Careers at the Law Society

Work with us!

The ACT Law Society is the peak body for legal practitioners in the ACT. The Society represents, advances, and defends the interests of an independent legal profession in the ACT. We also protect the public interest in the ACT system of justice through efficient regulation of the profession.

We are a small, dedicated, and supportive team of staff working with more than 3000 members across all parts of the legal profession in the ACT. The Society advocates for the profession with key stakeholders and provides a range of services for members, including providing information resources and guidance, and delivering a range of continuing professional development and networking activities throughout the year.

Staff benefits include a 35-hour full time work week, opportunities for further training, an employee assistance program for confidential counselling support, free annual flu vaccinations, and additional paid leave days between Christmas and New Year and two additional wellbeing days per year.

Internal positions vacant

Reports to: Chief Executive Officer
Location: Canberra
Employment type: Full-time (35 hours per week)

Position Overview

The Director, Finance & Corporate Services provides strategic and operational leadership across the Law Society’s core corporate functions, including financial management, IT and systems oversight, risk and compliance, office operations, and HR coordination.

As a member of the senior leadership team, this role works closely with the CEO and peers to ensure the organisation’s financial sustainability, operational resilience, and continuous improvement of business systems and processes.

This is a hands-on leadership role, well suited to someone who thrives in a collaborative, high-trust environment, and is motivated by tangible impact and organisational improvement.

Key Responsibilities

Financial Management and Strategy

  • Lead the financial operations of the Society, including hands-on involvement with organisation finances, budgeting, forecasting, financial reporting, and audit preparation.
  • Provide strategic advice to the CEO and Council/Executive Committee on financial performance, risks, and investment planning.
  • Prepare quarterly financial reports for Council and the annual financial statements.
  • Administer and report on statutory funds, including liaison with external stakeholders such as the ACT Attorney-General’s office.
  • Oversee financial compliance including GST, FBT, PAYG and ensure accurate payroll and superannuation processing.
  • Support other members of the senior leadership team to develop and monitor their budgets, and improve visibility of team-level financial performance.
  • Manage the Society’s relationship with auditors and banking/investment institutions.

Corporate Services Oversight

  • Lead and develop the corporate services function, including IT, office administration, systems improvement, and business continuity planning.
  • Oversee the organisation’s IT and systems environment, including effective management of external IT and CRM/CMS providers.
  • Identify and implement improvements in finance, systems, and administrative workflows to enhance organisational efficiency and resilience.
  • Ensure ongoing coordination of office and building management functions (facilities, suppliers, access control, equipment, and maintenance).

Risk, HR and Governance Support

  • Oversee risk management and business continuity planning processes.
  • Ensure the Society maintains appropriate and up-to-date insurance coverage, including liaising with brokers and managing renewals and claims.
  • Ensure the Society has sound policies and systems in place to meet HR, WHS, and compliance obligations.
  • Liaise with external HR providers to support staff wellbeing, HR frameworks, and policy development.
  • Maintain accurate and confidential employee financial and leave records in line with employment legislation and internal policies.

Leadership and Team Development

  • Contribute as a member of the Society’s senior leadership team, collaborating with other Directors to ensure alignment across corporate and service delivery functions.
  • Supervise and build the capability of Finance & Corporate Services staff.
  • Foster a culture of service, accountability, and continuous improvement in all corporate services functions.

Key Attributes for Success

  • Strong hands-on financial management capability with strategic insight.
  • Professional accounting qualification (CPA or CA), with tertiary qualifications in accounting, finance, or a related field.
  • Excellent leadership, staff supervision, and stakeholder communication skills.
  • Experience managing cross-functional areas such as finance, IT, HR, and risk.
  • Ability to navigate complexity with a proactive, problem-solving approach.
  • Comfortable operating in a small, agile organisation with limited hierarchy.

Work Environment & Benefits

  • 35-hour full-time work week.
  • Flexible work arrangements available.
  • Additional paid leave between Christmas and New Year (aligned with regular work days).
  • Two additional wellbeing leave days per year.
  • Access to Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for staff and immediate family.
  • Additional annual leave for senior leaders in recognition of executive responsibilities.
  • Opportunity to influence and shape operational systems at a strategic level within a respected profession-based body.

How to apply

To express your interest or request a confidential discussion, please contact eo@actlawsociety.asn.au.

Applications should include a current CV and a brief cover letter (no more than two pages) outlining your interest and suitability for the role. To be considered, applications must be made by email to eo@actlawsociety.asn.au and received by COB Friday 4 July 2025.

We are committed to creating a workplace that reflects the diversity of our community and encourage applications from all backgrounds.

 

As a service to our members, we also maintain a positions vacant page for legal roles available in the ACT region.