Business Unit Leader – Investigations

Fempower; Pretoria; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in South Africa is seeking a dynamic Business Unit Leader to head the Investigations Business Unit. This senior leadership position involves directing fraud risk identification initiatives and managing comprehensive investigations. The ideal candidate will possess extensive experience in forensic investigations, with qualifications as a Chartered Accountant or similar, and a proven track record in senior management roles. The role also emphasizes stakeholder collaboration, ethical leadership, and ensuring high standards of integrity within operations.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 10 years post-qualification experience, including at least 4 years in a senior management or leadership role.
• Experience in forensic investigations, audit, or forensic accounting within Big 4 audit firms or public sector.
• Deep expertise in strategic management, forensic investigations, and audit principles.
• Strong communication skills capable of influencing senior levels.

Responsibilities

• Lead the strategic direction and operational management of the Investigations Business Unit.
• Drive the implementation and achievement of the unit’s strategic objectives.
• Provide expert advisory services on fraud risk assessments, regulatory compliance, and corporate governance.
• Oversee RFI activities ensuring quality and governance framework alignment.
• Manage stakeholder relationships to secure collaboration.
• Lead the preparation and presentation of investigation findings to oversight bodies.

Skills

Leadership

Stakeholder management

Strategic management

Forensic investigations

Emotional intelligence

Education

Chartered Accountant (CA(SA))

Registered General Accountant (RGA)

ACCA qualification

Postgraduate diploma in forensic accounting

Job description

We are seeking an experienced and dynamic Business Unit Leader to head the Investigations Business Unit. This senior leadership role is critical in directing and aligning fraud risk identification, anti-corruption initiatives, and investigative operations across multiple spheres. The successful candidate will play a pivotal role in strategic planning, operational execution, and stakeholder engagement to deliver impactful investigations and uphold high standards of integrity.

Key Responsibilities

Lead the strategic direction and operational management of the Investigations Business Unit.

Drive the implementation and achievement of the unit’s strategic objectives through effective planning and execution.

Provide expert advisory services on fraud risk assessments, regulatory compliance, corporate governance, and enterprise risk management.

Oversee Request for Investigations (RFI) activities, ensuring quality, timeliness, and alignment with governance frameworks.

Manage stakeholder relationships including senior management, political role players, oversight bodies, and audit teams to secure buy-in and collaboration.

Ensure comprehensive documentation and management of investigation risks, and escalate critical matters appropriately.

Lead the preparation and presentation of investigation findings to parliamentary committees and other oversight forums.

Maintain and enhance the management information systems (MIS) related to investigations.

Approve appointment of specialists and ensure adequate resourcing of investigations.

Support budgeting, compliance with internal policies, and effective supply chain management related to unit operations.

Promote a culture of continuous improvement, integrity, empowerment, and ethical leadership within the unit.

Required Qualifications & Experience

Chartered Accountant (CA(SA)), Registered General Accountant (RGA), or ACCA qualification.

Postgraduate diploma or certification in forensic accounting, such as ICFP or ACFE, is a strong advantage.

Minimum of 10 years post-qualification experience, including at least 4 years in a senior management or leadership role.

Experience in forensic investigations, audit, or forensic accounting within Big 4 audit firms, management consulting, or public sector is highly desirable.

Deep expertise in strategic management, forensic investigations, and audit principles.

In-depth knowledge of public law, contract law, supply chain management, criminal law, and performance auditing standards.

Strong leadership abilities exhibiting emotional maturity, empowerment, inclusivity, integrity, authenticity, and accountability.

Exceptional stakeholder management and communication skills, capable of influencing at senior levels and navigating complex environments.

Proven track record of driving performance excellence, innovation, and ethical decision-making under pressure.

Behavioural Attributes

Inspirational and compassionate leader with high emotional intelligence.

Commitment to fostering diversity, inclusion, and ethical culture.

Courageous and transparent in addressing unethical behaviour and organisational challenges.

Strategic thinker with ability to deliver on challenging goals and maintain operational effectiveness.