Head of Internal Audit

Placements24; Bloemfontein; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Retirement fund

Life insurance

Professional development

Career advancement

Job summary

Placements24 in Bloemfontein, South Africa, is seeking a seasoned Head of Internal Audit for an on-site role. You will establish the internal audit strategy, lead a team of auditors, and report to the Audit Committee to uphold robust controls and governance.

The ideal candidate holds CIA, CA(SA), CISA or ACCA, a Bachelor's in Accounting or Finance, and at least eight years in internal audit with leadership experience.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field.
• CIA, CA(SA), CISA, or ACCA professional certifications are mandatory.
• Minimum 8 years in internal audit with at least 3 years in senior leadership.
• Knowledge of auditing standards (e.g., COSO) and regulatory requirements in South Africa.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement a comprehensive internal audit plan aligned with risk profiles.
• Lead, mentor, and develop the internal audit team to ensure high-quality audits.
• Oversee planning, execution, and reporting of financial, operational, and compliance audits.
• Assess internal controls and risk management, promote strong governance.
• Identify control weaknesses and provide practical remediation recommendations.
• Report findings to senior management and the Audit Committee.
• Follow up on audit recommendations to ensure timely action.
• Stay updated on regulatory changes relevant to banking/ financial services.
• Promote a strong control culture across the organization.

Skills

Leadership

Audit planning

Risk management

COSO knowledge

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance

CIA

CA(SA)

CISA

ACCA

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent financial services institution in **Bloemfontein, Free State**, is seeking a highly experienced and ethical Head of Internal Audit. This critical role is responsible for establishing and executing the internal audit strategy, ensuring robust internal controls, and safeguarding the company's assets and reputation. The Head of Internal Audit will lead a team of skilled auditors, manage the audit planning process, and report directly to the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors. The ideal candidate possesses a strong understanding of financial regulations, risk management, and internal control frameworks, coupled with exceptional leadership and communication skills. This is an on-site position based in **Bloemfontein, Free State**, essential for maintaining close collaboration with stakeholders and ensuring effective oversight. We are dedicated to upholding the highest standards of corporate governance and integrity.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement a comprehensive internal audit plan aligned with the organization's risk profile and strategic objectives.
• Lead, mentor, and develop the internal audit team, ensuring high-quality audit execution.
• Oversee the planning, execution, and reporting of financial, operational, and compliance audits.
• Assess the effectiveness of internal controls, risk management processes, and corporate governance.
• Identify control weaknesses and operational inefficiencies, providing practical recommendations for improvement.
• Report audit findings and recommendations to senior management and the Audit Committee of the Board.
• Follow up on the implementation of audit recommendations to ensure timely and effective remediation.
• Stay abreast of regulatory changes and industry best practices relevant to the financial services sector in **Bloemfontein, Free State**.
• Promote a strong control culture throughout the organization.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field.
• Professional certifications such as CIA, CA(SA), CISA, or ACCA are mandatory.
• Minimum of 8 years of progressive experience in internal audit, with at least 3 years in a senior management or leadership role.
• Extensive knowledge of auditing standards, risk assessment methodologies, and internal control frameworks (e.g., COSO).
• Strong understanding of the financial services industry and relevant regulatory requirements in **South Africa**.
• Proven leadership abilities with experience managing audit teams.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present complex information clearly and concisely.
• Demonstrated integrity and ethical conduct.
• Willingness to work full-time on-site in **Bloemfontein, Free State**.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary package and performance-related bonuses.
• Comprehensive medical aid, retirement fund, and life insurance benefits.
• Opportunities for continuous professional development and training.
• Significant role with direct impact on corporate governance and risk management.
• A stable and reputable organization within the **Bloemfontein, Free State** community.
• Potential for career advancement within the wider financial services group.