Technical Specialist - Audit Research and Development at Auditor-General of South Africa

Requirement Overview

• This job applies an authoritative knowledge of the International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS), related principles and practices, and functions within an undefined environment applying broad, general policies, principles and goals, in: providing a technical accounting (IFRS) interpretive and advisory service to the audit staff; and steering the development and application of IFRS standards as they relate to the public sector through interactions with external regulatory and professional bodies, both locally and internationally.

Roles & Responsibilities
Identification of Relevant Research needs in a Specific Specialist Area and Problem Definition in Collaboration with Stakeholders

• Identify problem areas pro-actively and on an on-going basis by analysing developments of the accounting standards (IFRS), Quality Control results, stakeholder feedback, training needs, technical committee input, and cyclical debrief sessions.
• Re-actively address grey areas in accounting (IFRS) guidance and support on receipt of feedback or queries from audit.
• Determine what needs to be achieved, within broad objectives.
• Formulate a method to address the problem, with limited general managerial guidance / direction.

Research Project Execution and Cordination

• Collect, analyse & interpret information relevant to the research problem or request
• Process analyse and validated research data
• Prepare project charters as necessary
• Write research project reports and minutes of project meetings according to plan.
• Propose research findings and recommendations to Senior Technical Manager in accordance with stakeholder requirements and best practice principles.
• Conceptually integrate the diverse functions of accounting, auditing, legislation, corporate governance, ethics, into technical guidance.
• Formulate new technical policies, procedures and guidance to be followed by the audit staff and develop improved ways of executing the audit.

Testing of Proposed Practices and Quality Asssurance

• Consult external technical specialists to evaluate proposed practices & procedures for validity & practicality
• Refine proposals & procedures for sign off by Senior Technical Manager
• Liaise with stakeholders on the relevance and practicality of process during execution of projects

Dissemenation of Information

• Draft guidelines and procedures on related accounting (IFRS) support.
• Manage dissemination of information to stakeholders through written guidelines.
• Conduct and/or support practical training sessions on accounting (IFRS) related developments. Consider integrating information dissemination into training and support KPA below

Product Management

• In areas where project outcomes result in product, e.g. audit methodology, the technical specialists liaise with relevant stakeholders to maintain the quality of content.

Training & Support

• Provide technical accounting (IFRS) support to audit business units on issues arising during the audits.
• Pro-actively support the technical learning team & learning providers on accounting (IFRS) related developments.

Strategic Decison and Planning

• Participating in forecasting of future needs for the AGSA, within the accounting (IFRS) specialist area, to support the AGSA vision and goals.
• Assessment of impact of trends and new developments, within the specialist area of accounting (IFRS), and provide inputs on the AGSA strategy as applicable.
• Assist the SMs and BE in advising the AG on accounting (IFRS) related matters necessary for consideration at these levels.
• Influence professional bodies and standard setters to achieve public sector financial management transformation.
• Fulfil a steering role in directing the development and application of accounting (IFRS) standards as they relate to the public sector.

Skills, Experience & Education 

• Research techniques & methodology
• To identify, design and apply appropriate research methodologies for information management according to AG’s needs

Auditing skills (CA)

• Technical understanding of audit environment, needs and standards practices to interpret information and ensure relevant research outcomes

Process decoding skills

• To understanding of audit business objectives and requirements to design approaches and processes that will achieve objectives.

Qualifications

• CA(SA)

Experience

• 5 years’ experience (with a minimum of 3 years post articles in a specialist area)
• IFRS accounting experience is a requirement
• Experience in research and development of guidance related to IFRS accounting support will be an advantage

Knowledge

• Authoritative knowledge of the IFRS accounting framework is an advantage.
• A good performance track record in the specialist area of IFRS accounting is an advantage.

Closing Statement 
The AGSA is not responsible for the verification of data provided and shall not be liable for any errors, factual, transcription or otherwise, contained in the information posted. Therefore, ensure that your online application and CV is correct, accurate and up to date.

This appointment is subject to the preferred candidate obtaining the necessary security clearance, reference checking and competency assessment. We embrace and committed in achieving employment equity within the organisation.