Jobs at JYAC
Jobs at JYAC
About Us
Jamukurnu-Yapalikurnu Aboriginal Corporation (Western Desert Lands) RNTBC (JYAC) is the trusted official guardian of the Martu people’s exclusive possession of native title rights and interests over approximately 150,000 square kilometres of the breathtaking Western Desert in Western Australia—an area rich in history, culture, and community.
The determination covers an area north-east of Jigalong and includes landmarks such as Kumpupintil (formerly known as Lake Disappointment), Karlamilyi National Park, the Canning Stock Route from Well 16 to Well 39, the communities of Parnngurr, Punmu and Kunawarritji, as well as the mining centre Telfer. You will work with a fantastic team of people based out of East Perth, who are all committed to making a difference and supporting the aspirations of the Martu people.
Our mission is guided by three foundational principles:
- Protect ngurra (country)
- Advance Martu (our people)
- Generate wealth (sustainable growth)
We are dedicated to uplifting the cultural, social, and economic strengths of the Martu people for both the present and future generations. We invite you to learn more about our responsibilities and aspirations:
- Empowering native title rights: We manage and protect the native title rights and interests of the Martu people, ensuring they are honoured and respected.
- Supporting aspirations: We are committed to fostering the dreams of the Martu people, encompassing areas like culture, vibrant community life, health, education, and business development.
- Caring for ngurra: We actively negotiate, implement, and monitor agreements that facilitate care for, access to, and responsible use of Martu Ngurra.
- Creating partnerships: Collaborating with federal, state, and local governments, as well as industry partners, we strive to cultivate meaningful investments and partnerships that benefit Martu communities across the Pilbara and Kimberley regions.
Current vacancies
Independent Specialist Directors – 2 Positions
Jamukurnu-Yapalikurnu Aboriginal Corporation (JYAC) is seeking Expressions of Interest from experienced and values-driven individuals to join the Board as an Independent Specialist Director.
There are two positions available.
JYAC is the Prescribed Body Corporate (PBC/RNTBC) representing Martu Native Title holders across the Western Desert region of Western Australia. JYAC works to protect Martu culture, Country and native title rights while supporting long-term social, cultural and economic outcomes for Martu people.
This is an opportunity to contribute to one of Australia’s leading Aboriginal corporations during a period of strategic growth, governance reform and increasing economic participation.
About the Role
The Independent Specialist Director will provide strategic oversight, governance leadership and specialist expertise to support the Board and organisation in delivering strong long-term outcomes for Martu.
JYAC is seeking candidates with significant experience in one or more of the following areas:
- Corporate governance and board leadership
- Finance, audit and risk
- Native title and land management
- Resources, infrastructure or economic development
- Legal and regulatory compliance
- Investment, commercial development or major project negotiations
- Organisational strategy and leadership
Candidates should demonstrate:
- High ethical standards and integrity
- Strong financial and commercial acumen
- Strategic thinking and sound decision-making capability
- Experience working constructively with Aboriginal organisations and communities
- Respect for Martu culture, values and aspirations
Essential Requirements
Applicants must:
- Be an Australian citizen and over 18 years of age
- Hold a Director ID
- Never have been disqualified from managing a corporation
- Meet independence requirements under the CATSI Act and JYAC governance framework
- Have no close personal, commercial or financial relationships with Martu members, JYAC entities or contributors that may impact independence
- Have a minimum of five years’ experience as a director of organisations governed under the Corporations Act or CATSI Act
Desirable:
- AICD qualification or equivalent governance experience
- Experience working with Aboriginal corporations, native title organisations or PBCs
- Knowledge of Aboriginal culture and native title environments
Appointment Process
Appointments will be made following a formal Board-approved recruitment and assessment process, including:
- assessment against selection criteria,
- independence checks,
- interviews,
- and referee checks.
How to Apply
To submit an Expression of Interest, please contact:
Claudia Verkuijlen
cverkuijlen@jyac.com.au
Applications close: 4pm Friday 5 June 2026
Martu people are encouraged to share this opportunity through their networks.
Senior Finance Officer
Posted 1d ago
About JYAC
Jamukurnu Yapalikurnu Aboriginal Corporation (JYAC) is the Prescribed Body Corporate (PBC) for the Martu people, holding and managing their Native Title rights and interests. We work to ensure strong governance, responsible management of resources, and the delivery of meaningful benefits for Martu Traditional Owners, guided by cultural values, respect and accountability.
We are seeking an experienced Senior Finance Officer to lead and strengthen our finance function and provide technical expertise across finance systems, reporting, compliance, and grant management.
The finance function was recently transitioned in-house and is continuing to be strengthened, offering the opportunity to refine systems, processes, and reporting frameworks in a fast-paced and evolving environment.
About the Role
This is a senior technical finance role responsible for overseeing financial operations, ensuring strong financial governance, and delivering accurate and timely financial reporting.
A key focus of the role is grant management, including acquittals, compliance, reporting, and providing support to staff managing grant-funded programs.
Working closely with the CEO and Corporate Services Manager, you will provide high-quality financial insight to support decision-making, compliance, and organisational growth.
You will act as the key internal resource for finance systems, accounting processes, and audit requirements, including MYOB, Xero, Employment Hero, and other finance systems.
This is a technical leadership role that provides day-to-day guidance to the finance team. The role reports to the Corporate Services Manager. Formal performance management and supervision of staff remain with the Corporate Services Manager.
Key Responsibilities
- Oversee day-to-day finance operations, reconciliations, and financial records
- Prepare monthly financial reports for management and the Board
- Support budgeting, forecasting, and cash flow management
- Prepare and lodge BAS, PAYG, and superannuation obligations
- Coordinate audit preparation and liaise with external auditors
- Manage grant funding, compliance, reporting, and acquittals
- Support grant-funded program staff with financial guidance and reporting requirements
- Ensure funding compliance and reporting deadlines are met
- Provide financial and contract management support across operations
- Ensure compliance with legislation, funding agreements, and organisational policies
- Maintain and improve finance systems, controls, and processes
- Provide technical support for MYOB, Xero, and Employment Hero
- Provide day-to-day technical guidance to finance team members
- Work collaboratively across the organisation to support strong financial outcomes
About You
You will bring:
- Experience in a senior finance, accounting, or bookkeeping role
- Strong financial reporting, reconciliation, and compliance skills
- Experience with grants, acquittals, and funding compliance
- Strong knowledge of BAS, GST, payroll obligations, and audit processes
- Ability to support and guide team members in a technical capacity
- Strong attention to detail and ability to manage competing priorities
- Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills
- Experience with accounting systems (MYOB, Xero)
- Relevant qualifications in Accounting, Finance, or Business (Certificate IV or higher, or equivalent experience)
Desirable
- Experience in an Aboriginal organisation, corporation, or not-for-profit environment
- Understanding of culturally respectful workplace practices
Why Join JYAC?
- Key role in a growing and evolving finance function
- Opportunity to improve systems, processes, and reporting frameworks
- Supportive and collaborative team environment
- Meaningful work contributing to community outcomes
- Diverse and interesting finance portfolio
- Attractive salary packaging benefits
You can learn more about JYAC and the work we do on our website (jyac.com.au) and Facebook (facebook.com/jamukurnuyapalikurnu).
Please submit your application by email to:
Attn: JYAC Application Senior Finance Officer
cverkuijlen@jyac.com.au
Applications should include:
- a cover letter outlining your experience and how you best fit the role;
- a CV outlining professional qualifications and experience; and
- contact details of two refeees
Closing date: Application close 4 pm 7 June 2026.