Forensics Operations Specialist at Absa Group Limited (Absa)

Job Summary

• The Forensics Operations Specialist is responsible for supporting and executing end-to-end fraud, cyber and physical investigations, while managing administrative and operational tasks to ensure the effective and efficient functioning of the Insider Trust Team. The role includes evidence gathering, conducting investigations, data analysis and preparing case reports for stakeholders, providing actionable insights and recommendations. This position collaborates with internal teams and external stakeholders to identify and mitigate risks.

Job Description

Investigation & Risk Mitigation

• Conduct end-to-end investigations into fraud, cyber and physical investigations, ensuring compliance with investigative methodologies and internal procedures.
• Analyze and evaluate evidence to support case conclusions, ensuring adherence to regulatory reporting requirements (e.g., PRECCA, FICA, and ABAC).
• Provide investigation findings, recommendations, and risk mitigation strategies to business units and stakeholders, supporting financial recovery, disciplinary, and criminal proceedings.
• Escalate risks and trends identified during investigations to relevant business units for proactive remediation.

Case Management & Administration

• Register and manage case records on the Forensics Case Management System for investigations.
• Monitor, prioritize, and update investigation tasks, ensuring accurate, complete, and timeous case registration and record-keeping.
• Refer proactive investigation leads to relevant internal teams and maintain oversight to ensure timely feedback.
• Compile comprehensive case reports, including investigation findings, impact assessments, and process improvement recommendations.

Operational Compliance & Reporting

• Adhere to internal policies, regulatory mandates, and compliance frameworks, such as operational risk, financial crime reporting, and data privacy regulations.
• Ensure timely reporting and submission of investigation outcomes, insights, and executive summaries for high-impact cases to senior management and EXCO.
• Support reporting and engagement with regulatory and law enforcement bodies, such as the SAPS, and industry forums (e.g., SABRIC and SAFPS).

Stakeholder Engagement & Relationship Management

• Build and maintain collaborative relationships with internal business units, risk, and fraud departments, as well as external entities like law enforcement, banks, and service providers.
• Facilitate cross-functional support, knowledge sharing, and best practices to enhance operational effectiveness and risk reduction.
• Serve as a key point of contact for investigations, fraud awareness training, and stakeholder communications related to emerging risks and trends.

Risk Identification, Prevention & Awareness

• Identify and escalate emerging insider risk issues to relevant business units and forums for mitigation and closure.
• Collaborate with the Absa Forensics and Security Teams to identify areas for process improvement and recommend control enhancements.
• Provide subject matter expertise to support insider threat awareness initiatives, training materials, and industry best practices to reinforce a culture of vigilance.

Qualification 

• Relevant Degree, postgraduate qualification
• CFE Advantageous

Education

• Bachelor`s Degrees and Advanced Diplomas: Law, Military Science and Security (Required)