Senior Legal Counsel

About the role:

Reporting to our Head of Legal, you will be a  trusted legal advisor to the business, providing high-quality, pragmatic and commercially focused legal advice across the organisation, including support for CPA Australia’s diverse global operations. The role requires strong commercial judgment, autonomy and the ability to balance legal risk with commercial objectives, while supporting governance uplift and the development of junior team members.

You will partner closely with stakeholders to enable strategic outcomes and deliver clear, solutions‑focused advice aligned with organisational values and risk appetite.

The role also includes providing practical, solutions-oriented legal support across multiple business units in a dynamic and collaborative environment. This includes advising on international regulatory and privacy compliance matters.

You will understand CPA Australia’s strategic objectives and deliver clear, innovative and stakeholder-focused legal solutions. The role requires a positive, solutions-oriented and governance-focused approach, supported by strong communication skills and an ability to work collaboratively and engage effectively with stakeholders.

Your day-to-day duties:

• Provide commercial legal advice across corporate, regulatory and general commercial matters
• Draft, review and negotiate a broad range of commercial agreements
• Identify legal and commercial risks and recommend practical solutions
• Build trusted relationships with senior and operational stakeholders
• Support governance, policy development and compliance frameworks
• Manage external legal providers and ensure quality, value and alignment
• Contribute to positive Legal team culture and continuous improvement
• Support digital brand protection and responsible adoption of AI tools

About You

• 5–8 years’ PQE as an Australian Legal Practitioner
• Strong commercial contracting experience (in‑house preferred)
• Experience working with international legal or regulatory issues
• Excellent communication, negotiation and stakeholder management skills
• Ability to work autonomously, manage competing priorities and provide balanced, practical advice
• Strong commercial acumen and a collaborative, solutions‑focused mindset

Why We Love Working at CPA Australia

At CPA Australia, we’re proud of our vibrant, values-led culture. We live by our core values: Create Opportunity, Pursue Excellence, and Achieve Together—and they shape everything we do.

Here’s what makes working here special:

• Inclusive culture – We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels respected, valued, and empowered to thrive.

• People-first culture – Work alongside passionate, like-minded professionals who strive to be their best.
• Hybrid flexibility – Enjoy the balance of working from home and in the office (minimum two days onsite).
• Wellbeing matters – Access health and wellbeing sessions, learning labs, and a generous reward and recognition program.
• Supportive benefits – Paid parental, volunteer, and study leave, plus the option to purchase additional leave.
• Career growth – Take advantage of learning and professional development opportunities.
• Global mindset – Be part of a truly international organisation with over 20 offices around the world.
• Incentives that reward you – Participate in our annual incentive scheme.
• Fast-paced and purpose-driven – Thrive in a dynamic environment where your work makes a difference to our members and the profession.

About Us: 

CPA Australia is Australia’s leading professional accounting body and one of the largest in the world. We have more than 175,000 members in over 100 countries and regions. Our core services include education, training, technical support and advocacy. CPA Australia provides thought leadership on local, national and international issues affecting the accounting profession and public interest. We engage with governments, regulators and industries to advocate policies that stimulate sustainable economic growth and have positive business and public outcomes. 

We are values-based organisation underpinned by the CPA Australia Way, which is our commitment to each other and a way of working. It is the foundation of our success, experienced and lived by our people, and felt by members. 

How do I Apply?

Click Apply Now to submit your application for this opportunity.

To learn more about CPA Australia and other opportunities, please visit our Careers page at https://www.cpaaustralia.com.au/about-cpa-australia/work-with-us/careers