Sessional Ombudsman, Investment & Advice

Overview

This role supports the resolution of Investment and Advice (I&A) disputes through independent, fair complaint handling. The I&A decision-making team works to resolve complex complaints and collaborate with regulatory, industry, and consumer stakeholders to address key issues affecting the investment and advice sector.

The employer is seeking an experienced Sessional Ombudsman to join a highly collaborative team on a flexible, per-engagement basis.

Responsibilities

• Resolve complex I&A complaints and disputes to support fair and timely outcomes
• Work with internal specialists and resources to support effective dispute resolution
• Engage with relevant regulatory, industry, and consumer stakeholders as needed
• Explain decisions clearly to firms and complainants
• Coach and mentor junior staff
• Manage a busy caseload while maintaining strong analytical and decision-making standards

Requirements

To be successful in this role, you will need:

• Legal expertise: Legal qualifications with senior executive experience
• Industry knowledge: Experience in financial planning, stockbroking, managed funds, cryptocurrency, or derivatives
• Diverse background experience: Experience in tribunals, EDR schemes, regulatory agencies, related business entities, or private practice
• Analytical prowess: Strong analytical skills to manage complex issues and a busy caseload
• Communication excellence: High-level written and verbal skills to engage with industry and the community
• Simplicity in complexity: Ability to explain complex concepts clearly
• Decision explanation: Skills to verbally explain decisions to firms and complainants
• Coaching ability: Ability to coach and mentor junior staff
• Resilience and determination: Strong resilience and focus to handle challenges and public scrutiny
• Engagement skills: Excellent skills to build positive relationships

Preferred Qualifications

While expertise across every area is not required, knowledge in at least one of the following is required, and multiple areas are highly desirable:

• Financial planners
• Stockbrokers
• Managed funds
• Timeshares
• Traditional trustees
• Cryptocurrency wallet providers
• Horse-racing syndicates

Compensation & Benefits

• Board-appointed, fixed-term position for three years
• Flexible, per-engagement arrangements (varies based on availability)
• Hybrid working: Flexible arrangements with modern, state-of-the-art offices designed for collaboration and wellbeing
• Access to team resources, specialist teams, and ongoing support
• Recognitions and accreditation include:
  • BOSS Best Places to Work 2024 (credited for culture, engagement, and flexible working)
  • Most Inclusive Workplace 2024 (Australian HR Institute (AHRI) Awards)
  • Employer of Choice Public Sector and NFP – Australian HR Awards 2023
  • Bronze AWEI Accreditation 2024 (LGBTQ+ workplace inclusion)
  • Accredited Family Friendly Workplace (supporting work-life balance and inclusivity)

Location

• The employer has a team of over 1,200 professionals based in modern Melbourne and Sydney CBD offices.
• This role offers the flexibility to work remotely if that suits your lifestyle.

Additional Information

• The employer encourages applications even if you do not meet every criterion.
• Applications are welcome from people of all backgrounds, cultures, abilities, sexual orientations, and gender identities.
• If you require accessibility support during the recruitment process, you can request it during application.
• The employer is a 2025 Circle Back Initiative Employer, committed to responding to every applicant.