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Bringing strategy, structure and strength to Bradken’s risk management
Sarah Ross joined Bradken in mid-2025 and quickly became a key contributor in strengthening our internal control environment. With more than 20 years of experience across risk advisory, consulting and hospitality, she brings a hands-on, people-first approach to her role.
As Business Control Lead, based in Brisbane Australia, Sarah is responsible for identifying and mitigating business risks, ensuring compliance, and leading initiatives that uplift our organisational risk maturity - most notably, Project Guardian, a multi-year initiative aimed at uplifting Bradken’s risk maturity and improving ways of working across the business.
Sarah said she has found Bradken to be a place where trust, flexibility, and inclusion are part of the ethos, allowing her to bring her best self to work.
“One of the things I really value is the flexibility to work from home. It supports a healthy work-life balance and, more importantly, reflects Bradken's trust in its people. When individuals feel trusted, they’re empowered to do great work.
“My family lives on the Sunshine Coast (north of Brisbane), and after spending seven years in Darwin (much further north of Brisbane!), it’s been really special to be closer to family and long-time friends again. Being near loved ones has brought a sense of balance and connection that I truly value—especially after years of working in high-pressure roles. It’s a welcome change that’s helped me recharge and stay grounded, both personally and professionally.
Read on to hear more from Sarah.
What is your current role, and what does it involve? My role specialises in identifying, managing, and mitigating business risks by making sure internal controls are effective and compliant with regulations, reporting identified risks and deficiencies to management for improvement.
I’ve been working closely with my teammates to prepare for upcoming audits and strengthen our risk and control environment. This has included identifying key risks and controls across the business, assessing the quality and appropriateness of control evidence, developing targeted training programs, and drafting a multi-year project plan (spanning 3–4 years) for Project Guardian aimed at uplifting the organisation’s overall risk maturity.
What do you enjoy most about your current role? One of the things I really value about my role is its broad scope—it allows me to review across multiple areas rather than being confined to a single function. Some control weaknesses or deficiencies can trigger a chain reaction, impacting various parts of the business. By identifying and addressing the root cause, I’m able to more effectively resolve downstream impacts and restore control across affected areas.
What opportunities has Bradken provided you with? There’s always something new to learn wherever I go, which keeps things interesting and exciting! I’m thrilled to be part of Project Guardian and to work alongside a team who are going to achieve great things for the business. This initiative is a key driver in our risk uplift and presents a real opportunity to make a meaningful impact.
I really value the flexibility to work from home. It supports a healthy work-life balance and, more importantly, reflects Bradken’s trust in its people.
- Sarah
What did you want to be as a child, and why? I wanted to be a lawyer, I was inspired by the TV show Law and Order watching the Lawyers standing up for what is right and just
What's your background? What was your career journey prior to joining Bradken? My career began at 15, working behind the bar and in commercial kitchens as an apprentice, where I learned to thrive under pressure, make fast decisions, and work with people from all walks of life—skills that have remained central to me.
I later transitioned into consulting, where I quickly adapted to the demands of audit—navigating new clients, industries, and personalities each month which requires a lot of resilience.
My motivation has always been clear: to help people and businesses succeed. Whether it’s identifying issues before they escalate or guiding clients through regulatory complexity, I’m driven by the impact my work has on people’s lives and livelihoods.
This passion led me into risk advisory, where I now partner with organisations to uplift risk maturity, embed practical controls, and align risk and compliance strategies. My approach is hands-on, collaborative, and focused on long-term value.
Beyond my corporate roles, I’ve contributed to the profession as a committee member of the NT Chartered Accountants panel, delivering technical updates and fostering a strong accounting community across the Northern Territory. I also became a financial accounting lecturer at Charles Darwin University, teaching both undergraduate and postgraduate students and mentoring the next generation of professionals.
A creative entrepreneur at heart, I also ran my own business doing resin art “sip and create” workshops for individuals and corporate teams—blending creativity, connection, and wellbeing.
What are your future career goals? My long-term career goal is to become a Chief Risk Officer. This aspiration aligns with my passion for uplifting risk maturity and driving meaningful, lasting change across the organisation. With every step forward, I’m not just building a career—I’m shaping a legacy of resilience, integrity, and meaningful impact.
What are your interests and hobbies outside of work? Outside of work, I love getting outdoors—whether it’s hiking through nature trails or exploring local markets for fresh, locally sourced produce. I enjoy experimenting with flavours when making cocktails and trying out new recipes, especially when I can use quality ingredients. Weekends are usually spent hiking, catching up with friends over brunch, or browsing the markets for inspiration. It’s my way of staying grounded, creative, and connected.
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