Head of Forensic Services (JHB Illovo) at BDO South Africa

Purpose of the role:

• The Head of Forensic Services is a senior leadership role responsible for the national direction and growth of BDO’s forensic practice. As an Equity Partner/Director, this leader will set the strategic vision for a broad suite of forensic services – including digital forensics, forensic accounting investigations, regulatory and compliance advisory, fraud risk management, and litigation support – ensuring these services meet the highest industry and ethical standards. The role entails leading a multidisciplinary team of forensic specialists (forensic accountants, legal experts, digital forensic analysts, etc.) and collaborating closely with BDO’s global network of forensic professionals to deliver exceptional client service on complex matters. The Head of Forensics will drive business development, innovation, and best practices across the division, positioning BDO as a top-tier provider of forensic services in line with Big Four firm standards.

Main duties and responsibilities:

• Strategic Leadership: Develop and implement the national forensic practice strategy, including robust policies, procedures, and investigation methodologies, to guide BDO’s forensic accounting and investigation services. Set a clear vision that aligns the forensic practice with firm-wide objectives and industry best practices.
• Service Line Oversight: Oversee and integrate the full range of BDO’s forensic service offerings – digital forensics, forensic accounting investigations, fraud and financial crime investigations, regulatory compliance reviews (e.g. anti-bribery and corruption, AML), fraud risk assessments, and dispute/litigation support – ensuring each service line is delivered with technical excellence and operational efficiency. Continuously develop these service lines (proactive, reactive, and remedial services) to meet emerging client needs and threats.
• Quality & Methodology: Establish and enforce rigorous forensic investigation protocols and quality control measures. This includes setting investigation methodologies, overseeing evidence-handling standards, and reviewing key investigation reports to ensure findings are sound and meet required industry and legal standards. Serve as the final quality assurance checkpoint on major deliverables (reports, expert witness statements, etc.), safeguarding BDO’s reputation for integrity and accuracy.
• Client Engagement & Relationship Management: Act as a senior advisor on high-profile engagements, providing subject matter expertise and oversight on complex cases (e.g. large-scale fraud investigations, corruption inquiries, litigation matters). Strengthen relationships with existing clients and develop new client partnerships by delivering exceptional service and building trust. Maintain personal visibility with key clients (including corporates, law firms, government agencies) and actively resolve client issues or escalations.
• Business Development and Market Growth: Drive business development initiatives to expand BDO’s forensic client base and revenue. This includes identifying market opportunities, innovating new forensic service offerings, leading go-to-market strategies, and overseeing the preparation of proposals and bids for significant projects. Represent BDO’s forensic practice in the marketplace through networking, thought leadership (e.g. speaking at industry forums, publishing insights), and building the brand as a leader in forensics, comparable to top-tier competitors.
• Regulatory & Law Enforcement Liaison: Build and maintain strong relationships with law enforcement agencies, regulatory authorities, and industry bodies to facilitate cooperation in investigations and stay abreast of regulatory developments. Ensure the forensic practice remains fully compliant with relevant laws and regulations, and that BDO is viewed as a trusted partner by regulators in matters of fraud, corruption, and compliance.
• Global & Cross-Functional Collaboration: Leverage the resources and expertise of the BDO global network by collaborating on cross-border investigations and sharing best practices. Work closely with BDO’s global Forensics leaders and contribute to global initiatives to harmonize methodologies and services. Also engage with other service lines and multidisciplinary teams (e.g. Audit, Risk Advisory, Cybersecurity, Legal) on joint projects to deliver holistic solutions to clients’ complex problems.
• Practice Operations and Risk Management: Oversee the operational management of the forensic practice, including budgeting, resource allocation, and utilization. Ensure that robust risk management, independence, and quality assurance processes are in place for all engagements, in line with BDO and industry standards. Continuously seek ways to improve operational effectiveness and productivity of the division (e.g. through technology adoption, process improvement), while maintaining a focus on quality, integrity, and ethical conduct in all operations.
• Team Leadership & Talent Development: Lead, mentor, and inspire the national forensic team, which may include directors, managers, investigators, digital forensic specialists, and support staff. Manage talent development by recruiting high-Caliber professionals, providing coaching and training opportunities, and creating a culture of excellence, collaboration, and continuous learning. Act as a mentor and coach, cultivating the next generation of forensic leaders through performance management, career guidance, and skills development.
• Thought Leadership and Innovation: Stay at the forefront of emerging trends in forensic technology, data analytics, and investigative techniques. Promote the use of advanced digital forensic tools, data analytics, and innovative methodologies in the practice. Encourage the team to embrace new technologies (e.g. e-discovery platforms, forensic data analytics software) and continuously update our services. Provide thought leadership by developing insights on issues such as fraud risk, cybercrime, and regulatory changes, ensuring BDO’s forensic services remain cutting-edge and competitive in the industry.
• Ethics and Best Practice Compliance: Uphold the highest standards of professional ethics, independence, and confidentiality in all forensic activities. Guide the team in adhering to BDO’s quality and risk management protocols and to industry guidelines (e.g. chain of custody, evidence handling, reporting standards). Foster an environment of integrity and objectivity, ensuring the forensic practice’s work is beyond reproach and instils confidence in clients, regulators, and other stakeholders.

