Underwriting Audit Specialist

Sanlam; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 600 000 - 800 000; Full time

Job summary

An insurance leader in Johannesburg is seeking an Underwriting Audit Specialist to enhance governance and risk management within the organization. Ideal candidates will have a Bachelor’s Degree in Internal Audit and at least 5 years of experience in short term insurance. This role demands significant auditing skills and the ability to influence stakeholders effectively. Join a company committed to diversity and growth.

Qualifications

• 5 to 7 years of short term insurance knowledge, preferably corporate and commercial insurance.
• Experience in performing underwriting and reinsurance reviews is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Conduct objective audit reviews within underwriting processes.
• Assist with audit planning and execution.

Skills

Knowledge of personal lines, commercial products

Working knowledge of legislation and regulations

Strong verbal and written communication skills

Facilitation and influencing skills

Stakeholder management skills

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Internal Audit

Advanced Certificate in Short Term Insurance

Tools

Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint)

Job description

What will you do?

A position of Underwriting Audit Specialist exists in Santam Corporate Services to be based in Alice Lane Sandton, Gauteng.

The purpose of the Audit Specialist is to a play a significant role in delivering on the Internal Audit Charter, plan and improving the overall governance, risk management and control environment within the Santam Group. This role will therefore form part of the Specialist Underwriting assurance team within the Santam Group Internal Audit function and will be responsible for specific underwriting and/or reinsurance related assurance work in Santam Limited, MiWay, Centriq and Santam Structured Insurance.

What will make you successful in this role?

• Perform objective audit reviews within the underwriting processes at Santam Ltd, its subsidiaries, portfolio managers and underwriting agencies.
• Assist with audit planning in terms of assignment objectives and scope of work.
• Responsible for audit execution; reporting in an effective and timely manner and follow-up processes.
• Advise on practical recommendations.
• Follow up on audit issues raised and provide input into the reports to the Santam Audit Committee and other governance structures as required.
• Maintain quality standards in terms of the audit methodology, approach and documentation of work performed; building relations with partners and various key stakeholders.
• Travel nationally will be required from time to time.

Qualification and Experience

• Bachelor’s Degree in Internal Audit or equivalent.
• Advanced Certificate in Short Term Insurance would be advantageous.
• 5 to 7 years short term insurance knowledge, specifically in corporate and commercial insurance, internal auditing would be advantageous.
• Working knowledge and understanding of treaty, facultative reinsurance processes and reinsurance accounting would be advantageous.
• Understanding of an outsourced business model; and experience in performing underwriting and reinsurance reviews would be advantageous.

Skills

• Knowledge of personal lines, commercial products, assets all risk policies and other business processes including reinsurance.
• Working knowledge of legislation, regulations applicable to the financial industry (FAIS, Insurance Act, TCF, POPi) and supporting regulations i.e.: Prudential Authority knowledge of the Governance and Financial Standards of Insurers (GOI and FSI) and FAIS.
• General knowledge of various insurance software applications and knowledge of Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint DrawIo) at intermediate or advanced.
• Facilitation skills and ability to influence individuals, groups and teams.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills;
• Stakeholder management skills;
• Influencing and negotiation skills.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication and networking skills across all levels.
• Strong integrity and dealing with confidentiality.
• Report writing skills.
• Professionalism, excellent judgement, use of discretion and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to work and make decisions independently; and
• Influencing/ Gaining Commitment.

Core Competencies

Being resilient - Contributing independently Collaborates - Contributing independently Cultivates innovation - Contributing independently Customer focus - Contributing independently Drives results - Contributing independently

About The Company

Santam is the market leader in the general insurance industry in Southern Africa. As a large, diversified, and expanding company, we are committed to transformation and growth. While our headquarters are in South Africa, we are rapidly extending our presence into emerging markets across Africa and Asia.

With a client base of over 1 million policyholders, Santam serves individuals, commercial enterprises, specialist business owners, and institutions—including 80 of the Top 100 companies listed on the JSE. Our commitment to Insurance, Good and Proper goes beyond just providing cover—we offer peace of mind, ensuring our clients can focus on living in the moment, not worrying about the unexpected. Because at Santam, we believe the freedom to seize every day is worth protecting.

People drive our business, and we are committed to attracting the best talent, whether for permanent roles or short-term opportunities.

Santam is committed to diversity, inclusion, and belonging. As an equal opportunity employer, we encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds, including persons with disabilities. We are dedicated to neuro-inclusivity and fostering a workplace where everyone can thrive.

Take the next step in your career—apply now and be part of a company that’s shaping the future of insurance. This is Freedom!