As Senior Payments Counsel, you'll join Xero's global legal team and become a trusted voice on payments and financial services regulation, giving practical, commercial advice that lets the business move with confidence. You'll partner directly with product, risk and strategy teams to work through complex regulatory questions across markets, helping Xero make informed decisions about where its payments capability goes next.
This is a role with real reach. You'll support Xero's financial services ambitions in Australia, the US and UK, and build trusted relationships with regulators. You'll also mentor junior members of the legal team, bringing others along as Xero's payments and financial services footprint grows.
The team & how they connectXero's global legal team sits at the centre of how the business operates responsibly across every market it serves. Within the Financial Services Legal, Risk and Compliance team, you'll work alongside legal, compliance, risk and product colleagues, external advisers and regulators, tackling regulatory questions as a connected team rather than in isolation. The team pairs commercial judgement with legal rigour; you’ll be expected to bring both.
Initially, you will focus onGlobal payments regulation, financial services law and financial crime, including AML/CTF and sanctions requirements
Regulatory guardrails for new payment participation models as Xero's product suite grows
AFSL obligations, compliance and risk management support across Xero's Australian payments business
Expansion of Xero's payments and embedded financial services capability into the US and UK
This role can be based in either our Melbourne or Sydney office, with Xero's hybrid approach giving you flexibility to split your time between home and office. You'll come together with the team in person for key moments, including regular boost days, and we’ll trust you to manage the rest of your week in the way that works best for you.
Here are some of the things we are looking forYou bring a relevant law degree and a current practising certificate, along with solid financial services regulatory and payments experience (8+ years PQE)
Experience providing regulatory advice to a global, growth focused technology business will set you up well here
You'll have run large scale regulatory projects and liaised directly with financial regulators
Strong commercial acumen and the confidence to work autonomously in a fast moving environment come naturally to you
You know how to translate complex legal and regulatory detail into plain English that any audience can act on
A collaborative mindset, paired with the ability to build trust across legal, product and risk teams
Apply even if your experience isn't a perfect match! At Xero, we hire based on your skills, passion, and the unique perspective you can bring to enhance our culture and team.
Skills Required
- Law degree
- Foundation in legal practice in payments industry
- Understanding of AFSL and AML obligations
- Hands-on problem-solving approach
- Strong communication skills
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team
- Excellent organizational skills
Xero Compensation & Benefits Highlights
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Leave & Time Off Breadth — Paid time off is extensive in the U.S., including 21 days of annual leave, 10 wellbeing days, five “Xtra” days, three year‑end company holidays, and a paid volunteer day. Feedback suggests this structure provides meaningful flexibility for rest and personal needs.
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Parental & Family Support — Primary caregivers receive 26 weeks fully paid leave and partners receive six weeks, with additional family‑forming support available. Feedback suggests this depth of caregiver support stands out within the package.
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Wellbeing & Lifestyle Benefits — Employees have access to Modern Health coaching/counseling, Carrot fertility benefits, and an employer‑funded ThrivePass wellbeing allowance. Feedback suggests these offerings create a holistic wellbeing layer beyond standard medical coverage.
Xero Insights
What We Do
Xero is small business accounting software that provides a platform on which businesses can build a fully integrated solution. It’s designed to make life better for people in small business, their advisors, and communities around the world. Xero minimises tedious admin by automating routine tasks, delivers valuable insights when needed, and brings together business data, trusted advisors, and powerful apps in one intuitive platform. By alleviating pain points, Xero empowers small business owners to supercharge their business, simplifying the complex and freeing up time from manual admin so they can focus on what really matters to build the business they’ve always envisaged.
Why Work With Us
Xero is a human-centric organization where you’ll have a tangible impact on the success of small businesses and their communities, globally. Our team of energised, forward-thinkers work to make life better for our customers and each other every day. We’re also always committed to supporting you with a flexible environment.
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Hybrid Workspace
Employees engage in a combination of remote and on-site work.
Join us from home or at one of our beautiful workspaces. Xero has offices in Australia, New Zealand, United Kingdom, United States, Canada, Singapore, and South Africa.