Requirements:

Qualifications:

• Chartered Accountant (CA(SA)) qualification, Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE)
• Master’s in finance, Forensic Accounting, Law, or a related field is preferred

Experience :

• At least 15 years of experience in the forensic investigations field with a strong track record of handling complex fraud, financial crime, or dispute matters.
• A minimum of 10 years in a senior management or leadership role (director, partner, or equivalent) is required, preferably within a Big Four or leading professional services firm environment
• The incumbent should have demonstrable experience growing a practice or business unit, including managing teams and budgets.

Requirements:

• Technical Expertise: Deep expertise in forensic accounting and investigations is essential, including experience in fraud investigation, anti-bribery/corruption compliance, litigation support (dispute advisory, expert witness testimony), and use of forensic technology (digital forensics, e-discovery, data analytics).
• Familiarity with relevant laws and regulations (e.g. anti-fraud legislation, AML/CFT laws, data privacy laws) and experience liaising with law enforcement/regulators on investigations is expected.
• Client & Market Experience: Proven ability to work with a wide range of clients, both in the private and public sectors. Experience in consulting and professional services is critical – including skills in selling and marketing forensic services, leading client presentations/proposals, and developing new business.
• A history of managing high-profile engagements and providing expert testimony or reports in legal/regulatory proceedings will be beneficial.
• Global Outlook: Experience with cross-border investigations or international clients is highly valued. The ideal candidate brings a global perspective on forensic issues and has the ability to collaborate within an international network of professionals.

Job Skills and Competencies :

• Strategic Vision & Commercial Acumen
• Leadership & People Development
• Technical Proficiency in Forensics
• Client Service & Communication
• Ethical Judgment & Integrity
• Analytical & Problem-Solving Skills
• Relationship Building & Collaboration

Behavioural Competencies:

Leadership:

• Setting a Vision: Clearly articulating the department's goals and direction, inspiring and motivating the team to achieve them.
• Empowering Others: Delegating effectively, fostering a sense of ownership and accountability within the team.
• Making Decisions: Analyzing situations, weighing options, and making timely and informed decisions.
• Providing Direction: Clearly communicating expectations, providing guidance and support to team members.

Communication:

• Active Listening: Attentively listening to team members, understanding their concerns and perspectives.
• Clear and Concise Communication: Effectively conveying information, both verbally and in writing, to various stakeholders.
• Giving and Receiving Feedback: Providing constructive feedback to team members and being open to feedback from others.

Interpersonal Skills:

• Building Relationships: Establishing rapport with team members, fostering a positive and collaborative work environment.
• Conflict Resolution: Effectively addressing and resolving conflicts within the team or with other departments.
• Teamwork: Promoting collaboration and cooperation within the team, fostering a sense of unity and shared purpose.

Adaptability and Resilience:

• Responding to Change: Adapting to new situations, challenges, and priorities, remaining flexible and resourceful.
• Coping with Pressure: Maintaining composure under pressure, managing stress effectively, and persevering through setbacks.

Strategic Thinking and Planning:

• Developing Strategies: Identifying opportunities and challenges, developing strategies to achieve departmental goals.
• Resource Management: Effectively managing resources (financial, human, etc.) to optimize departmental performance.

Results Orientation:

• Setting Goals and Objectives: Establishing clear, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) goals for the department.
• Monitoring Progress: Tracking progress towards goals, identifying areas for improvement, and taking corrective actions.

Ethical Conduct:

• Integrity and Transparency: Maintaining high ethical standards, acting with honesty and integrity in all interactions
• Accountability: Taking responsibility for actions and decisions, ensuring accountability within the department. 

BDO Core Competencies :

• Relationships and Collaboration
• Exceptional Client Service
• Business Growth
• Engaging people
• Leadership
• Quality, risk management and operational performance