Senior Professional Manager at Independent Regulatory Board for Auditors (IRBA)

JOB PURPOSE

• This position, which reports to Director: Standards, requires deep expertise in auditing and assurance standards. The main purpose of the role is to lead the development and maintenance of robust auditing and assurance standards. The incumbent's expertise will contribute to the enhancement of audit quality, consistency, and alignment with global best practices.

KEY PERFORMANCE AREAS

• Lead the development and review of auditing and assurance standards, including the IRBA Code of Professional Conduct.
• Stay informed about emerging trends, regulatory changes, and developments in the auditing profession.
• Collaborate with audit firms, professional bodies, regulators and international standard-setting bodies to ensure alignment and relevance of standards.
• Advocate for rigorous auditing practices and ethical conduct in line with the IRBA’s mandate.
• Contribute to thought leadership in the field of auditing standards through research, publications, and presentations.
• Maintain effective professional stakeholder relationships within the team and across the IRBA, including committees, task groups, CFAS and CFAE members, regulators, standard setters, and professional bodies.
• Respond to technical queries from committees, task groups, practitioners, and the general public.
• Provide secretarial services to IRBA Committee meetings, including attendance, active participation, and representation of the director when necessary.
• Prepare meeting documentation and contribute high-quality technical guidance and documentation.
• Research technical aspects and analyse information for projects, ensuring alignment with current standards and legislation.
• Draft and/or comment on auditing and assurance standards, IRBA Code developments, legislation, and other relevant materials.
• Submit technically sound and high-quality contributions to OPSCOM, Board, MANCO/ARMCO within required timelines.

KNOWLEDGE, EXPERIENCE AND ATTRIBUTES
Qualifications and Previous work experience

• CA(SA) with extensive practical experience in an auditing environment.
• Working knowledge of international and local quality, auditing, assurance, and ethics standards.
• Strong understanding of legislation affecting auditors.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Experience in standard setting and/or technical auditing environments is desirable.

Attributes
The following attributes are required of the incumbent:

• Commitment to applying skills and values to protect the public interest.
• Proven project management skills, including experience in managing multiple projects, resources, deadlines, and issues.
• Strong team player with a track record of successful collaboration.
• Genuine professional interest in technical issues affecting auditors and audit firms.
• Ability to communicate effectively with various stakeholders.
• Demonstrated expertise in technical writing.
• Interest in advancing within a technical auditing environment.
• Skilled in Microsoft Office applications.
• High attention to detail, especially in spelling and grammar.
• Technologically enthusiastic and capable.
• Strong facilitation, negotiation, and organisational skills.
• Assertive, yet open-minded and consultative.
• Strong research and analytical skills.
• Ability to work under pressure without compromising quality.
• Ability to advocate for a project and highlight possible improvements.
• Ability to concentrate and work independently.
• Ability to support and help manage a team of experienced experts.
• Experience outside South Africa, particularly with foreign entities and international reporting or legal frameworks, is desirable.