Chief Audit Executive

Communicate Recruitment; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 600 000 - 750 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading recruitment firm in South Africa is seeking an experienced Internal Audit Director to drive risk-based internal audit strategies and provide independent assurance on governance and internal control effectiveness. You will lead audits across various key insurance areas and develop a high-performing audit team while acting as a strategic advisor to senior leadership. A Bachelor's degree and significant internal audit experience are required for this pivotal role.

Qualifications

• 10+ years internal audit experience, including 5+ years in senior leadership.
• Strong exposure to the insurance industry is highly advantageous.
• Expertise in governance, risk, controls, IT auditing, and regulatory compliance.

Responsibilities

• Drive a risk-based internal audit strategy aligned to business objectives.
• Provide independent assurance on governance and internal control effectiveness.
• Oversee audits across key insurance areas including underwriting and claims.
• Lead a high-performing internal audit team and manage co-sourcing partners.
• Act as a strategic advisor to senior leadership on emerging risks.

Skills

Internal audit experience

Insurance industry exposure

Governance expertise

IT auditing

Regulatory compliance

Executive communication

Strategic thinking

Stakeholder influence

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Auditing, Finance, Risk

Professional designations (CIA, CA(SA), CISA, CFE)

Job description

Job Description

• Drive a risk-based internal audit strategy aligned to business objectives and regulatory expectations
• Provide the Board and Audit Committee with independent assurance on governance, risk management, and internal control effectiveness
• Oversee audits across key insurance areas including underwriting, claims, actuarial, finance, IT, cybersecurity, investments, and operations
• Lead and develop a high performing internal audit team while managing co-sourcing partners where needed
• Champion combined assurance across the organisation to reduce duplication and enhance decision making
• Act as a strategic advisor to senior leadership, offering insights into emerging risks and control optimisation

Skills & Experience

• 10+ years internal audit experience, including 5+ years in senior leadership
• Strong exposure to the insurance industry (highly advantageous)
• Expertise in governance, risk, controls, IT auditing, and regulatory compliance
• Exceptional executive communication, strategic thinking, and stakeholder influence

Qualification

• A Bachelors degree in Accounting, Auditing, Finance, Risk, or a related field
• Professional designations such as CIA, CA(SA), CISA, CFE.

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