Senior Manager: Forensics at Absa South Africa

Job Summary

• To develop tactical strategy and delivery plans, formulate associated practice/s and to ensure operational implementation and adoption i.t.o. forensic methodology, governance and delivery objectives.

Job Description

People Management:  

• Manage a team to ensure effective delivery of services to Stakeholders Determine and analyse development needs for the team and ensure that identified training requirements are budgeted for and executed.
• Develop a high performing team by embedding formal performance development and informal coaching.
• Encourage frequent knowledge sharing between team members.
• Review and maintain succession plans for one level below.

Business Management:

• Translate set strategy into operational business plans.
• Constantly review the number of cases reported to improve the investigation methodologies, criteria and adjust accordingly to a risk- bases approach.
• Conduct monthly oversight reviews with direct reports to understand the business performance and support them to develop corrective actions where required.

Stakeholder Management:   

• Engage and communicate the department’s philosophy to direct reports/stakeholders and ensure they understand the responsibility of the department vs.
• Business Unity responsibility.
• Interact with counterparts in the industry to share information, engender co-operation to gain a common understanding of the threats and risks.
• Build and maintain relationships with other external parties (e.g. SA Police Services, SA Revenue Services, National Prosecuting Authority Asset Forfeiture Unit) to ensure that co-operation can be obtained when required for key investigations.
• Ensure vendor management through monthly vendor meetings and monitor tasks allocated.

Operational Oversight and Guidance:  

• Assess and update the investigative policies/procedures and ensure implementation and adherence.
• Ensure that minimum investigation standards are set and adhered to.
• For sensitive or high risk cases (on an ad hoc basis or when tasked by management) execute the investigation activities end-to-end or, if appropriate, delegate to one of the direct reports. Ensure that feedback is provided to management/stakeholder in so far as high level/sensitive cases are concerned.
• Provide suitable training material, best practice activity and advisory services to the Forensic function in the area of your expertise.

Investigation:  

• Provide Group wide investigation capability and lead, into significant and sensitive fraud, theft and corruption cases.
• Ensure that matters where there is a significant fraud loss to the Bank, that a Steerco is established, comprising of all relevant stakeholders, to ensure that there is proper management over such cases and that recovery efforts are maximised.
• Ensure that any control failures identified during the course of an investigation are immediately brought to the attention of Fraud Strategy / responsible business unit. Continuously evaluate cases allocated to direct reports for investigation in line with set guidelines and standards.

Leadership Experience

• Minimum 3 years leading fraud investigations or operational teams
• Proven ability to manage, mentor, and develop a high-performing investigation team
• Experience in setting and managing team KPIs, workflows, and escalations
• Experience designing, implementing, and optimizing fraud investigation processes and controls
• Hands-on coordination with cross-functional teams (risk, underwriting, compliance, Fraud Strategy, Fraud Solutions)

Investigative Experience

• Minimum 7 years in fraud investigation related to vehicle finance and/or home loan application fraud
• Strong track record of identifying, investigating, and resolving complex fraud cases
• Deep knowledge of fraud typologies and investigative techniques relevant to asset finance

Networks

• Strong networks within the financial services industry and SAPS
• Ability to build strong foundational networks with both internal and external stakeholders

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree and;
• Industry qualifications like ACFE etc.

Education

• Bachelor`s Degrees and Advanced Diplomas: Law, Military Science and Security (Required)

End Date: February 13, 2026