-Executive Director is expected to contribute constructively to Board deliberations, provide independent oversight and support effective decision-making.

The role is strictly governance-focused and carries no operational responsibilities.

Key Responsibilities

As a director, you will exercise:

Strategic Leadership

• Contribute to the development and oversight of the organisation's strategic direction
• Support the achievement of the organisation's vision, mission and objectives
• Consider emerging opportunities, challenges and risks affecting the organisation and the early childhood sector
• Promote long-term organisational sustainability

Governance and Oversight

• Fulfil directors' duties with due care, diligence and independence
• Act in the best interests of the organisation at all times
• Ensure appropriate governance frameworks, policies and systems are maintained
• Monitor organisational performance against strategic and operational objectives
• Oversee organisational compliance with legal, regulatory and funding obligations
• Uphold the highest standards of ethical conduct and accountability

Financial Stewardship

• Review and approve annual budgets and financial plans
• Monitor financial performance and organisational sustainability
• Ensure appropriate financial controls and risk management processes are in place
• Contribute to Board discussions regarding investments, capital expenditure and financial strategy

Risk and Compliance

• Oversee strategic, operational, financial and reputational risks
• Support the maintenance of an effective enterprise risk management framework
• Ensure appropriate oversight of compliance, governance and child safety obligations

Board Contribution

• Prepare for and actively participate in Board meetings and strategic discussions
• Contribute professional expertise and independent judgement
• Work collaboratively with fellow Directors, the CEO and senior leadership
• Serve on Board committees as required
• Declare and appropriately manage conflicts of interest

Candidate Profile

The appointed director will bring deep financial and risk management expertise and demonstrated governance capability.

Ideally, the director will also chair the Finance, Audit and Risk Management Committee. This will involve:

• Financial Governance
  • Oversee the integrity and accuracy of financial reporting
  • Review budgets, forecasts and financial performance
  • Monitor liquidity, reserves and capital management
  • Ensure appropriate internal controls and financial delegations are in place
• Audit and Assurance
  • Oversee the appointment, independence and performance of external auditors
  • Review annual financial statements and audit findings
  • Monitor implementation of audit recommendations
  • Ensure compliance with applicable accounting standards and regulatory reporting obligations
• Risk Oversight
  • Oversee the enterprise risk management framework
  • Review and monitor known and emerging strategic, operational, financial and regulatory risks
  • Ensure risk registers and mitigation strategies are robust and current
  • Provide assurance to the Board regarding the effectiveness of risk governance systems
• Committee Leadership
  • Set agendas in consultation with the Board Chair and CEO
  • Facilitate disciplined and evidence-based discussion
  • Report clearly and succinctly to the Board
  • Drive continuous improvement in Committee effectiveness

5.1 Qualifications

• Relevant tertiary qualification in finance, accounting or related discipline
• CPA or CA qualified
• GAICD (Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors) or other applicable NED governance qualification highly desirable, though not mandatory

5.2 Experience

• Current or former senior finance executive (e.g. CFO or equivalent) ideally with experience managing government funded programs
• Experience overseeing complex financial operations and financial strategy
• Board experience, preferably including service on or chairing a Finance, Audit or Risk committee
• Extensive experience working with external auditors
• Strong understanding of audit and assurance processes, including oversight of annual financial statements
• Demonstrated experience overseeing risk management frameworks and governance reporting

Personal Attributes

The director will demonstrate:

• High levels of integrity and professionalism
• Strong strategic and critical thinking skills
• Independent judgement and sound decision-making capability
• A collaborative and respectful approach
• The confidence to provide constructive challenge where appropriate
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Commitment to the organisation's purpose and values
• The ability to work effectively with both established and newly appointed Non-Executive Directors

Other desirable attributes

• Experience within the not-for-profit sector
• Understanding of the early childhood education and care sector
• Familiarity with government-funded service environments
• Previous Board or committee experience

Time Commitment

• 8 Board meetings per annum
• 4 Committee meetings per annum
• The estimated total hours for Board and Committee Meetings, including preparation time, is 44 hrs per annum
• Participation in annual strategy and governance review sessions (estimated 3 hrs per annum)

Remuneration

This is a voluntary, non-remunerated appointment.

Term of Appointment

• Initial term of 3 years
• Eligible for reappointment in accordance with the Constitution

Why Join the Sparkways Board?

This is an opportunity to contribute to an organisation that makes a meaningful difference in the lives of children, families and communities. As a Non-Executive Director, you will help shape the strategic direction of a respected not-for-profit organisation while applying your skills and experience to support strong governance and long-term impact.

If you wish to obtain more specific information about the role or ask a question, please email Peter Holdsworth via [email protected] using the subject line: Board Director (Voluntary) - Finance, Audit & Risk enquiry via EthicalJobs and include a telephone number. He will respond as soon as possible.

A position description is attached.