Control Assurance Specialist at M&G Investments Southern Africa

Overview

• A vacancy has arisen for a Control Assurance Specialist within the M&G Control Assurance team. The successful candidate will function autonomously while working alongside a driven, successful and extremely competent team of risk and governance professionals. This position would suit someone with a very good academic record, who is adaptable and who can work to high standards and across multiple disciplines. The successful incumbent will thrive in a challenging, pressured environment with exposure at all levels of the organisation.

Key Responsibilities

• Process and thematic reviews:
• Engage at various levels of the organisation both internally and externally
• Complete process and thematic reviews, per the Control Assurance plan
• To assess control adequacy of controls by reviewing process documentation, risk and control self-assessments, etc.
• Suggest and agree actions with Management to remediate any weaknesses identified
• Perform control effectiveness testing to ensure that suggested remedial actions/controls are implemented within processes/business areas
• Consider the risk management process outcomes (risk and control assessment, key risk indicators, feedback from Management) to assess areas of process and control improvements
• Operational Risk activities and analysis which includes but is not limited to:
• Review, analysis and reporting of incidents across the organisation
• Analysis of incidents to determine root causes, trends and repeat incidents
• Incident reporting to Executive management, Risk and Compliance and Audit Committee
• Provide input into key risk indicators as required and provide input into risk management processes
• Support and assist Management to implement risk management requirements across the business
• External assurance providers:
• Engage with the ISAE 3402 external auditor and Management across the organisation to co-ordinate the delivery of control effectiveness testing across the business
• Support management with exception remediation, identifying compensating controls, remedial actions to improve and enhance controls
• Provide challenge and oversight in the ISAE review process specific to processes and controls updates
• Engage with Management and external auditors to facilitate workshops, walkthroughs, status update meetings, and report sign off.
• Internal Audit Reviews:
• Facilitate business readiness reviews by reviewing process documentation, approval frameworks, consider regulation applicable to audit scope, and engage with Management to assist in internal audit reviews
• Assist with the delivery of internal audit reviews including providing input to scope and timelines, facilitate walkthroughs, and provide input into draft report observations
• Follow up on review findings and engage with the business to ensure that findings are closed out in a timeous manner.

Attributes, Qualifications, Skills & Experience

• Tertiary qualification in Commerce/Certified Internal Auditor.
• A minimum of five years working experience in financial services or asset management.
• Asset management experience is preferred.
• Experience in audit or risk management.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent numeracy skills.
• Technical understanding of financial products and instruments.

Key abilities:

• Take initiative and work independently.
• Be assertive and self-driven.
• Build effective relationships externally and internally.
• High tolerance to stress.
• Work to process.
• Competencies & Personal Attributes
• Good problem solving and analytical skills.
• Well-developed communication skills.
• Ability to work under pressure with limited supervision.
• Ability to maintain service standards.
• Ability to work accurately and in detail.
• Ability to work in a team environment.
• Action orientated.
• Excellent planning and organising.
• Ability to liaise with all levels of management in a professional manner.
• Self-starter.