Internal Audit (N000184) at North West University

Job description
PURPOSE OF THE POSITION

• The Director: Internal Audit has overall responsibility for leading and managing the Internal Audit function of the NWU. The purpose of this role is to ensure that Internal Audit provides independent, objective assurance and consulting services designed to add value and improve the University’s operations.
• The incumbent is accountable for aligning the Internal Audit strategy and activities with the NWU strategy, institutional risk profile, and industry best practices. This includes oversight of continuous auditing, quality assurance, special and forensic investigations, risk and compliance alignment, and the development of a high performing, digitally enabled internal audit environment.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Audit Leadership and Strategy

• Develop and implement the Internal Audit Strategy aligned with the NWU strategic plan.
• Oversee the effectiveness of the continuous auditing and data analytics functions.
• Ensure stability of audit platforms, networks, and systems and maintain risk-based, value-adding audit programming.
• Drive digital transformation in audit processes in alignment with the University’s digital business strategy.
• Enhance staff capability in the use of technology assets including the use of AI and other automation tools and analytics for analysis in their work, through technical training and knowledge-sharing in technology-enabled auditing.

Quality Assurance and Continuous Improvement

• Lead the implementation of the Internal Audit Quality and Improvement Plan.
• Conduct periodic internal quality assessments and coordinate external quality reviews.
• Ensure full conformance with IIA Standards and the International Professional Practices Framework (IPPF).
• Develop, maintain, and enhance Internal Audit manuals, methodologies, and quality standards
• Special and Forensic Investigations including Fraud Risk Management
• Oversee special investigations and ensure timely, effective, and confidential handling of reported irregularities.
• Maintain and monitor the Special Investigation Register and whistleblowing mechanisms.
• Support management in implementing the Anti-Fraud Strategy and preventive internal controls.
• Monitor the resolution of control weaknesses arising from investigations.
• Include progress with special investigations and other required reporting to ARCC or EXCO.
• Maintain a proper whistleblowing procedure and reporting mechanisms to report/detect irregularities/misconduct by employees, students and the public.
• Oversee detection scripts and data analytics to identify potential fraud risks.

Assurance and Audit Planning

• Develop and execute a comprehensive risk-based internal audit plan aligned with institutional goals, approved by the ARCC.
• Evaluate and report on the effectiveness of governance, risk management, and internal control systems.
• Oversee all audit activities (assurance, compliance, IT, and financial) and ensure value-adding recommendations to management.
• Present quarterly reports to ARCC and executive management on audit results and control improvements.
• Ensure effective coordination between internal audit, external audit, risk management, and compliance units to strengthen combined assurance.

Governance, Risk and Compliance Management Support

• Serve as a key advisor on integrated risk, compliance management frameworks and internal control matters.
• Support business continuity and disaster recovery planning.
• Ensure alignment of internal audit findings and recommendations with institutional risk priorities.

Reporting and Communication

• On a quarterly basis report audit findings, recommendations, and the overall state of the control environment to the Vice Chancellor, executive management, and the Council through the Audit, Risk and Compliance Committee

Financial and Resource Management

• Plan, manage, and monitor the financial resources of the Internal Audit function.
• Ensure compliance with NWU financial policies and achieve cost efficiency.
• Oversee procurement and contracting processes for outsourced audit, forensic and IT audit services, system requirements, etc.

People Leadership and Development

• Lead, manage, and mentor the Internal Audit team to ensure high performance and professionalism.
• Promote Employment Equity, diversity, and transformation within the unit.
• Build a culture of ethical conduct, teamwork, and continuous learning

Minimum requirements

• A postgraduate/honours degree in Internal Audit/Accounting/Cost and Management Accounting.
• A master’s degree in Internal Audit/ Accounting will serve as a strong recommendation.
• Must be an accredited CA(SA) or Certified Internal Auditor.
• Must have membership with an applicable professional body.
• A minimum of ten (10) years’ specialist internal auditing experience, including experience at a senior managerial level of at least 8 years.                                         

KEY FUNCTIONAL/TECHNICAL COMPETENCIES:

• Strategic Leadership and Management
• Expert knowledge of the International Professional Practices Framework (IPPF), IIA Standards, and related audit principles.
• Strong understanding of corporate governance, risk management, and compliance frameworks in the higher education and public sector environment.
• Advanced knowledge of internal audit methodologies, data analytics, and continuous auditing systems.
• Proficiency in audit management systems (e.g., Highbond, IAS) and digital audit tools (CAATs, ACL, IDEA, Power BI, etc.).
• Strong financial management and budgeting acumen.
• Knowledge of forensic investigation principles, anti-fraud strategies, and whistleblowing procedures.
• A catalyst for organizational improvement and value creation, driving innovative solutions and strategic enhancements within the Internal Audit function.
• Sound understanding of IT audit controls, information security, and digital transformation trends.
• Skilled in developing and implementing quality assurance and improvement programmes.
• Ability to interpret complex data and translate findings into strategic recommendations.
• Indepth knowledge of university governance structures and statutory reporting to ARCC, Council, and regulatory bodies. This is desirable
• Expert knowledge of the International Professional Practices Framework (IPPF), IIA Standards, and related audit principles.

KEY BEHAVIOURAL COMPETENCIES:

• Integrity and Ethics: Demonstrates impartiality, confidentiality, and high ethical standards in all engagements.
• Decision-Making and Judgement: Makes informed, balanced decisions under pressure and in complex governance contexts.
• Analytical and Critical Thinking: Synthesises complex data into meaningful insights that drive institutional improvement.
• Communication and Influence: Communicates effectively across governance levels, influencing outcomes with professionalism and credibility.
• Change Leadership: Leads transformation and digital modernisation of the audit function with agility and foresight.
• Relationship Building: Fosters constructive relationships with management, ARCC, and external stakeholders.
• Accountability and Ownership: Takes responsibility for audit outcomes, ensuring transparency and follow-through.
• People Leadership: Develops talent, empowers and inspire teams, and builds an inclusive, high-performance culture.
• Resilience and Adaptability: Remains composed, solutions-focused, and effective in a dynamic, multi-campus environment.
• Independence & Objectivity: The ability to work without bias and free from conditions that threaten the ability to perform responsibilities impartially.
• Interpersonal Skills: Strong relationship-building skills to collaborate effectively with management and other departments while maintaining independence.

Apply by: 15 January 2026