Senior Quality Assurance Specialist – ITCE (JHB Illovo) at BDO South Africa

Description

• The Senior Quality Assurance Specialist is responsible for driving the quality and consistency of IT General Controls (ITGC) audits within the ITCE function. This role ensures that IS audit engagements meet methodology standards and regulatory requirements while providing training and guidance to IS auditors and financial auditors. The specialist will also contribute to continuous improvement initiatives in audit methodology and knowledge management.

Key Responsibilities

Quality Assurance of IS Audits

• Perform independent quality assurance reviews of ITGC and IS audit engagements.
• Assess audit documentation for compliance with internal methodology, regulatory requirements, and professional standards (ISA, PCAOB, ISAE 3402).
• Identify gaps in audit execution, control testing, and reporting, and provide actionable recommendations.
• Review risk assessments, scope or ITGC reviews, and audit evidence to ensure audit completeness and accuracy.
• Collaborate with audit teams to implement best practices and corrective actions.

Methodology Development and Maintenance

• Support the ongoing development, refinement, and standardisation of IS audit methodology.
• Ensure audit practices align with evolving industry standards, emerging IT risks, and regulatory requirements.
• Document and communicate methodology updates to audit teams.

Training and Knowledge Management

• Develop and deliver training programs for IS auditors and financial auditors on ITGCs, audit methodology, and IT audit best practices.
• Facilitate workshops, seminars, and knowledge-sharing sessions on emerging IT risks and audit techniques.
• Facility and monitor the implementation and achievements of the ITCE division, 3-year IS Audit Trainee, as well as the CA transitioning programs.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Act as a subject-matter expert for ITGC quality and methodology matters.
• Provide guidance on audit quality trends, findings, and improvement initiatives.
• Support financial audit teams by providing assurance over IS audit work relied upon in financial audits.

Requirements
Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Information Systems, Computer Science, or related field.
• Professional certifications such as CISA, CRISC, CIA, CPA, or equivalent are highly desirable.
• Minimum 5–7 years of experience in IT/IS auditing, with at least 2–3 years’ experience in reviewing of the IS audit work in support of delivering ITGC reviews on financial audits.
• Strong understanding of ITGCs, application controls, system access, change management, and general IT risks.
• Experience with audit standards: ISA, PCAOB, ISAE 3402, and IT audit methodology.
• Proven ability to develop and deliver training programs, will be an added advantage.
• Proven ability to deliver IS audit work on high quality.
• Excellent analytical, communication, and documentation skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively with audit teams and senior stakeholders.

Key Competencies

• Attention to detail and commitment to audit quality.
• Strong problem-solving and risk assessment skills.
• Ability to influence and guide auditors effectively.
• Continuous improvement mindset and adaptability to change.
• Strong presentation and facilitation skills for training delivery.

Success Measures

• Consistently high-quality audit reviews with minimal findings on QA review.
• Timely delivery of training and clear demonstration of auditor knowledge improvement.
• Implementation of best practices and methodology enhancements across the ITCE function.
• Positive feedback from audit teams and stakeholders on guidance and support.