JOB DETAILS:
Job Summary
To monitor the risk profile of the business and execute audit assignments in accordance with the Group Audit Plan and Internal Audit methodology, relevant policies, procedures and quality standards.

Job Description
Audit Delivery – Planning
• Develop and maintain relationships with business and actively monitor the risk profile of the business to inform audit planning, reporting and audit delivery.

• Participate in the annual audit planning cycle, provide input by taking into account the risk and control profile, business strategy and material risks affecting the business.

• Develop a detailed knowledge of the methodology by attending training sessions to ensure that approved audits are risk focused.
• Support the Audit Lead in scoping audits where necessary.

Audit Delivery – Fieldwork
• Develop an in-depth knowledge of Absa and the various business areas and use this knowledge to execute on assurance responsibilities.
• Develop testing strategies for key controls within the business to adequately mitigate the risks.
• Perform audits and issues assurance within Key Performance timelines and resource budget.
• Execute Design Effectiveness Testing (DEA) and Operational Effectiveness Testing (OET) as directed by the Audit Lead and approved testing strategies and document testing results in the Audit Workflow system.
• Proactively take on additional tasks as delegated by the Senior Internal Audit Manager, the Chief Internal Auditor, Vice Principals, Principals and Managing Principals.
• Develop and maintain relationships with accountable stakeholder management on each audit.
• Identify opportunities for using Data Analytics and enhanced automated auditing techniques.
• Update the Audit Lead and audit team with progress and observations.

Audit Delivery – Reporting
• Write concise, factual, and high quality audit observations and support the Audit Lead in writing the audit report. The observations must be insightful, address the root causes, and have agreed actions that fully mitigate the risk.
• Discuss and agree the factual accuracy of audit observations with stakeholders/Audit Lead as appropriate.

Management & Leadership/Knowledge Management
• Improve technical knowledge through self-learning or training including mandatory CPE requirements.
• Knowledge sharing within IA colleagues and peers in the business.
• Display professional skepticism and apply a residual risk lens to potential audit issues with management and in final reporting.
• Continuous upskilling on both technical and other core competencies.
• Keeping up to date with industry trends, regulatory changes and professional standards.

Risk and Control responsibilities
• Understand and adhere to the appropriate Absa Policies and Standards applicable to the role.
• Understand and manage risks and risk events (incidents) in the role thereby contributing to the adherence to the Absa Risk and Control Framework.
• Complete all mandatory training as required.

Knowledge, Expertise and Experience
Essential:
• Understands the control, regulatory and risk issues in local and group jurisdiction or financial institutions.
• Displays familiarity and knowledge of relevant banks product/services/markets/policies.
• Demonstrates a thorough understanding of banking business and its key drivers.
• Demonstrates a thorough understanding of functional areas within banks. e.g. finance.
• Thorough understanding of the industry and/or knowledge of our competition.
• Thorough knowledge of other areas within their function and how their processes and resources link together.
• Experience in risk-based auditing or risk/control activities.
• Displays willingness and initiative to learn about new products.
• Computer literate (strong MS office skills – Excel, Word and PowerPoint).
• Effective communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Extensive experience of developing and maintaining relationships with executive management.
• Proven ability to maintain strong peer relationships with senior executive management and are considered by Country MD, able to operate at the ExCo level, whilst maintaining IAs independence.
• Track record of success/high performance in a large, matrix organisation.
• Demonstrate strong oral and written communication in both English and the key language(s) spoken across the entity and within the relevant Regulatory bodies.

Preferred :
• Financial services industry knowledge.
• Audit software skills such as ACL, IDEA or related tools.
• Specialist knowledge in a key high risk area such as Credit Risk, Corporate and Investment Banking, Cyber Security, Information Technology, Risk, Finance, Treasury, Wealth Management.
• Knowledge in data analytics.

EXPERIENCE & QUALIFICATIONS
Essential:
• Significant auditing experience and / or working at a senior management level in the financial services sector with a proven track record.
• Exposure to managing teams to deliver against tight deadlines.
• Significant report writing and presentation experience.
• Exposure to consultation and facilitation.
• Educated to degree level and relevant professional qualification such as ACCA, CIA, CISA.

Preferred:
• Audit experience within a banking environment or External Audit firm.
• Experience in negotiation/influencing.
• Degree with at least 5 years relevant work experience with minimum 2 years at middle management level.
• Member of the ICPAU.

Education
• Bachelor`s Degrees and Advanced Diplomas: Business, Commerce and Management Studies (Required)