APS5/6 Compliance Officers

APS5 Compliance and Investigations Officers (Multiple) – Regulatory Division

Work Area: Regulatory Division

Location: Canberra, Melbourne

Classification: APS Level 5

Employment Type: Non-ongoing, Full Time

Drive Transparency in Australia’s Electoral System: Become a Key Contributor in the AEC’s new Regulatory Division

The AEC

The Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) is responsible for safeguarding the integrity of Australia’s electoral system. In addition to its well-known responsibility for delivering federal elections, the AEC has an expanding role as a national regulator. This includes the implementation and regulation of new federal election funding and disclosure laws, which are central to maintaining transparency in the political system.

It is an exciting time to join the Regulatory Division, as we prepare to administer the new Electoral Legislation Amendment (Electoral Reform) Act 2025. From 1 July 2026, major reforms to political funding and disclosure will take effect. To deliver the most significant update to Australia’s electoral laws in 40 years, our Regulatory Division is expanding and evolving.

The work is challenging and meaningful. Every task contributes to public confidence in how elections are conducted and how political donations are managed and disclosed. Our strategic focus of electoral integrity is achieved through our values of Quality, Agility and Professionalism. These aren’t just words to us – we live these values in order to continue to deliver trusted electoral event results for Australian voters.

 

 

The Team

The Disclosure and Compliance section sits within the Regulatory Division and supports the AEC by coordinating political financial disclosure activities, as well as planning and delivering compliance reviews and investigations related to financial disclosures. The team ensures high quality outputs that are transparent, defensible, and able to withstand external scrutiny.

We are expanding as our role evolves in the regulatory environment and we need more curious, detail oriented and adaptable staff.

The Regulatory Division administers Part XX of the Commonwealth Electoral Act 1918 and Part VIIA of the Referendum (Machinery Provisions) Act 1984. Our core responsibilities include:

• Providing education and advice to individuals and entities with disclosure obligations to support voluntary compliance.
• Collecting and publishing financial disclosure returns submitted by registered political parties, significant third parties, third parties, associated entities, and nominated entities.
• Conducting compliance reviews of financial disclosure returns to ensure accuracy and adherence to legislative requirements.
• Undertaking investigations where contraventions of the Electoral Act or Electoral Legislation Amendment (Election Reform) Act may have occurred and implementing appropriate enforcement actions.
• Administering public funding to eligible candidates and registered political parties.

You will be joining an agile, high performing team committed to strengthening transparency in the financial activities of political parties, candidates, and other participants in the electoral process. Your work will play an integral role in supporting the integrity of Australia’s democratic system.

The Opportunity

The AEC is seeking collaborative, curious and self-motivated team members who are committed to achieving results. The Regulatory Division is expanding and multiple APS 5 opportunities are available across two work streams: compliance and investigations.

As an APS5 team member you will work under general supervision and as part of a supportive team. You work will contribute to protecting the integrity of Australia’s electoral funding and political donation system and directly contribute to public trust in the electoral process. This is a unique opportunity to build your skills in analysis, problem solving and regulatory work while supporting a national purpose.

In the role of Investigations Officer, you will:

• Assist in gathering, analysing, and documenting information to support investigations into potential anti‑avoidance schemes under the Electoral Act and the Referendum Act. This will include reviewing documents and financial information to identify gaps or issues and providing well considered advice to support decision making.
• Apply data and intelligence tools to proactively identify high‑risk behaviours, entities, and schemes that may pose a compliance risk. You will use your analytical skills to assess patterns or indicators of non-compliance and contribute to the design of targeted compliance strategies.
• Assist in preparing clear and accurate briefing materials, reports, and correspondence for decision‑makers. You will contribute to maintaining quality standards and supporting a consistent approach to investigations.

A Certificate IV in Government Investigations (PSP40416), or the willingness to undertake this qualification with AEC support, is highly desirable for the Investigations Officer roles.

In the role of Compliance Officer, you will:

• Assist in reviewing financial disclosure returns submitted by a range of political participants, ensuring accuracy, completeness, and compliance with legislative requirements.
• Assess claims for election funding and undertake related reviews or enquiries as needed to determine compliance with Part XX of the Electoral Act.
• Support the processing and payment of election funding to eligible political parties and candidates in line with legislation and internal procedures.

Formal qualifications, or relevant work experience, in accounting, commerce, finance or related fields is highly desirable for Compliance Officer roles.

What we’re looking for

• Experience supporting structured or compliance base work such as financial audits, quality checks or similar processes. You will be organised and able to complete tasks methodically and accurately while meeting compliance requirements.
• Proven ability to analyse and interpret moderately complex to complex information, identify potential issues and provide timely, accurate, and well‑reasoned advice and support to decision makers.
• Willingness to be flexible and adaptable in responding to evolving legislative requirements, changing work priorities and process changes.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to work effectively within a team and engage confidently with internal stakeholders and external scheme participants.
• The capability to manage your workload, prioritise effectively, and deliver high‑quality work within tight or competing timeframes.
• A positive approach to teamwork and a commitment to supporting the goals of the Regulatory Division and the broader AEC.

 

 

Why join the AEC? 

Purpose with impact 

Your work will directly support Australia’s democratic processes. Few roles offer the opportunity to influence outcomes that matter to every citizen. 

Flexibility and wellbeing 

We support flexible working arrangements and provide access to comprehensive wellbeing and employee assistance programs to help you balance work and life and free annual flu vaccination program. 

Career growth 

You’ll have access to learning and development opportunities, study assistance, and the chance to lead complex, high profile work in a dynamic national organisation. 

Inclusive and diverse culture 

We are committed to building a workforce that reflects the Australian community and value the diversity of backgrounds, perspectives and experiences our people bring. 

Conditions 
As an AEC employee you will have access to purchased leave, a paid Christmas/new year shutdown period, competitive pay and conditions including a generous 15.4% superannuation contribution.

Australian Citizenship

All positions in the AEC require employees to be Australian citizens and is a condition of engagement.

Information on Australian citizenship including how to obtain evidence of Australian citizenship is available from the Department of Home Affairs.

Politically Sensitive Position

It is an inherent requirement of employment at the AEC that employees must be, and must be seen to be, impartial and politically neutral. Any person who is active in political affairs or referendum issues, may compromise the strict neutrality of the AEC and will be ineligible for employment with the AEC. This requirement is outlined in the AEC Enterprise Agreement and Political Neutrality Policy.

Security Requirements

This position requires candidates to obtain and hold a Baseline security clearance.

Pre-employment screening includes a check on police records, identity check and checks addressing agency specific on political neutrality. Assessments of ongoing suitability form part of all positions at the AEC. For more information, please see the Personnel Security Policy under the Australian Government Protective Security Policy Framework.