Internal Auditor - Data Analytics at Absa

Job Summary

• To monitor the risk profile of the business and execute audit assignments in accordance with the Group Audit Plan and Internal Audit methodology, relevant policies, procedures and quality standards.

Job Description

Overall Job Purpose:

The core responsibilities of the Data Analytics Analyst are to:

• Execute scoped work (as data analyst and/or data scientist)
• Drive advancement and development in the analytics space through defined strategic initiatives
• Act and deliver in accordance with Internal Audit plans, methodologies, policies and procedures
• Able to adapt to change with an agile working environment

Accountability:  Delivery

• Arrange access to data warehouses and regularly required data sources.
• Arranging the secure receipt of data files from business via multiple channels.
• Creation of a data dictionary including definitions and availability (where appropriate).
• Build and maintain common data sets regularly required by audit delivery teams.
• Assist with data cleaning and preparation for audit delivery teams.
• Build and maintain a library of re-usable automated auditing programmes and functional specifications.
• Develop sustainable and re-useable Data Analytics models, programs and dashboards to improve the efficiency of ABSA Group Internal Audit and to improve audit coverage.
• Development of data analytics models and programmes.
• Support audit delivery teams with the development of complex/insightful data analytics tests.
• Adhering to data transfer and security requirements.

Accountability:  Engagement and Strategy Management 

• Executing on delivery of strategic initiatives.
• Support audit delivery teams with the identification and delivery of analytics solutions.
• Provide training to audit staff on how to develop and execute basic analytics programs

Accountability:  Stakeholder Management

• Build relationships with data warehouse stakeholders and data providers.
• Share knowledge with Internal Audit colleagues and peers in the business. Be open to learn from others through feedback given to you.
• Treat all colleagues fairly, regardless of background or circumstance.
• Be comfortable to challenge others; be prepared to be challenged.
• Update the Data Analytics Champions and Data Analytics Leads with progress of development.
• Build relationships with key clients including data warehouse stakeholders and business MI teams.
• Build strong relationships and mutual trust with all internal stakeholders (i.e. audit teams).
• Understand the needs of client/customer and make decisions using this knowledge.

Accountability:  Knowledge Management

• Own and drive personal learning to support achievement of career aspirations.
• Improve technical knowledge through self-learning or training including mandatory CPE requirements.
• Knowledge sharing with Internal Audit colleagues and peers in the business.
• Develop/implement data analytics driven business-monitoring programmes to support the Internal Audit teams.
• Research & Development of data analytics tools and trends to bolster the team's knowledge
• Where applicable, attend conferences and training to grow the awareness and knowledge base around Analytics and/or Internal Audit.

Accountability:  Decision-making and Problem Solving

• Develop analytics for all areas of the audit process (risk assessment, controls testing and outcomes testing), as well as using analytics as a tool to support processes and procedures throughout the process.
• Update the Data Analytics Director and audit team with progress and observations
• Proactively take on additional tasks as requested by Vice Presidents / Directors / Managing Directors.
• Suggest practical ways of improving audit work through the use of analytics.

Relevant professional qualifications, skills and experience: 

• B Degree (Commercial, Informatics, Statistics, Computer Science) (required)
• Higher Diploma/Certification in Data Analysis or Software Development (required)
• Programming / software development experience (strongly preferred)
• Knowledge of data Visualisation/Dashboards tools (To name a few: Qlik, Tableau, PowerBI, R ggplot, R Shiny) (required)
• 3 to 5 years technical experience in data analytics
• Statistics, Data Analysis, Data Mining, SAS Certification, DBMS, SQL, PERL, TERADATA, Data warehouse, R, Python, Machine Learning) (strongly preferred)
• Experience with advanced analytics: (To name a few: Predictive and prescriptive analytics using neural networks and decision trees, development and/or execution of software robots) (strongly preferred)
• Knowledge about new and emerging data analytics technologies (preferred)
• Practical financial services industry knowledge (preferred)
• Experience in risk based auditing or risk/control activities (preferred)
• Practical experience of development and execution of analytics programs to assess risk and related control environments as part of an internal or external audit role/function, or as part of a risk management function.
• Good database knowledge and understanding.
• Developing of Visualisation Dashboards.
• Programming / software development experience.
• Practical understanding of relevant regulatory environment.
• Proven track record of high performance in previous roles.
• Track record in influencing senior stakeholders.
• Leading teams responsible for delivering analytics/self-serve tools etc.
• Practical experience with - Data Analysis/Mining, SAS, R, Python, SQL, Server/Oracle/TERADATA/Other RDBMS.
• Strong practical knowledge of data mining, data analysis and visualization techniques.

Competencies:  

• Deciding and initiating action
• Learning and researching
• Entrepreneurial and commercial thinking
• Relating and networking
• Adapting and responding to change
• Persuading and influencing
• Creating and innovating
• Time management and ability to deliver on deadlines
• Proactive and energetic
• Forward thinking

Education

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

Absa Bank Limited is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer. In compliance with the Employment Equity Act 55 of 1998, preference will be given to suitable candidates from designated groups whose appointments will contribute towards achievement of equitable demographic representation of our workforce profile and add to the diversity of the Bank.

Absa Bank Limited reserves the right not to make an appointment to the post as advertised