Internal Audit Manager - Retail (SME) at Absa South Africa

Job Summary

• To plan, execute and manage audit assignments in accordance with the country and Group Audit plan and relevant policies, procedures and quality standards.
• The Audit Manager is responsible for the quality of the audit work performed and the efficiency and effectiveness of the audit team.

Job Description

• Internal Audit Manager for Retail Credit Risk, you will serve as a Technical Subject Matter Expert (SME) and senior leader within the Internal Audit function driving complex audit engagements, provide credible challenge to senior business and risk stakeholders, and influence strategic decisions relating to retail credit risk across the organisation.
• You will lead end-to-end internal audit delivery, taking full accountability for scoping, planning, execution, and reporting. This includes oversight of audit testing, review of audit documentation, and presenting high-quality findings to senior and executive management. You will also play a key role in enhancing audit methodology and elevating the technical capabilities of the audit team, especially in line with evolving retail credit risk regulations and industry practices.
• This role demands expert knowledge of retail credit risk management frameworks, regulatory expectations, and associated risk modelling, alongside excellent leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills.

Key Areas of Audit Assurance:

Retail Credit Risk Management Functions:

• Evaluate the design and effectiveness of end-to-end credit risk processes across secured and unsecured portfolios.
• Provide assurance over credit policy, origination, decisioning, pricing, risk appetite alignment, account management, collections, and forbearance/restructuring practices.
• Review credit risk modelling practices including scorecards, behavioural models, PD/LGD/EAD estimates, and impairment (IFRS 9).
• Assess retail portfolio segmentation, risk aggregation, early warning indicators, stress testing, and risk-adjusted performance measures.

Regulatory Compliance & Capital Framework:

• Review compliance with Basel III and other regulatory frameworks related to retail credit risk, including ICAAP, ILAAP, and Pillar 3 disclosures.
• Assess the bank’s internal processes for identifying, measuring, and managing its credit risk exposures and capital adequacy specific to the retail environment.

Leadership & Technical SME Responsibilities:

• Provide thought leadership and subject matter expertise across the internal audit function on all matters related to retail credit risk.
• Lead and develop high-performing audit teams, ensuring technical excellence, strong collaboration, and talent development.
• Actively contribute to the enhancement of audit methodology, quality standards, and risk-based planning processes.
• Build strong relationships with business unit leaders, Risk, Compliance, and external regulators, acting as a trusted advisor while maintaining independence and objectivity.

Education:

• Minimum of 5 years’ experience in internal audit, retail credit risk, credit policy, or credit analytics within a financial services environment.
• Proven technical expertise in retail credit products (secured and unsecured), and a deep understanding of associated credit risk management frameworks, policies, and regulatory expectations (e.g. Basel III, IFRS 9).
• Demonstrated experience in reviewing or building credit scoring models, risk segmentation approaches, and impairment calculations.

Education

• Bachelor`s Degrees and Advanced Diplomas: Business, Commerce and Management Studies (Required)

End Date: November 3, 2025