Forensics Manager (JHB Illovo) at BDO South Africa

The purpose of the role:

• The senior manager is responsible for conducting and managing investigations and preparing concise and quality forensic reports on client matters, projects and practice management, including billing and recoveries, directing and supervising staff who report to them.

Roles and Responsibilities:

Business Development:

• Compiling concise and well written proposals in response to requests from clients, internal referrals of work as well as unsolicited proposal;
• Compiling and input to presentations for client pitches, or part of the evaluation processes;
• Working across lines of services to collaborate/provide inputs on various opportunities;
• A point of contact and build relationships with clients during engagements; and
• Contribute to achieving the Unit’s revenue targets.
• Forensic Services 
• Investigation Planning procedures;
• Examining evidence, interviewing relevant parties, and conducting other forensic-related procedures to ascertain veracity of the allegations being investigated;
• Preparation for interviews and experience in interview protocols, and in the differences between information gathering, witness and admission seeking interviews, respectively.
• Preparation, briefings and working in conjunction with the Data Analyst and Acquisition Specialists, and incorporating such findings into the investigation, and report;
• Implement methodologies as necessitated or for enhancement of processes, in the investigations;
• Experience in writing forensic reports, including review of working papers /reports by specialists and practitioners, for review by Senior Manager or Director, including collation of exhibits. Strong experience in writing conclusions and recommendations in forensic reports;
• Working across lines of services to deliver on multi-disciplinary engagements; and
• Supporting related litigation and/or disciplinary proceedings, including evidence gathering 
• Advantageous to have experience in developing fraud risk management strategies and frameworks for client, facilitating fraud risk assessments and fraud Awareness programs/training across the entity for clients; and

Practice Management

• Maintenance of client information in order as required on the platform provided by the firm;
• Invoicing clients timeously and providing supporting information for invoice processes as when required by clients;
• Following up on invoices for timeous recoveries;
• Submission of timesheets as required;
• Submission of performance information t enable assessments on a timeous basis; 
• Attend and complete internal and/or external training as an when required;
• Attending to request as and when required for purposes of running an effective and forensic practice; and
• Attend internal meetings and represent the unit in specific allocated forums.

Other 

• Provide direction and supervise the tea during engagements;
• Motivate the team and provide technical support throughout engagement;
• Handling difficult and sensitive situations using sound, independent judgement within legal guidelines and ethical conduct; and
• Compliance with applicable laws, regulations, professional standards and BDO policies/procedures
• Proficiency with MS Office Suite
• Presentation Skills
• Attention to Detail
• Business Acumen by applying business concepts and principles to make informed decisions and achieve organisational goals
• The Forensic Manager will work closely with and report to the Senior Manager and/or the Director

Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree Accounting, Forensics, Auditing, Risk, Legal or related field
• Advantageous: A post graduate degree in the above-mentioned disciplines
• Certified Fraud Examiner and/or FP(SA) designation compulsory
• Minimum 6 years investigation experience, across multiple industries (one industry experience not preferred), and at least 2 years management experience.
• Advantageous:  Experience in the use of data analytics systems, presentation through visuals such as Power BI and IA 
• Effective leadership qualities.
• Effective communication skills.