Internal Auditor (Senior): Engineering (3033) at The South African National Roads Agency (SANRAL)

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

• A formal NQF 7 qualification in Engineering (Civil) or Quantity Surveying.
• A minimum of 5 years’ experience, of which at least 3 years must be in the built environment and 2 years in auditing infrastructure projects within the public sector.

ADVANTAGEOUS:

• Registration as a Professional Engineer/Engineering Technologist with ECSA or Professional Quantity Surveyor with SACQSP.

TECHNICAL COMPETENCIES:

• Extensive knowledge in Infrastructure/built environment field.
• Knowledge of engineering standards, codes and contract management principles.
• Proficiency in auditing project documentation including drawings, specifications and site records.
• Strong understanding of Quantity Surveying (QS) principles: measurement, cost estimating, bills of quantities, valuations, claims assessment, variation orders and final accounts.
• Ability to collect, analyze and verify financial and technical project data.
• Competence in performing site inspections and evaluating compliance with engineering and QS standards.
• Skill in identifying non-compliance, inefficiencies, delays and cost overruns.
• Knowledge of PFMA and Treasury Regulations.
• Proficiency in data analysis, risk management and internal control systems.
• Knowledge of project management principles and frameworks (e.g. COSO, PMBOK etc.)
• Ability to research, benchmark and provide advisory input to management.
• Strong reporting, mentoring and coaching skills

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Audit Planning

•  Define scope, objectives and methodology for construction audits.
• Identify project risks, control areas and compliance requirements.
• Proficiency in developing audit programs and checklists specific to construction activities.
• Participate in the development of the annual audit plan.
• Obtain and analyse information from clients to plan engagements.
• Drafts engagement letters.
• Conduct risk and control assessment of assigned department or functional area in established/required timeline.
• Perform walk through procedures to test controls.
• Develop audit programme in the planning phase, including the need for and use of questionnaires, flowcharts and other instruments for information analysis.
• Discuss the engagement letter with the client in the opening meeting.

Audit Execution

• Source and analyse project documentation including contracts, cost reports, valuations and progress certificates.
• Evaluate the adequacy of internal controls and contract management practices.
• Perform site inspections to assess construction quality, adherence to specifications and compliance with QS processes (measurements, interim valuations, variations, claims)
• Identify and report non-compliance, inefficiencies, cost overruns and project risks.
• Follow up on agreed action plans to ensure implementation.

Audit Reporting

• Draft clear and professional audit reports highlighting weaknesses, risks and areas for improvement.
• Provide recommendations on economy, efficiency and effectiveness of project controls.
• Present findings to management and stakeholders during closing meetings.

Audit Project Quality 

• Review internal auditors and/or audit team outputs (quality assurance).
• Ensure compliance with IIA standards, internal methodologies and best practice frameworks.
• Drive continuous improvement in audit methodology.

Auditee / Engagement Management

• Engage with project managers, engineers and other stakeholders to gather information and validate findings.
• Coordinate with other assurance providers (internal/external audit, risk management, forensics, compliance) within a combined assurance model.

People Management

• Allocate tasks, monitor progress and ensure compliance with standards and deadlines.
• Transfer skills, foster professional growth and promote accountability within the audit team

Closing date for applications: 13 October 2026