Senior Internal Audit Manager at SBV Services (Pty) Ltd.

Description

Provide strategic leadership for the internal audit function and manages same

• Lead the development of a group-wide internal audit strategy aligned with the bank’s strategic objectives.
• Serve as a key advisor to the Board Audit Committee and Executive Committee on emerging risks and control issues.
• Develop and maintain the internal audit and audit committee charter to ensure that these conform to IIA Standards and best practice.
• Develop and manage the combined assurance plan for the company.
• Develop and manage a formalised risk-based rolling three-year strategic audit plan which incorporates all operational, financial and IT audits, based on the key areas of risk as included in the combined assurance plan and strategic risk assessment.
• Develop and manage an annual audit plan which incorporates all operational, financial and IT audits for each year including the scope of the planned audits.
• Monitor the progress of the annual internal audit coverage plan and provide feedback to the Audit Committee and Risk Committee on a quarterly basis
• Ensure that all audits are properly planned and executed according to the internal audit coverage plan, ensuring that attention is given to time taken to complete the audit, productivity of staff, and risks identified.
• Ensure that best practice which is in line with the International Standards for the Professional Practice as published by the Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA) is adopted
• Provide input into policies and procedures currently in place as well as proposed policies and procedures. Provide input in terms of best practice internal controls to be built into these policies and procedures
• Ensure that all audit programs are mapped to current policies and procedures
• Develop/acquire and implement internal audit technology and tools including an automated audit working paper system and electronic working paper files as well as data analytics tools.

Risk management

• Facilitate the strategic risk assessment workshop and assist in the facilitation of the operational risk workshops.

Manage the day-to-day activity of the Internal auditors

• Monitor and evaluate the cost of all departmental expenditure ensuring that the cost does not exceed the benefit derived
• Plan resources to ensure adherence to approved audit plan
• Determine and implement system that would monitor auditors’ productivity
• Provide necessary coaching to auditors in the execution of audits and transfer technical knowledge and skills to team
• Direct, monitor and review work assigned to auditors
• Promote teamwork within the internal audit team as well as cross functionally between investigators and auditors.
• Review internal audit reports prior to distribution to management,
• ensuring that audit findings are appropriately reported and the required management action has been taken.
• Discuss audit findings with the line manager and regional manager.
• Communicate inadequacies noted during audits to the correct decision makers.
• Obtain feedback from management in the form of a customer satisfaction survey
• Recruit suitable candidates to fill any vacancies that may arise in the department.
• Assess the performance of the function and identify areas for improvement

Quality Assurance

• Assist the Head of Internal Audit to ensure that a quality management process is adopted and maintained. External quality assurance reviews are performed on a regular basis as well as ongoing internal quality assurance review processes are adopted

Perform ad hoc audits and be involved in projects

• Conduct ad hoc audits in line with the IPPF (International Professional Practices Framework).
• Ensure all audits outside the internal audit coverage plan are considered, planned and conducted
• Ensure the department is represented in all project teams where systems are implemented or processes changed

Ensure that staff are managed, guided and developed

• Manage staff in respect of planning, organising, leading and control
• Encourage interaction between internal audit team members and other members of Risk and Compliance as well as other departments within SBV.
• Adheres to legislative requirements, company policies and procedures in respect of employment and safety practices
• Provide leadership and training to staff and coaches employees when necessary. Provide leadership on ethical behaviour
• Ensure that all training plans are completed for the internal audit tam and training requirements are planned and budgeted for
• Review the structure of the internal audit department on an ongoing basis to ensure that this meets expectations.

Enterprise Risk Integration

• Integrate internal audit activities with enterprise risk management (ERM) and compliance frameworks.
• Champion the use of data analytics and continuous auditing techniques.

Innovation & Technology

• Drive the adoption of advanced audit technologies (e.g., AI, RPA, GRC platforms).
• Oversee the implementation of audit automation and real-time risk monitoring tools.

Governance

• Subscribe and align to SBV Services' ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management Standards, ensuring the department’s processes and quality management system always complies with the standard.
• Support SBV’s ESG journey, reporting on and managing the ESG requirements to ensure a positive reflection and outcome.
• Ensure compliance with King IV and other relevant regulatory frameworks.
• Liaise with external auditors, regulators (e.g., SARB), and internal stakeholders to ensure audit alignment and transparency.

People Management

• Provide leadership to a team of audit professionals across multiple regions or business units.
• Develop succession plans and talent pipelines for critical audit roles
• Attract, hire, and retain a team of high-performing audit professionals who possess outstanding knowledge, experience, ethics, and integrity.
• Provide necessary guidance to auditors in the execution of the audit, ensuring that due professional care is practiced in Internal Audits conducted.
• Create an environment in which the Internal Audit team can perform internal audits while maintaining an impartial and unbiased attitude.
• Create a conducive environment which translates into productivity and high morale within SBV.
• Inspire one’s team to deliver on key performance areas. 
• Adhere to legislative requirements and Group policies and procedures. 
• Lead the focus on talent to instill value creation for high value contributors and encourage and facilitate in collaboration with HR learning opportunities for one’s centre/s.  

Lead as an Ambassador and executor of Change.

• Act as a change management architect in periods of change to ensure business continuity.
• Manage the integration of business units into a seamless end-to-end solution for customers.
• Effectively communicate and embed new processes and procedures as they occur, addressing or escalating matters/ concerns to the SME’s (subject matter experts) when required.
• Facilitate the necessary presentations, workshops, or forums to ensure consistent and accurate communication is given across one’s portfolio.

Requirements

Minimum Work Experience Required

• 10+ years of internal audit experience, with at least 5 years in a senior leadership role within financial services or banking
• Experience in performing risk assessment and developing risk-based audit plans
• Extensive knowledge of internal control systems
• Demonstrated extensive experience in financial, operational, compliance, and information technology auditing
• Proven experience engaging with regulators and audit committees.
• Demonstrated ability to lead large, multi-disciplinary audit teams.

Minimum Qualifications Required

• Appropriate degree (BCom degree in Internal Auditing or Accounting or Auditing) with additional internal audit qualification
• CA(SA), CIA, or equivalent qualification is essential.
• Membership of the Institute of Internal Auditors
• Postgraduate qualification in Risk Management, Governance, or Business Leadership is advantageous.