Audit Manager: Digital Audit Systems & Continuous Auditing (N000188) at North West University

Job description

PURPOSE OF THE POSITION

• To lead the planning, development, implementation, and ongoing management of the University’s enterprise-wide continuous auditing framework and related digital systems.
• This includes designing, programming, and maintaining custom-built software in Python for real-time audit automation, as well as deploying and managing dedicated servers, and integrating various university databases for internal audit purposes.
• The position also includes the development and operation of an audit assignment management system for the internal audit department.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Continuous Audit System Development & Oversight

• Design, code, deploy, and maintain enterprise-scale Python-based automation software.
• Integrate audit systems with multiple data sources (Oracle, MariaDB, MS Azure).
• Administer and secure the server infrastructure hosting automation scripts.
• Monitor, update and refine automated controls and red-flag alerts.
• Liaise with IT and Data Governance departments to ensure compliant access and architecture.

Internal Audit Systems Development (Web Application)

• Architect, build, and manage the department’s internal audit operational system.
• Maintain the database layer (MariaDB), security protocols, and user support.
• Implement upgrades and new features based on audit team feedback.

Strategic Leadership in Audit Automation

• Champion the version of digitised audit processes at NWU.
• Advise on technological capabilities and digital audit strategy.
• Document and train audit teams on automation outputs and insights.

Support to Internal Audit & Investigations

• Provide custom data extractions, forensic support, and risk assessments through scripting.
• Enable data-informed auditing across operational areas using continuous monitoring.

Administration, Governance, and Development

• Maintain compliance with IIA standards, and update protocols and manuals.
• Participate in professional development, mentor team members on data tools.

Minimum requirements

• A bachelor’s degree (NQF Level 7) in Informatics OR Computer Science OR Accounting.
• An honours degree (NQF Level 8) in Data Science OR Business Analytics OR Information Systems.
• A minimum of three (3) years’ automation or risk analytics experience as a project manager/partner.
• Experience in auditing/programming in a complex organisational setting (e.g. higher education, public sector).
• Experience in enterprise software development/management and database development/integration experience. 

ADDED ADVANTAGES:

• A masters’ degree (NQF Level 9) in IT Audit OR Cybersecurity OR Software Engineering OR Data Science OR Computer Science.
• Certified Data Analyst / AI / Python / (e.g. Data Camp, Coursera, Udacity).
• Certified Information Systems Auditor with the Information Systems Audit and Control Association.
• Professional membership with the Institute of Internal Auditors or Information System Audit and Control Association or the South African Institute Chartered Accountants.
• Certified Internal Auditor with the Institute of Internal Auditors.
• Certified Fraud Examiner.

KEY FUNCTIONAL/ TECHNICAL COMPETENCIES:

• Advanced - Programming -Python (advanced), SQL.
• Advanced - Databases - Oracle, MariaDB, MS Azure SQL.
• Advanced - Web development / maintenance - Joomla CMS, PHP (backend), Java (server-side scripting), HTML/CSS.
• Advanced - CMS & Backend Integration / maintenance - Joomla module and template development, integration with MariaDB.
• Systems - Server setup (Windows & Linux), security, backups, scheduling tasks.
• DevOps & Automation - Shell scripting, task scheduling, remote server maintenance. GitHub source control/version control
• API integration and secure data access protocols.
• CAATs / Audit Tech - Galvanize (ACL), Highbond, Power BI.
• Understanding and exposure - Risk & Audit Methodologies - Risk-based audit, COSO, IIA IPPF.
• Advanced knowledge of admin systems (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access and Microsoft Apps).
• Knowledge/exposure to higher education environment.
• Understanding/exposure to financial systems.
• Valid driver’s licence.

BEHAVIOURAL COMPETENCIES

• High self-management and ownership.
• Innovation and systems thinking.
• Analytical and critical thinking, and risk assessment ability.
• Professionalism and integrity.
• Business acumen and interpersonal skills, and ability to liaise internally and externally on different levels.
• Effective time management skills.
• Effective recordkeeping and administration skills.

Apply by: 31 October 2025