Co-Opted Member: The Audit and Risk Committee (Fixed-term Contract)

South African National Parks; Pretoria; On-site; ZAR 300,000 - 700,000; Part time

Job summary

SANParks seeks an independent co-opted member for its Audit and Risk Committee on a fixed-term basis to strengthen oversight, governance and risk management with specialist expertise. The appointee will participate in all deliberations, bring strategic insight and uphold confidentiality and ethics.

The role requires independence, a high level of professionalism and a track record of governance or board-level experience. Appointment is for three years with potential reappointment under policy.

Qualifications

• Postgraduate qualification in accounting, auditing, finance, risk management, governance, law or commerce.
• A professional designation such as CA(SA), CIA, CISA, CFA, CRMA, CFE, CGMA or equivalent is a strong advantage.
• At least ten (10) years’ senior leadership, governance, audit, assurance, financial management or risk management experience.
• Demonstrable experience serving on boards or governance structures will be advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Participate fully in the oversight responsibilities of the Audit and Risk Committee as per Terms of Reference.
• Review and evaluate annual financial statements, integrated reports and governance reports.
• Provide independent oversight of internal control systems, governance structures and risk management frameworks.
• Oversee the effectiveness of internal audit activities, including the approval and monitoring of internal audit plans.
• Contribute to the assessment of the performance, independence and appointment of internal and external auditors.
• Review and monitor enterprise risk management processes, business continuity arrangements and emerging risks.
• Oversee matters relating to integrity management, fraud prevention, forensic investigations and anti-corruption initiatives.
• Monitor compliance with applicable legislation, regulations, accounting standards and governance frameworks.
• Provide oversight on information technology governance, cybersecurity risks and digital transformation risks.
• Contribute to deliberations with objective judgement and professional expertise.
• Remain informed of developments and best practices relevant to the Committee’s mandate.
• Attend all scheduled Committee meetings and any special meetings as required.
• Perform additional responsibilities assigned to the Committee per Terms of Reference.

Skills

Independent oversight

Governance experience

Stakeholder engagement

Education

Postgraduate qualification in Accounting/Auditing/Finance/Risk Management/Governance/Law/Commerce or related field

CA(SA)/CIA/CISA/CFA/CRMA/CFE/CGMA or equivalent

Job description

Co-Opted Member: The Audit and Risk Committee (Fixed-term Contract)

The Audit and Risk Committee seek to appoint an independent and suitably qualified co-opted member to strengthen the Committee’s collective expertise and effectiveness in discharging its oversight responsibilities.

The co-opted member will serve as a full standing member of the Audit and Risk Committee for the duration of the appointment and will participate in all Committee deliberations, providing independent oversight, strategic insight and specialist expertise on matters relating to governance, financial reporting, risk management, internal and external assurance, compliance, information technology governance and internal controls.

The appointment is intended to enhance the Committee’s capacity through the inclusion of specialized skills, knowledge and experience that complement those of existing Committee members.

Location

Groenkloof National Park (Head Office)

Requirements

• An appropriate postgraduate qualification in Accounting, Auditing, Finance, Risk Management, Governance, Law, Commerce or a related field.
• A recognized professional qualification such as CA(SA), CIA, CISA, CFA, CRMA, CFE, CGMA or an equivalent professional designation will be a strong advantage.
• At least ten (10) years’ senior leadership, governance, audit, assurance, financial management, risk management or related experience.
• Demonstrable experience serving on boards, board committees, governance structures or similar oversight bodies will be advantageous.

Independence Requirements:

The successful candidate:

• Must be independent of the organization and free from any actual, perceived or potential conflicts of interest.
• Must not be an employee or executive of the organization.
• Must disclose any actual or potential conflicts of interest prior to appointment and throughout the term of office.
• Must maintain the highest standards of confidentiality, integrity and professional ethics.
• Must be capable of exercising objective and independent judgement in the best interests of the organization.
• Strategic thinking and analytical capability.
• Sound judgement and objectivity.
• Strong governance and oversight skills.
• Financial, audit and risk management acumen.
• Excellent stakeholder engagement and communication skills.
• Integrity, independence and ethical leadership.
• Ability to contribute effectively within a collective decision-making environment.
• High level of professionalism, confidentiality and personal credibility.

Responsibilities

• Participate fully in the oversight responsibilities of the Audit and Risk Committee in accordance with its approved Terms of Reference.
• Review and evaluate annual financial statements, integrated reports and other governance reports submitted to the Committee.
• Provide independent oversight of the effectiveness of internal control systems, governance structures and risk management frameworks.
• Oversee the effectiveness of internal audit activities, including the approval and monitoring of internal audit plans and the implementation of audit recommendations.
• Contribute to the assessment of the performance, effectiveness, independence and appointment of internal and external auditors.
• Review and monitor enterprise risk management processes, business continuity arrangements and emerging risks.
• Oversee matters relating to integrity management, fraud prevention, forensic investigations and anti-corruption initiatives.
• Monitor compliance with applicable legislation, regulations, accounting standards and governance frameworks.
• Provide oversight and guidance on information technology governance, cybersecurity risks, digital transformation risks and assurance matters.
• Contribute to Committee deliberations and decisions by applying independent judgement and professional expertise.
• Remain informed of developments, trends and best practices relevant to the Committee’s mandate.
• Attend all scheduled Committee meetings and any special meetings that may be required.
• Perform any additional responsibilities assigned to the Committee in terms of its approved Terms of Reference.

Please Note

Package on offer in line with national treasury rates.

SANParks is an equal opportunity employer. SANParks reserves the right not to make an appointment. Preference will be given to qualifying candidates with disabilities.

Applicants in possession of foreign qualifications are to submit evaluated results by the South African Qualifications Authority.

Term of Appointment:

The co-opted member shall be appointed for a period of three (3) years, subject to the organization’s governance processes and applicable legislative requirements. Reappointment may be considered in accordance with the applicable governance framework and approved policies.

Reporting Relationship:

The co-opted member shall serve as a member of the Audit and Risk Committee and shall discharge their responsibilities in accordance with the Committee Charter/Terms of Reference and the applicable governance framework.

Applications that have not been responded to within 21 days should be regarded as unsuccessful.

SANParks is committed to the principles of employment equity. Preference will be given to PDI / HDSA .