The Head of Audit

Boardroom Appointments; South Africa; On-site; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading recruitment firm in South Africa is seeking an experienced Head of Audit for the Non-Life Insurance sector. The ideal candidate will possess 15+ years of experience in auditing, specifically within financial services, and will have strong capabilities in leadership and stakeholder management. This role involves leading audit functions, managing teams, and ensuring compliance with regulatory standards. A competitive package is offered for the right candidate.

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 strong relationships with key stakeholders.
• Deliver high-quality audit and governance reports.

Skills

Leadership

Stakeholder Engagement

Commercial Acumen

Risk Management

Analytical Thinking

Education

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

Relevant professional qualifications (e.g., CA, CIA, CISA)

Job description

About the job The Head of Audit

Head of Audit: Non-Life Insurance SA

Leadership and People Management

• 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)
• Relevant professional qualifications (e.g., CA, CIA, CISA)

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

Technical Competencies:

• Insurance and Investments Industry knowledge
• Regulatory Compliance
• Commercial Acumen
• Financial Analysis
• Risk Management
• Audit Methodology
• Internal Controls

Behavioural Competencies:

• Leadership
• Stakeholder Engagement
• Influence and Negotiation
• Resilience
• Communication (verbal and written)
• Attention to Detail

Cognitive Competencies:

• Analytical Thinking
• Problem Solving
• Strategic Thinking
• Decision Making
• Risk Awareness

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.