Forensic Investigator: Senior Associate

PwC Careers Africa

Cape Town

On-site

ZAR 650,000 - 1,000,000

Full time

14 days+

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Job summary

PwC is seeking a Senior Associate in Forensic Services to lead investigations, assess fraud risk, and deliver data-driven insights for clients. The role combines analytical rigour with technology-enabled approaches, including AI-assisted methods, to identify anomalies and strengthen controls.

You will work with clients and internal teams, guide junior staff, and contribute to business development while maintaining high standards of professional ethics and regulatory compliance.

Qualifications

Relevant degree in business, accounting, law or related field.
Experience leading small teams or workstreams in a forensic context.
3–5 years of forensics or investigations experience, preferably with public sector exposure.

Responsibilities

Lead and support forensic investigations, fraud risk assessments and prevention initiatives.
Analyse data and interpret results to inform insights and recommendations.
Prepare clear, defensible forensic reports and client presentations.
Collaborate with clients and stakeholders to communicate findings effectively.
Support go-to-market activities, proposals and engagement opportunities.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Data analytics

Leadership

Communication

Client engagement

Education

Relevant degree (e.g. BCom, Accounting, Law)

Tools

Power BI

Excel

Job description

Job Description & Summary

At PwC, our people in forensic services focus on identifying and preventing fraudulent activities, conducting investigations, and maintaining compliance with regulatory requirements. Individuals in this field play a crucial role in safeguarding organisations against financial crimes and maintaining ethical business practices.

In fraud, investigations and regulatory enforcement at PwC, you will focus on identifying and preventing fraudulent activities, conducting investigations, and confirming compliance with regulatory requirements. You will play a crucial role in safeguarding organisations against financial crimes and maintaining ethical business practices.

Focused on relationships, you are building meaningful client connections, and learning how to manage and inspire others. Navigating increasingly complex situations, you are growing your personal brand, deepening technical expertise and awareness of your strengths. You are expected to anticipate the needs of your teams and clients, and to deliver quality. Embracing increased ambiguity, you are comfortable when the path forward isn’t clear, you ask questions, and you use these moments as opportunities to grow.

Examples of the skills, knowledge, and experiences you need to lead and deliver value at this level include but are not limited to:

Respond effectively to the diverse perspectives, needs, and feelings of others.
Use a broad range of tools, methodologies and techniques to generate new ideas and solve problems.
Use critical thinking to break down complex concepts.
Understand the broader objectives of your project or role and how your work fits into the overall strategy.
Develop a deeper understanding of the business context and how it is changing.
Use reflection to develop self awareness, enhance strengths and address development areas.
Interpret data to inform insights and recommendations.
Uphold and reinforce professional and technical standards (e.g. refer to specific PwC tax and audit guidance), the Firm's code of conduct, and independence requirements.

Management Level

Senior Associate

Job Description & Summary

Examples of the skills, knowledge, and experiences you need to lead and deliver value at this level include but are not limited to:

Respond effectively to the diverse perspectives, needs, and feelings of others.
Use a broad range of tools, methodologies and techniques to generate new ideas and solve problems.
Use critical thinking to break down complex concepts.
Understand the broader objectives of your project or role and how your work fits into the overall strategy.
Develop a deeper understanding of the business context and how it is changing.
Use reflection to develop self awareness, enhance strengths and address development areas.
Interpret data to inform insights and recommendations.
Uphold and reinforce professional and technical standards (e.g. refer to specific PwC tax and audit guidance), the Firm's code of conduct, and independence requirements.

Job profile

Role description

The Senior Associate supports the delivery of forensic engagements, helping clients identify , investigate, and address fraud, corruption, and integrity risks. The role combines analytical rigour with data-driven and technology-enabled approaches, supporting both reactive investigations and proactive, forward-looking forensic initiatives .

Job description

Key Responsibilities

Support delivery of fraud investigations, fraud risk assessments, and prevention initiatives
Conduct investigations into fraud, corruption, and irregularities, including evidence gathering and analysis
Perform proactive forensic analytics, identifying anomalies, trends, and emerging risks using advanced analytics and AI-enabled tools
Collect, analyse , and interpret financial and non-financial data, leveraging forensic technology platforms, data visualisation tools ( e.g. Power BI), and automation techniques
Contribute to the application of data-driven and technology-enabled investigation approaches, enhancing efficiency and insight generation
Support innovation in forensic methodologies, incorporating emerging technologies and digital solutions into engagements
Assist in developing clear, defensible forensic reports and presentations
Contribute to control enhancements and practical remediation actions
Conduct integrity due diligence and open-source intelligence reviews
Engage with clients and stakeholders, presenting findings and insights clearly and confidently
Contribute to business development and go-to-market initiatives, including proposal development, client presentations, and identification of new engagement opportunities
Support and lead small workstream's or junior team members, providing guidance, review, and coaching

Operational & Administrative Responsibilities

Perform document collection, organisation , indexing, scanning, and filing of evidence and working papers
Maintain structured and auditable document management processes
Support project administration activities, ensuring completeness and quality of records
Handle sensitive information with strict confidentiality and professionalism
Willingness to travel and work extended hours, where required

Minimum Qualifications

Relevant degree ( e.g. BCom, Accounting, Law or related discipline)

Experience

3–5 years’ experience in forensics or investigations, preferably with public sector exposure
Demonstrated experience in fraud investigations and/or proactive forensic work
Understanding of governance and internal control environments
Experience in leading small teams or workstreams

Skills & Attributes

Strong analytical and data interrogation capability, including exposure to data analytics, visualisation , and AI-assisted techniques
Proficiency in Microsoft Office tools (advanced Excel and Word) and experience with Power BI or similar visualisation tools
A future-focused mindset, with the ability to leverage technology to enhance forensic outcomes
Leadership capability, including experience guiding or supervising small teams and junior staff
Ability to communicate complex findings clearly, both in writing and through impactful, data-driven visual presentations
Professional curiosity and adaptability in a rapidly evolving digital and regulatory environment
A proactive forensic mindset, able to anticipate and identify risks early
Confidence and experience in presenting to clients and stakeholders
Ability to handle sensitive and high-pressure situations
Strong organisational skills, including attention to detail in administrative and documentation tasks
Ability to manage multiple priorities and deliver high-quality outputs within deadlines
Professional integrity, curiosity, and sound judgment