Job Openings at Auditor-General of South Africa

Requirement Overview

The Audit Research and Development Unit provides the Auditor General and auditors with an audit methodology, technical guidance and support to enable them to perform public sector audits.

The Senior Technical Manager:  Audit Methodology and Strategic Projects manages the development and maintenance of the AGSA audit methodology which is aligned with the developments in the audit standards, including reviews, other assurance and related services standards, relevant legislation and the strategic objectives of the AGSA.  The Senior Technical Manager is also responsible for managing the delivery on audit related strategic projects within the Audit Research and Development unit of the AGSA.

This job requires an authoritative knowledge and understanding of the International Standards on Auditing, Reviews and Other Assurance and Related Services. Using the understanding thereof to develop and maintain an audit methodology, and provide technical guidance to audit professionals on the application of the methodology and any challenges experienced thereon.  Authoritative knowledge of public sector framework legislation relevant to financial management is also essential. The Senior Technical Manager: Audit Methodology and Strategic Projects is also required to play a significant role in steering the development of audit standards and guidance applicable to the public sector through interactions with the relevant authoritative bodies and related stakeholders.

At this level the successful candidate will be required to play a significant strategic role at a business and organisational level and will build and maintain relationships with key stakeholders in the public sector in support of the AGSA goals and to benefit the public sector in general. Applicants who will be considered should operate with high levels of excellence and meet stringent deadlines.  

This opportunity requires an individual that will nurture, develop and manage a small team of diverse and dynamic technical professionals.

Skills, Experience & Education

• CA(SA)
• A total of at least 8 years’ experience with minimum 5 years post articles will be required.
• A minimum of 3 years’ experience in providing technical support, guidance and/or training to audit professionals.
• Experience in the development of written audit technical guidance is a requirement.
• Experience in the research and development of audit methodology and/or audit standards will be an advantage.
• A good performance track record in the specialist area of auditing is an advantage.

 These appointments are subject to the preferred candidates obtaining the necessary security clearance, reference checking and competency assessment. We embrace employment equity and are committed to achievement of fair and equal representation of our workforce. Preference will be given to internal applicants and candidates from previously disadvantaged backgrounds. Auditor General welcomes applications from all people with disabilities

Closing Date: 14 April 2020

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Job Purpose 

 The Audit Research and Development unit provides the Auditor General and auditors with standards, guidance and technical support to enable them to perform public sector audits.

The Senior Technical Manager: Audit of Compliance manages technical specialists that engage in research, development and support in public sector auditing relating to compliance with applicable legislation relating to financial matters, financial management and other related matters. The Senior Technical manager is also responsible to build and maintain relationship with internal and relevant external stakeholders to support the AGSA objectives and benefit the public sector in general.

This job requires an authoritative knowledge of public sector auditing standards, concepts, principles and practices within an undefined environment applying broad, general policies, principles and goals, in:

• Providing a technical auditing interpretive and advisory service in relation to compliance with applicable legislation relating to financial matters, financial management and other related matters; and
• Steering the development and application of auditing standards as they relate to the public sector through interaction with external regulatory and professional bodies, both locally and internationally.

Roles & Responsibilities

Strategic direction and planning

• Identify future needs for inclusion in AGSA strategic planning processes
• Assessment of impact of trends and new developments
• Monitor implementation of strategic projects related to the audit product

Identification of relevant research topics and problem definition

• Identify problem areas pro-actively, by analysing legislation, auditing standards, frameworks, quality control results, stakeholder feedback, training needs and cyclical audit debrief sessions.
• Address grey areas in audit methodology in relation to the audit of compliance with applicable legislation on receipt of feedback and queries from audit professionals.
• Design research projects in accordance with needs identified above.

Project execution & management

• Guide the auditing technical specialists in the planning of project decisions.
• Monitor project execution and adherence to timelines and quality requirements.
• Formulate research findings and recommendations in collaboration with specialist in the particular area of speciality.
• 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
• Assess the impact of research outcomes and identify stakeholders affected.
• Consult with internal stakeholders to evaluate proposed practices & procedures for validity & practicality.
• Ensure the compatibility and congruence of auditing guidelines with the Auditor-General mandate as per the Constitution, Public Audit Act and Professional Best Practices.
• Present information sessions on new developments to audit professionals.
• Manage dissemination of information to stakeholders through written guidelines.

Advising and support function

• Provide technical auditing support and advise to audit business units through technical opinions/guidance pro-actively and on request during audit cycles.
• Advise audit business unit and EXCO through submissions & memoranda on relevant research projects.
• Advise broader audit community on public sector compliance with applicable legislation developments and guidance.
• Provide technical guidance on the auditing of compliance with applicable legislation matters at Technical forums.
• Support technical learning team & learning providers

Line Management

• Management of staff output
• Facilitating the development of staff in order to improve on their knowledge, skills and abilities.
• Performance management of centre in line with Balance scorecard and staff as per individual performance contracts
• Contribute to development of action plans to manage relationships with identified stakeholders and implement plans
• Contribute to compilation of business plan of BU in line with the strategic objectives.
• Ensure the monitoring and managing of budgets in order to provide cost effective projects and services and enable efficiency gains
• Ensuring return on investment in terms of staff cost by managing and monitoring productivity of staff.
• Procurement of goods and services in accordance with defined business processes and monitor compliance with business process through self-assessment

 Public sector standards

• Fulfil a steering role in the development of public sector related auditing standards and other related publications at a local and international level to ensure public sector audit perspectives are taken into consideration.
• Write technical documents for publishing.
• Influence financial management transformation in the public sector through interaction with the regulator and professional bodies

Formal Education

• CA(SA) / RGA is a requirement

Experience

• Minimum of 8 years’ experience (with a minimum of 5 years post articles) is a requirement.
• Public sector audit experience is a requirement.
• Experience in research and development of guidance related to compliance with legislation support will also be an advantage.
• A good performance track record in the specialist area of auditing compliance is an advantage.

Knowledge

• Authoritative knowledge of all public sector legislation, frameworks and guidance relating to compliance with applicable legislation relating to financial matters, financial management and other related matter

Closing Date: 14 April 2020