Head of Audit

Boardroom Appointments; Sandton; On-site; ZAR 600 000 - 750 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading recruitment firm in South Africa seeks an experienced Internal Auditor to lead audit teams and enhance stakeholder engagement. The ideal candidate has over 15 years of experience in Internal/External Audit, with a strong background in financial services or a Big 4 firm. Responsibilities include delivering high-quality audit reports, maintaining internal audit plans, and developing relationships with key stakeholders. This role emphasizes leadership and compliance within the insurance and banking sectors.

Qualifications

• 15+ years in Internal/External Audit, preferably in financial services or a Big 4 firm.
• Deep industry knowledge: Banking, Insurance, Bancassurance.
• Understanding of evolving financial products and applicable regulations.

Responsibilities

• Lead a team of professionals and subject matter experts.
• Build and maintain relationships with key stakeholders.
• Deliver high-quality audit and governance reports.
• Maintain a risk-based internal audit plan.

Skills

Insurance and Investments Industry knowledge

Regulatory Compliance

Commercial Acumen

Audit Methodology

Internal Controls

Leadership

Stakeholder Engagement

Influence and Negotiation

Resilience

Communication (verbal and written)

Attention to Detail

Analytical Thinking

Problem Solving

Strategic Thinking

Decision Making

Education

Bachelors Degree or Advanced Diploma in Business, Commerce, or Management Studies

Job description

Demonstrate The Company and IIA code of conduct values and behaviours in all aspects of work.

Actively participate in team effectiveness sessions and the analysis of Colleague Experience Survey results.

Promote a positive team culture and enhance employee engagement.

Lead a team of professionals and subject matter experts, including potential line managers.

Embed a high-performance culture and model organisational values.

Manage and lead individuals and teams through change.

Contribute to talent development via coaching, mentoring, and feedback.

Encourage continuous learning and professional development within the audit team.

Attract and retain top talent to strengthen the future audit function and skills pipeline.

Stakeholder Management

Build and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders, including the Non-Life Insurance SA Board, Managing Executives, Exco teams, governance committees, and regulators.

Communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing, across all levels.

Attend key business committees and represent audits perspective on control assessments.

Understand client needs and align audit work to deliver value.

Develop in-depth knowledge of The Company and apply it to assurance responsibilities.

Drive positive stakeholder engagement to reinforce audits value.

Support Combined Assurance efforts across the three lines of defense to enhance the control environment.

Strategic Initiatives

Contribute to the development of a digitally enabled Internal Audit function.

Implement a stakeholder engagement model aligned with professional, value-driven, digitally savvy principles.

Support and contribute to the overall Internal Audit brand, positioning, and communication strategy.

Audit Delivery and Continuous Monitoring

Deliver timely, high-quality audit and governance reports in line with methodology and quality standards.

Maintain a risk-based internal audit plan for the Non-Life Insurance SA and Advice & Investment businesses.

Incorporate digital tools and data analytics in audit execution and continuous auditing efforts.

Provide clear, actionable reports to senior management, governance bodies, and regulators.

Exhibit professional skepticism and focus on residual risk when identifying and reporting audit findings.

Knowledge Management

Stay current on technical knowledge and industry developments.

Track and understand changes in regulations and audit standards.

Share best practices and guide peers to maintain high-quality audit outcomes.

Ensure compliance with all regulatory requirements, including Prudential Authority standards.

Qualifications

Preferred Education:

Bachelors Degree or Advanced Diploma in Business, Commerce, or Management Studies (Required)

Preferred Experience:

15+ years in Internal/External Audit, preferably in financial services or a Big 4 firm

Deep industry knowledge: Banking, Insurance, Bancassurance

Understanding of evolving financial products and applicable regulations

Knowledge and Skills

Insurance and Investments Industry knowledge

Regulatory Compliance

Commercial Acumen

Audit Methodology

Internal Controls

Leadership

Stakeholder Engagement

Influence and Negotiation

Resilience

Communication (verbal and written)

Attention to Detail

Analytical Thinking

Problem Solving

Strategic Thinking

Decision Making

Fit and Proper Requirements

Registration: Must be registered with the Prudential Authority as a key person.

Integrity: Highest standard of ethical conduct and integrity.

Competence: Possess necessary qualifications and experience for the role.

Financial Soundness: Maintain financial responsibility and stability.