Analyst

BDO South Africa; Gauteng; On-site; ZAR 540,000 - 780,000; Full time

Job summary

BDO South Africa is seeking an IT External Auditor within the Financial Services Advisory practice in South Africa. The role supports external audits by assessing IT general controls, application controls, data analytics, and testing procedures to back the financial statement opinion.

You will collaborate with audit teams to deliver timely, high-quality results in line with standards. The position covers engagements for banks, insurers and asset managers, with emphasis on risk assessment,

Qualifications

• Degree or equivalent in IT, accounting or related field.
• Relevant IT audit, external audit or risk advisory experience.
• Certifications such as CISA, CIA or CA(SA) are advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Perform IT audit procedures over systems relevant to financial reporting.
• Evaluate IT general controls and interface controls affecting financial processes.
• Document findings and assist in IT audit reporting and communications.
• Support risk assessment, planning and development of IT audit procedures.
• Engage with client stakeholders to obtain audit evidence and clarify controls.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Problem solving

Attention to detail

Effective communication

Stakeholder management

Professional integrity

Education

Degree in Information Systems, IT, Computer Science, Accounting, or related field

Tools

COBIT

ITIL

ISO 27001

Job description

The Analyst will join BDO’s Financial Services Advisory practice in Cape Town or Johannesburg, supporting assurance engagements across banks, insurers, asset managers, and other regulated financial institutions. The IT External Auditor is responsible for supporting the delivery of external audit engagements by assessing IT general controls (ITGCs), application controls, interface testing, data analytics, and executing procedures to support the financial audit opinion. The role ensures that technology risks impacting financial reporting are appropriately identified, tested, and addressed. The individual will work closely with audit engagement teams and client stakeholders to deliver high-quality, timely audit outcomes in line with applicable auditing standards and firm methodology.

Key Responsibilities

Audit Delivery

• Perform IT audit procedures over key systems relevant to financial reporting
• Evaluate the design and operating effectiveness of IT general controls, including:
  • User access management
  • Change management
  • IT operations (e.g., job monitoring, backups)
• Assess automated controls and interface controls supporting financial processes
• Document audit work, findings, and conclusions in line with audit methodology

Planning & Risk Assessment

• Assist in identifying risks associated with IT systems impacting financial statements
• Support the development of IT audit plans and procedures aligned to engagement risks
• Liaise with financial audit teams to ensure appropriate IT audit scoping

Stakeholder Engagement

• Engage with client IT and business stakeholders to request and obtain audit evidence
• Facilitate discussions to understand system processes and controls
• Communicate audit findings and observations clearly and professionally

Reporting

• Identify control deficiencies and articulate clear, concise audit findings
• Assist in preparing IT audit reports and deliverables for inclusion in audit opinions
• Support timely communication of issues to management and audit teams

Quality & Compliance

• Ensure work performed complies with auditing standards (e.g., ISA) and firm methodology
• Maintain appropriate documentation and audit trails
• Uphold independence and objectivity requirements as an external auditor

Technical Skills

• Understanding of IT general controls and application controls
• Knowledge of financial reporting processes and risks
• Familiarity with audit methodologies and working papers
• Exposure to data analytics tools (advantageous)

Behavioural Competencies

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Attention to detail and high quality of work
• Effective communication and stakeholder management
• Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines
• Professional integrity and ethical conduct

Qualifications

• Degree in Information Systems, IT, Computer Science, Accounting, or related field
• Relevant certifications advantageous (e.g., CISA, CIA, CA(SA))
• Experience in IT audit, external audit, or risk advisory

Experience

• 2–4 years’ experience in Internal Audit, IT Audit, Risk Advisory, or related assurance roles.
• Prior exposure to Financial Services clients (e.g. banking, insurance, asset management) is strongly advantageous.
• Experience working within structured audit engagements or advisory projects.

Technical Knowledge & Frameworks

• Foundational understanding of IT external audit methodologies and risk‑based auditing.
• Working knowledge of IT risk management, IT governance, and internal control concepts.
• Familiarity with frameworks such as COBIT, ITIL, and ISO 27001 is advantageous.

Core Competencies

• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills
• Clear verbal and written communication
• Ability to plan, organise, and execute audit work effectively
• Client‑focused and professional in stakeholder interactions
• Willingness to learn and adapt in a fast‑paced advisory environment
• Emotional intelligence and strong teamwork capabilities
• Commitment to continuous professional development