Specialist Investigator Forensics - Asset Based Finance at Absa

Job Description

Investigations

• Investigate all asset-based finance fraud cases allocated, end to end, (irrespective of the level or sensitivity) by ensuring that all investigative / operating methodologies (e.g. planning, reporting) are adhered to within the prescribed time limits.
• Assess all new cases allocated on the Case Management System (CIES) and take appropriate actions to reduce mitigate and prevent further losses / potential losses to the Bank and effect recoveries of assets etc.
• Conduct proper planning on investigations by determining the direction to be followed (e.g. interviewing of clients, suspects, engaging with vehicle dealerships, engaging with law enforcement, obtaining of evidence, laying of criminal charges) with continuous feedback and one on one discussions with Stakeholders (e.g. Absa Vehicle Finance, Commercial Asset Finance, Home Loans).
• Conduct a proper risk assessment with each investigation, which includes quantification of the potential loss, media impact / exposure, blocking of accounts, claims, provisions, risk mitigation and compliance reporting, Ombudsman queries and engaging with Group Legal Services etc.
• Obtain all relevant evidence related to the investigation, analyse, evaluate the evidence, and determine what evidence is admissible or inadmissible in order to make meaningful observations / conclusions on the findings.
• Ensure timeous compliance regarding specific reporting requirements, differentiate and identify relevance to each investigation: Prevention and Combating of Corrupt Activities Act (PRECCA), Financial Intelligence Centre Act (FICA), Insurance (i.e. Marsh), Head Office Exchange Control (HOEC), Anti-Bribery and Corruption Act (ABAC), South African Fraud Prevention Services (SAFPS) and South African Banking Risk Intelligence Centre (SABRIC) etc.
• Make meaningful and factually based recommendations to Stakeholders, with regards to internal process failures and recovery actions to consider against clients, and / or dealerships, to mitigate losses.
• Interview internal and external suspects, witnesses and victims and obtain written statements to conclude investigation findings for disciplinary hearings, criminal and civil matters etc.
• Capture all fixed fields listed on the CIES system - per case - for management information and statistical purposes (accurately and timeously).
• Compile a comprehensive case report containing the factual findings of the investigation, recommendations addressing people, processes, procedures and system failures or internal and external threats and forward the final report to Stakeholders, Employee Relations (ER), Group Legal Services etc.
• Ensure that each investigation has an accurate, value-adding conclusion, which is shared and discussed with Business for them to understand the investigation findings in order to make informed /appropriate decisions (e.g. financial recommendations, risk assessments and disciplinary recommendations).
• Provide assistance / support to other internal investigators by conducting cross province investigations /interviews / obtaining of evidence (work-load distribution, cost saving etc.).
• Provide relevant findings and evidence for the use in disciplinary purposes and CCMA matters to Line Management and Employee Relations to ensure that appropriate and successful sanctions are handed down. Attend disciplinary / CCMA hearings when required.
• Meet with the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) to provide expert witness evidence in the relevant Magistrate / Regional and Supreme Courts of South Africa, for aggravation of sentence in court regarding criminal matters.
• Attend criminal / civil court proceedings when summons to do so, to provide expert evidence in Court, relating to Absa's products, processes and flow of transactions to obtain successful prosecutions.

Risk Identification and Fraud Prevention

• Identify fraud risks and or emerging risks during the course of an investigation or interactions with internal /external stakeholders; escalated upon discovery, to the relevant Business Unit and the Fraud Defense/Strategy Recoveries and Remediation Department for assessment and closing of "gaps" related to processes, policies and systems.
• Make recommendations and suggest solutions on how to close the gaps identified through the CIES Control Breakdown fixed field.
• Identify high-risk Business areas, through feedback received from parties attending risk forums / investigations outcomes and perform specific fraud awareness presentations at the respective Business Units to the identified staff.
• Provide subject matter input into the training awareness material, to ensure that it remains relevant and up to date.
• Establish meaningful relationships with various Corporate Company's Fraud Departments i.e. other Banks, SARS, etc., for fraud networking purposes and the sharing of information regarding new trends / scams.

Operational Requirements and Compliance 

• Identify areas of improvement, make suggestions / recommendations on ways of working, concerning the investigative and operating methodologies to line management for further consideration, to improve standards and workflow.
• Adhere to the Data Privacy / Information Security, Access Control etc., policies at all times and to the Absa's Clean Desk Policy.
• Adhere to all mandates i.e. Corporate Credit Card, travel and accommodation policies etc., with due regard to the guidelines specified.
• Work co-operatively with colleagues, contributing positively and constructively to the achievement of the organizations' objectives.

Education and experience required:

Essential

• Diploma in Forensic Investigation and Criminal Justice or
• At least 5 years' experience in the Retail Banking environment

Preferred

• Equivalent Degree
• Experience in the fraud investigation environment.
• General knowledge of Risk Management and Principles of Risk Management.

Knowledge & Skills:

• Influencing and negotiating - Advanced
• Team management skills - team building and leadership - Solid
• Communication skills - verbal and written - Advanced
• Ability to work independently and under pressure - Advanced
• Relationship management and networking - Advanced
• Analytical skills - Advanced
• Risk management - Solid
• Report writing - Advanced
• Problem solving ability - Advanced
• Conflict management - Solid
• PC Literacy - Solid
• Understanding of the Criminal-, Civil- and Commercial Law - Advanced
• Investigation skills - Advanced
• Banking product, policy and procedural knowledge - Expert
• Interviewing technique - Advanced

Education

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

Absa Bank Limited is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer. In compliance with the Employment Equity Act 55 of 1998, preference will be given to suitable candidates from designated groups whose appointments will contribute towards achievement of equitable demographic representation of our workforce profile and add to the diversity of the Bank.

Absa Bank Limited reserves the right not to make an appointment to the post as advertised