Head Internal Audit at SBV Services (Pty) Ltd.

Description

Provides strategic direction for the Internal Audit function.

• Develop and maintain a strategy for the internal audit department that supports the strategic objectives of SBV and aligns to the expectations of the Audit and Risk Committee, Stratco and other stakeholders.
• Establish methodologies to guide the Internal Audit Department in a systematic and disciplined manner to implement the Internal Audit Strategy.
• Align to best practice and drive the adoption of the Global Internal Audit Standards as published by the Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA).
• Develop an in depth understanding of SBV’s governance, risk management and control processes and keep abreast of changes.
• Engage Stratco, the Audit and Risk Committee and other stakeholders across the organisation to gain insights on SBV’s governance, risk management and control processes.   
• Conduct a business wide review and formal clarification of the Lines of Defence within each function and their points of focus, thereafter, ensuring there is a clear understanding of the respective accountabilities of defence.
• Develop and manage the annual Strategic Audit Plan and update quarterly based upon any changes to the Strategic Risk Register.
• Keep abreast of changes in the Global Audit Industry to ensure that Internal Audit is aligned and remain current to the Global Audit standards.  
• Provide input into the Risk Management framework within SBV and ensure that all updates are applied uniformly across all functional areas of the organisation.
• Provide input into the Audit Committee effectiveness, advising the Chairperson, Stratco and the various stakeholders of any suggested improvements.

Manage the Internal Audit function.  

• Lead and direct the Internal Audit function so that it meets the SBV’s strategic objectives aligned to the professional standards.
• Identify where Internal Audit Assurance will add value across the organisation in South Africa, Lesotho and Namibia and facilitate the improvement.
• Collaborate with various stakeholders across the organisation to promote and support good governance. 
• Assist the organisation to understand the risk and benefits to good governance.
• Coordinate with internal and external providers of assurance services, minimising duplication of efforts, highlighting gaps in coverage of key risks and enhance overall value added by providers.
• Obtain insights derived from the gap analysis conducted by specialist 3rd parties and use this to improve the necessary risk control.
• Manage specialist 3rd parties used to conduct internal audits of the functional areas of SBV including IT, HR, Finance and Commercial etc.
• Conduct regular internal audit reviews of the Enterprise Risk Management framework.

Drive implementation of various projects within the Internal Audit function aligned to SBV’s strategic objectives.

• Drive ISO27001 certification within the Internal Audit department and manage the annual recertification audit process.
• Drive the Quality Assurance and Improvement Program, including the External Quality Assurance Review process as required by the Global Internal Audit Standards.
• Represent the Department as part of a project team for new centres and Business Development initiatives including the Enablement function.
• Provide advice on risk and internal control processes for new and developing systems, including major projects, programmes and policy initiatives whilst maintaining safeguards over independence.

Provide Reporting to various internal and external stakeholders.

• Provide reasonable assurance to the Chairman of the Audit and Risk Committee of the effectiveness of the business risk management, internal controls and other specific project assignments aligned to the Strategic Audit Coverage Plan and ad hoc assignments.
• Review and approve Internal Audit reports prior to distribution to line management.
• Manage the process tracking , follow-up, and ultimately close all open audit issues.
• Facilitate engagements with the respective audited areas when required, acting as an escalation point.
• Prepare and table reports at Risk Governance and Audit and Risk Committee meetings.

Drive the embedment of Technology within the Audit Function.

• Identify gaps, provide recommendations, leverage, and optimise the functionality of the integrated governance, risk management, compliance, and auditing system.
• Drive the adoption of data analytics and other audit-supporting technologies within the organisation including AI and machine learning.

Drive the organisation culture within the Internal Audit portfolio.

• Drive the department’s values while inspiring confidence and generating excitement, enthusiasm, and commitment towards the mission.
• Serve as a leader of the culture program, driving the desired behaviours and encouraging employee engagement.
• Create and implement strategies in collaboration with Change Management & HR to evaluate and maintain employee satisfaction.
• Drive Transformation and BBB-EE initiatives to ensure sustainable alignment to the company scorecard.

Lead as an Ambassador and executor of Change.

• Act as a change management architect in periods of change to ensure business continuity.
• Manage the integration of business units into a seamless end to end solution for customers.
• Effectively communicate and embed new processes and procedures as they occur, addressing or escalating matters / concerns to the SME’s (subject matter experts) when required.
• Facilitate the necessary presentations, workshops, or forums to ensure consistent and accurate communication is given across the Internal Audit portfolio.

People Management 

• Provide leadership to employees within the Internal Audit function. 
• Attract, hire, and retain a team of high-performing audit professionals who possess outstanding knowledge, experience, ethics, and integrity.
• Provide necessary guidance to auditors in the execution of the audit, ensuring that due professional care is practiced in Internal Audits conducted.
• Create an environment in which the Internal Audit team can perform internal audits while maintaining an impartial and unbiased attitude.
• Creates a conducive environment which translates into productivity and high morale within SBV. 
• Inspire one’s team to deliver on key performance areas.  
• Adhere to legislative requirements and Group policies and procedures.  
• Lead the focus on talent to instill value creation for high value contributors and encourage and facilitate in collaboration with HR learning opportunities for the Internal Audit department.  

Requirements

   Minimum Requirements: Work Experience and Education 

• 8 – 10 years of relevant auditing experience 
• Degree in Internal Auditing/Accounting or equivalent
• CA (SA)/CIA/CISA/Post Graduate qualification in Auditing/Accounting advantageous 
• Membership to the Institute of Internal Auditors advantageous