RTO National Compliance Manager

Role Purpose

This is a high-accountability leadership role responsible for enforcing compliance across all operations of Lead College. The National Compliance Manager will have full authority to monitor, investigate, and enforce compliance, including recommending disciplinary actions where breaches are identified.

The role is not advisory it is regulatory enforcement focused, ensuring zero tolerance for non-compliance across RTO, CRICOS, ESOS, and internal governance standards.

Authority & Accountability

· Full authority to audit, investigate, and report non-compliance across all departments

· Authority to stop processes or operations that are non-compliant

· Direct reporting line to CEO with independent escalation rights

Key Responsibilities

1. Compliance Enforcement

· Enforce strict adherence to RTO Standards 2025, CRICOS, ESOS Act, and internal policies

· Conduct unannounced audits and compliance checks across all campuses

· Identify breaches and take immediate corrective and enforcement action

2. Audit & Investigation

· Lead internal and external audit readiness

· Investigate compliance breaches, including financial, academic, and operational issues

· Produce formal investigation reports with evidence-based findings

3. Breach Management

· Maintain a compliance breach register

· Issue formal non-compliance notices to responsible staff

· Ensure all breaches are rectified within strict timelines

· Escalate unresolved issues directly to CEO

4. PRISMS & Regulatory Control

· Enforce accuracy and integrity of PRISMS reporting

· Conduct regular cross-checks between student, academic, and financial data

· Take corrective action for any discrepancies immediately

5. Policy Enforcement & Governance

· Ensure all policies are strictly implemented—not just documented

· Monitor staff adherence to policies and procedures

· Eliminate practices that expose the organisation to regulatory risk

6. Training & Accountability

· Deliver mandatory compliance training with assessment of understanding

· Hold department heads accountable for compliance within their areas

· Ensure no staff member operates outside compliance requirements

7. Risk & Financial Compliance Oversight

· Identify financial and operational risks (e.g., unapproved expenses, missing invoices, misallocations)

· Enforce strict financial control measures in coordination with Accounts

· Ensure all expenses are properly authorised, documented, and compliant

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

· Zero major non-compliance findings in ASQA/CRICOS audits

· Immediate reporting of any critical compliance breach within 24 hours

· Minimum quarterly audits across all departments and campuses

· 100% of identified non-compliances formally documented and actioned

· All breaches resolved within 5 working days (or escalated)

· 100% accuracy in PRISMS reporting

· Zero tolerance for delayed or incorrect reporting

· 100% compliance training completion across staff

· Documented disciplinary action for repeated or serious breaches

· Eliminate repeat compliance failures across departments

Key Requirements

· Minimum 7+ years’ experience in compliance enforcement within RTO/CRICOS sector (essential)

· Proven experience in audit, investigation, and regulatory enforcement roles

· Strong working knowledge of ASQA, ESOS Act, CRICOS, and RTO Standards 2025

· Demonstrated ability to enforce compliance and manage difficult situations

· High level of integrity, independence, and authority

Critical Expectations

· Zero tolerance for negligence, non-compliance, or lack of accountability

· Immediate action on all identified risks and breaches

· Strong, evidence-based decision-making

· Protection of the organisation from regulatory, financial, and reputational risk

Outcome of the Role

· A fully compliant organisation with strong governance

· Elimination of financial leakage and compliance failures

· Audit-ready systems at all times

· Clear accountability across all departments