Snr Specialist: OD Assurance - Durban at Transnet

International Professional Practices Framework (IPPF) and provide assurance on the status of internal controls across Transnet Operating Divisions focusing on the value chain customer centred processes from order to execution/delivery, namely the following portfolio:

• Integrated Operations (Rail, Ports & Regulated businesses)
• Asset Maintenance
• Property and Facilities Management
• Integrated value chain Operations
• Research and Development

Position outputs:

Influence Audit Strategy Development

• Interpret the company strategy as it relates to customer centred freight logistics value chain operations including the following: maintenance of railway rolling stock and locomotives, freight wagons, passenger coaches, and port equipment.
• Align it to the Internal Audit, Assurance & Advisory Strategy and develop a roadmap.
• Manage and monitor implementation of the roadmap to ensure goals are met.
• Implement the strategy and roadmap in line with company policies and procedures.
• Obtain resources to ensure implementation of audit & advisory strategy.
• Pro-actively facilitate business risk assessments, industry and global benchmarks to be used as basis for the Strategic
• Internal Audit and Advisory Plan.

Develop and Implement the Strategic Three year rolling Internal Audit Plan

• Evaluate business risk exposures relating to integrated value chain operations.
• Develop and oversee execution of the strategic three year internal audit plan which is risk-based and aligned to Transnet’s risk profile.
• Regularly update the strategic three year Internal Audit plan to ensure that it appropriately responds to emerging risks.
• Drive the process audits that will embrace effectiveness, efficiency, economy of business processes in order to add value.
• Supervise the teams to ensure timely execution of Internal Audit Plan.
• Ensure all audits are executed in accordance with the quality standards.
• Provide an annual written assessment on the adequacy and effectiveness of the system of internal control and risk management for relevant portfolio to input into the overall report to the Audit Committee, the Board and other Board committees.
• Provide real-time assurance where necessary to ensure successful implementation.
• Support the performance of continuous auditing on high risk areas.
• Execute Internal Audit Plan in accordance with approved internal audit budget, for the OD assurance portfolio.
• Monitor and drive for performance of regular follow up reviews to ensure timely implementation of management actions across all ODs.
• Provide Advisory Services to strengthen the system of Internal Control
• Attend various Governance Forums within the Operating Divisions to make relevant recommendations with regards to process and performance enhancements and strengthening the system of internal controls.
• Evaluate business risks on a quarterly basis and align advisory projects accordingly.
• Ensure TIA undertakes advisory projects that will have high impact on the business.
• Support the development of Internal Control Frameworks for the portfolio.
• Drive the extensive use of benchmarks in order to derive value add on performance audits.
• Support the integrated/combined assurance activities.
• Utilize Data Mining and Analysis to identify risks and trends
• Review the data mining and analytics required for OD assurance projects and ensure that they are risk-based.
• Optimize and embed CAATS in all internal audits where applicable.
• Provide monthly reports to GM and internal structures where required (eg: TIA Manco and Portfolio Team Meetings) with exception reports and trends on various key data to support reporting on audit outcomes and align the audit plan on an on-going basis.

Manage Stakeholder Relations

• Identify and evaluate client needs and expectations for inclusion in the overall TIA stakeholder management plan.
• Ensure implementation of the stakeholder management plan across all divisions.
• Manage all stakeholder communication and engagements relevant to the portfolio
• Inform executive/senior management timeously of the progress on the internal audit plan and amendments to the internal audit plan and adhoc requests.

Quality Assurance and Improvement Programme

• Support the implementation of the TIA QAIP initiatives within the portfolio.
• Produce internal audit files that adhere to the Quality Assurance standards
• Advise the TIA GM and other Transnet Senior Officials on various assurance processes within the portfolio.
• Support the role of TIA in Integrated/Combined Assurance as far as it relates to the portfolio.
• Embed Integrated/Combined Assurance framework within own area of responsibility as far as it relates to TIA.
• Ensure continuous development of self and team.

Effective Contract Management

• Manage delivery of service by consultants (from service provider/partner firms) in accordance with terms and conditions of contract and service level agreement.

Audit Tools and Methodologies

• Continuously evaluate TIA’s audit needs and make proposals to the TIA GM OD assurance.
• Recommend development and or acquisition of relevant audit systems, tools and methodologies that will enable the effective delivery of the OD assurance portfolio audit plan.
• Manage effective utilization of all approved audit systems, tools and methodologies.

Reporting

• Prepare the internal audit reports for the portfolio to management and the various governance management committees.
• Present reports to management and the management governance committees.
• Prepare and present monthly TIA management reports to various TIA governance meetings.

Human Resource Management

• Ensure recruitment, development and retention of competent and ethical workforce.
• Ensure effective performance management.
• Ensure team compliance to the IIA Code of Ethics and Transnet Code of Ethics

Qualifications & Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Risk Management/Supply Chain Management/Finance/Commerce or other relevant to the audit profession
• Postgraduate Diploma in Accounting/Auditing/Governance and CA (SA)/CIA/Certified Risk Management Practitioner or equivalent will be an advantage
• Minimum 10-12 years’ experience in a Senior Management role of which at least 5 years in the internal audit environment
• Work experience in a large organisation will be an advantage
• People management experience will be an advantage.
• Experience in transport/logistics industry will be an advantage.

Standard Job Requirements

• Driver’s license code 08
• Regular travel and visits to project sites and operational environments
• Willing to work extended working hours
• Willing to travel locally and internationally

Competencies:

• Behavioural Competencies:
• Strategy & Sustainability
• Inspirational Leadership
• Business Performance and Delivery
• Relationship Management
• Corporate Governance & Compliance
• Personal Mastery