Senior Manager: Compliance Assurance

Absa Group; Johannesburg; Hybrid; ZAR 600 000 - 800 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading financial institution is looking for a Compliance Assurance Specialist to support its Compliance Assurance team. This role requires a strategic thinker with deep expertise in assurance and a solution-oriented mindset. The ideal candidate will manage the compliance assurance coverage plan and lead reviews while engaging senior stakeholders. Candidates should have a minimum of 5 years’ experience in assurance within a financial institution and relevant degrees.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years’ experience in assurance within a major financial institution.
• Experience in managing teams and leading strategic initiatives.
• Proven experience in risk-based auditing or control testing.

Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and manage the annual compliance assurance coverage plan.
• Ensure strong governance across all reviews and track remediation.
• Engage with senior stakeholders to communicate assurance outcomes.

Skills

Assurance methodologies knowledge

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Stakeholder management

Leadership capability

Education

BCom (Risk Management, Internal Audit), CIA, CA(SA), CIMA or Banking related degree

Job description

Empowering Africa’s tomorrow, together…one story at a time.

With over 100 years of rich history and strongly positioned as a local bank with regional and international expertise, a career with our family offers the opportunity to be part of this exciting growth journey, to reset our future and shape our destiny as a proudly African group.

Job Summary

To support the Compliance Assurance team in providing expert assurance and advisory support within Corporate Functions. The role ensures the effectiveness of the compliance programme through robust monitoring, testing, and issue management. It requires a strategic thinker with deep assurance expertise, strong business acumen, and a solution-oriented mindset to drive continuous improvement, including technology-enabled assurance initiatives.

Job Description

Key Responsibilities:

Assurance Planning & Execution

• Develop, implement, and manage the annual compliance assurance coverage plan.

• Lead and execute compliance reviews in line with the Compliance Assurance methodology.

• Conduct ad hoc monitoring and surveillance activities as required

Advisory & Risk Mitigation

• Provide expert input into automated control testing and compliance risk assessments.

• Offer guidance on regulatory requirements, control effectiveness, and policy implementation.

• Collaborate with business units to embed a strong compliance culture through proactive risk mitigation.

Governance & Issue Management

• Ensure strong governance across all reviews, issue tracking, and team deliverables.

• Manage regulatory and reputational risks, ensuring alignment with relevant frameworks and policies.

• Drive resolution of identified issues and track remediation progress.

Leadership & Team Development

• Provide strategic direction and mentorship to team members.

• Foster a high-performance culture focused on continuous improvement and innovation.

• Champion technology-driven assurance initiatives and data-led insights.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Engage with senior stakeholders to communicate assurance outcomes and risk insights.

• Represent Compliance M&T in relevant forums and committees.

Key Deliverables

• 100% execution of the Group Auditing and Compliance Committee plan.

• Timely completion of all scheduled and ad hoc reviews.

• Effective issue identification, escalation, and resolution.

• Continuous enhancement of assurance processes and tools.

• Development and monitoring of data initiatives to support assurance activities.

Qualifications & Experience

• Minimum qualification: BCom (Risk Management, Internal Audit), CIA, CA(SA), CIMA or Banking related degree

• Minimum 5 years’ experience in assurance (internal audit, compliance or risk-related functions) within a major financial institution.

• Proven experience in risk-based auditing or control testing across multiple jurisdictions.

• Strong understanding of banking operations and regulatory frameworks.

• Experience in managing teams and leading strategic initiatives.

• Demonstrated ability to work in hybrid environments (office-based and remote).

Skills & Competencies

• Expert knowledge of assurance methodologies and compliance frameworks.

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

• Excellent communication and stakeholder management abilities.

• Agile mindset with a focus on innovation and continuous improvement.

• Leadership capability with a collaborative and mentoring approach.

Education

Bachelor`s Degrees and Advanced Diplomas: Business, Commerce and Management Studies (Required)

Absa Bank Limited is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer. In compliance with the Employment Equity Act 55 of 1998, preference will be given to suitable candidates from designated groups whose appointments will contribute towards achievement of equitable demographic representation of our workforce profile and add to the diversity of the Bank.

Absa Bank Limited reserves the right not to make an appointment to the post as advertised