Audit Business Manager: Internal Audit Operations at Absa Group Limited (Absa)

Job Summary

• To manage the overall IA Function operations and fulfilling responsibilities. This includes, Finance Management, Vendor Management, Functional Scorecard Performance Management, Complaints, Business Project Implementation, Strategy Implementation, Exco reporting, HR, Risk, Compliance and all other Operational matters.

Job Description

• Collaborate with the IA Leadership team to establish and implement the strategic goals and objectives of the IA Function. 
• Continuously improve the IA Function’s operating environment across change, systems, operations, governance and control to drive productivity and performance improvements within the function.
• Ensure that all activities and duties are carried out in full compliance with regulatory requirements, Enterprise Risk Management Framework and internal Absa Policies and Policy Standards
• Understand and manage risks and risk events (incidents) relevant to the role.
• Ensure embedment and continued enhancement of Workforce Management (i.e., resource planning, productivity management and capacity management).

Some of the key accountabilities include:

• Workforce Management (including scheduling, timesheets and co-sourcing) - Driving the 'Workforce Management' initiative across the IA Function.  This includes owning and enhancing the Scheduling tool and using the information for sound analysis and sharing, in relation to resource planning, productivity management and capacity management.  Required to continually monitor and enhance the workforce management processes (continuous improvement and benefits realisation), to aid resource and audit planning.
• Ensure that day-to-day IA Function operations run smoothly by coordinating efforts across IA teams and relevant IA stakeholders. 
• Create, put in place, embed and optimise rules and processes to improve operational efficiency and effectiveness of the IA Function.
• Continuously monitor the overall financial effectiveness of the IA Function, including the detailed financial budgets and transfer pricing, and advise of any possible deviations and the actions that have been created to address these.
• Provide and maintain transfer pricing methodology and drivers. 
• Review  transfer pricing arrangements that are in place.
• Manage the internal budgeting processes and drive accurate budget interlock processes across functions and Pan African businesses.
• Facilitation of Budgets and financial reports with Finance.
• Manage the relevant procurement processes, manage preferred supplier processes and implement controls to drive responsible spend behaviour in line with Absa policies.
• Manage strong relationships with the Finance and Procurement Business Partners (BP) and the Group Functions Finance and Procurement Support Teams. (Including suppliers, and Manco members, team members and other internal business partners). 
• Periodically review the tactical plans put in place in the IA Function to deliver the IA strategy as set out and ensure that continued focus and delivery is maintained on the key deliverables and continuous improvement.
• Manage FTE monitoring in context of cost, and functional scorecard targets.
• Manage the co-sourcing of skills process in line with prescribed and approved guidelines (cradle-to-grave)
• Oversee the management of IA Risk Management and Compliance to ensure smooth operations.
• Manage IA Function cost centres and mandates, monitor monthly cost centre management accounts in line with budgets.
• Manage accounts payable (invoice processing), travel, staff expense, accounting operations and fixed assets processes, and resolve issues relating to the COUPA or supporting systems.
• Agree and manage service offerings and Service Level Agreements with internal customers.
• Review proposals, quotes, invoices etc. and provide recommendations for approval in line with the Absa policies, standards and process.
• Oversee the management of the IA Governance Reporting and Operations teams to ensure smooth operations and that resources are available and operating effectively.
• Work closely with administrative colleagues involved in financial and business processes, facilitate training for colleagues to ensure quick adoption of the latest IA/ organisational policies and effective execution of these processes. 
• Proactively collaborate across different teams and geographies within the IA Function to break down silos.
• Provide direction and leadership to IA COO team members on IA Function operational matters.
• Manage the IA Function change initiatives within the required Absa policies and standards.

Strategic drivers for this role include:

• Workforce Management (including Productivity, Capacity and Resource Management)
• AuditPro and AuditBond – Technology tools for the efficient conducting and reporting of IA work.
• Talent Management
• Critical Process Assessments
• Co-sourcing

Education and Experience Required:

• B. Comm Hons Degree/ Relevant Business Administration Degree/ Masters in Business Administration (MBA), or relevant qualification
• Professional services experience
• At least 5 years’ senior experience in Internal Audit (preferred)

Knowledge & Skills:

• Sound project management and systems automation skills
• Internal Audit and/ or Financial Services experience
• Knowledge of the Banking environment
• Report writing skills
• Excellent communication and presentations skills, including ability to articulate facts and data as it pertains to internal audit, controls and risk.
• Project Management
• Operating management
• Strategic planning and implementation
• Stakeholder management skills
• Analytical Skills
• Conflict management Skills
• Networking Skills

Competencies:

• Entrepreneurial and commercial thinking
• Working with people
• Planning and organising
• Persuading and influencing
• Deciding and initiating action
• Coping with pressures and setbacks
• Adapting and responding to change
• Formulating strategies and concepts

Education

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