Express an Interest

Targeting:

Special Skills Director (Board Position)

Victorian Farmers Federation

Role type: Role type: Non-Executive Director | Finance, Audit & Risk | Chair, Risk, Audit & Finance Committee

Location: Flexible (meetings in Melbourne/regional Victoria/online)

Term: Two-year appointment, with the possibility of reappointment at the Board's discretion

Remuneration: $25,000 per annum (inclusive of superannuation, if applicable), plus reimbursement of reasonable travel expenses and Directors' & Officers' insurance.

About the VFF

The Victorian Farmers Federation is the state’s largest and most influential farming advocacy body. Since 1979 we have been the voice of Victorian farmers and rural communities - working to secure a profitable, sustainable and socially responsible agricultural industry. Our members span all commodities grown in Victoria, and we combine grassroots connection with professional engagement with decision makers.

About the opportunity

The VFF Board is seeking an experienced finance and governance professional to join the Board as a Special Skills Director. The appointee will also Chair the Risk, Audit & Finance Committee and the Building Management Committee.

This appointment is to strengthen the Board's financial oversight, risk management and governance capability. The successful candidate will provide strategic advice, independent judgement and constructive challenge to support the long-term sustainability of the organisation.

Key areas of contribution include:

• Financial oversight and stewardship – providing guidance on budgets, financial reporting, investment oversight and long-term financial sustainability.
• Audit and assurance – overseeing external audit, internal controls and financial reporting obligations.
• Risk management and compliance – strengthening enterprise risk management frameworks and ensuring effective governance and regulatory compliance.
• Property and investment oversight – contributing commercial insight to the governance of the VFF's property portfolio and investment activities.

What you’ll bring

We are open-minded about backgrounds and will consider first-time directors alongside those with existing experience. We’re looking for the following skills and experience.

Essential:

• CA, CPA, or equivalent professional accounting qualification
• Senior experience in finance, audit, risk management, or a closely related discipline
• Demonstrated ability to read and interpret financial statements, assess financial risk, and oversee audit processes
• Strong strategic and analytical thinking, with the ability to contribute at a governance rather than operational level
• High personal integrity, with the ability to act independently and in the organisation’s best interests
• Completion of the AICD Company Directors Course or equivalent governance training

Highly desirable:

• Experience chairing or serving on an audit, risk, or finance committee at board level
• Understanding of enterprise risk management frameworks and regulatory compliance obligations
• Exposure to commercial, contract, or regulatory law to support sound governance and decision-making
• Awareness of or experience in the revenue-generating fields the VFF works across, including commercial property management, government project delivery, commercial partnerships, and membership
• Experience with not-for-profit financial management and reporting, including ACNC requirements
• Familiarity with the agricultural sector, rural and regional communities, or property investment
• Prior board or governance experience, particularly in a member-based or advocacy organisation

The commitment

• Approximately 15–20 days per year, including meeting preparation and occasional attendance at stakeholder events.
• 6–7 Board meetings each year (a mix of Melbourne-based and online meetings).
• Chair the Risk, Audit & Finance Committee (approximately four online meetings annually).
• Chair the Building Management Committee (approximately four online meetings annually).
• Appointment as a director of the VFF's related entities, including Farrer House Ltd and VFF Property Trust Ltd.

Why join the VFF?

This is an opportunity to make a meaningful contribution to one of Australia's leading agricultural organisations. As a member of the Board, you will help strengthen the financial sustainability, governance and long-term success of an organisation that represents thousands of Victorian farming businesses and plays a significant role in shaping agricultural policy.

How to apply

Please submit your cover letter (maximum one page) and current CV via SEEK.

For a confidential discussion regarding the role, please contact the Chief Executive Officer.

Applications close 14th July 2026

The Victorian Farmers Federation is committed to building a diverse and inclusive Board and welcomes applications from women, people from diverse backgrounds, First Nations people, and candidates of all ages.

Duty Statement: Victoria