Data Analytics Specialist - Parktown at Hollard Insurance

Job Advert Summary    
The Specialist: Data Analytics will be responsible for providing data-driven insights and analytics support to the Internal Audit team. The role involves analysing various data sources to identify trends, anomalies and areas of risk within Hollard, its subsidiaries, as well as key partners. The specialist will work closely with audit teams to enhance audit efficiency and effectiveness through the use of analytical tools and techniques.

Strategy and Planning:

• Support the Data Analytics Manager in developing an audit/advisory plan.
• Deliver on the internal audit strategic objectives, specifically those involving continuous auditing and monitoring, as well as data-driven insights and reporting.

Operational/ Technical:

• Develop a thorough understanding of the overarching risk universe, processes and associated internal controls, issues, pertinent regulations and risks associated with the engagement scope.
• Prepare data analytics audit programs that are aligned to the Risk and Control Matrices of the assigned audits.
• Ensure the quality and integrity of data used in analytics projects.
• Execute data analytics fieldwork using relevant tools such as ACL and SQL.
• Develop data analytics scripts for continuous monitoring purposes.
• Review own working papers for quality and completeness before sending them to the Audit Manager for review.
• Document findings for discussion with auditee/management, as well as validate exceptions for factual correctness.
• Take responsibility for clearing and finalising all review notes and queries.
• Manage client interaction for allocated areas of scope. 
• Stay abreast of industry trends and advancements in data analytics and audit technology, as well as new regulatory pronouncements.
• Track audit process status for allocated section and effectively communicate any anticipated challenges, delays, etc.

Stakeholder Engagement:

• Collaborate with audit teams to integrate data analytics into the audit workflow.
• Build mutually beneficial relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Practice effective communication skills.
• Ensure a thorough understanding of the business environment, strategies, challenges and risks as well as prevailing legislation and emerging industry trends.

Financial Management:

• Effectively adhere to the budget (schedule, cost and scope) applicable to projects, as well as areas of responsibility.

Human Resources:

• Complete the necessary training as agreed in IDP (Individual Development Programme).
• Live the Hollard Way.
• Take responsibility for own career and performance management.
• Contribute to the social committee and attend social activities.

Required Knowledge and Experience    

• 3-5 years related audit experience, of which a minimum of 3 years in data analytics.

Knowledge

• Financial services knowledge and/or experience, with insurance industry experience preferred.
• Knowledge of the business environment and value-chain.
• Understanding of internal audit standards, methodology and best practice.
• Ba sic knowledge of data governance principles and frameworks (e.g. DAMA).
• Intermediate understanding of database structures.
• Basic understanding of system architecture and data flows.

Skills

• Proficiency in data analytics software and tools (e.g. ACL, SQL, SAS, IDEA, Python, R, Tableau, Power BI, etc.). Experience in ACL is an advantage.
• Ability to translate complex data into actionable insights for non-technical audiences.
• Strong scripting ability.
• Ability to effectively plan and set priorities for self (time management).
• Good communicator.
• Ability to build strong relationships and to work with others towards shared goals.
• Team player, able to collaborate and support peers and colleagues.
• Strong problem-solving skills.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Good report writing and presentation skills.

Educational Requirements    

• Relevant degree/diploma in IT, data or audit.
• One or more of the following (or related) data/IT-related certifications:
• ACDA;
• Structured Query Language (SQL) certifications;
• Google or IBM Data Analytics Professional;
• Microsoft Power BI Data Analyst Associate;
• Certified Data Management Professional (CDMP);
• Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA); and
• Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) / Professional Internal Auditor (PIA).