Chief Audit Executive

We are looking to recruit a Chief Audit Executive for our client based in Parktown, Jhb!

• The purpose of the role of Chief Audit Executive (CAE) is to provide assurance and consulting services to the Group, and to assist in the management of business risks.
• The CAE achieves this through the delivery of a highly effective and skilled Internal Audit management and business team, which may include co-sourced resources / business partners.
• The role functionally reports to the Audit committee.
• Strategic Planning Set and continuously assess the Internal Audit strategy and lead the execution thereof.
• Drive the strategic importance and maturity of the Internal Audit function. Identify and drive Internal Audit automation / digitization initiatives.
• Develop and manage the execution of the Group Internal Audit strategic, and operational audit plans.
• Ensure the Internal Audit function is a meaningful business partner within the company through providing value-adding, proactive and relevant assurance and consulting services, thereby assisting the Group and its autonomous Business Units to meet their business objectives Develop and manage the annual Internal Audit budget to ensure the function is able to meet performance expectations of the organization.
• Develop and implement IT strategies/tools for Internal Audit.
• Ensure that the Internal Audit structure is aligned to the needs of the business.
• Develop plans to ensure ongoing, professional development of Internal Audit staff.
• Risk Management Ensure Internal Audit strategic plans are aligned to the enterprise-wide risk management plan.
• Encourage, and independently assess the culture of risk management within the company’s group.
• Periodically assess the effectiveness of the Group’s control functions (i.e. Risk Management, Compliance and Head of Actuarial).
• Internal Controls Provide assurance to senior management and the Board on the adequacy, effectiveness, and efficiency of internal controls, including internal financial controls.
• Ensure the effective use of data analytics within internal audits for efficiency and effectiveness, and greater assurance coverage over controls.
• Provided project/programme assurance to the Board and key stakeholders on key business projects.
• Support the Internal Financial Control (IFC) Framework project.
• Governance Ensure that Internal Audit reviews assess whether sufficient governance controls exist, and that these are being applied in the organisation in line with the best practice.
• Ensure the Internal Audit function adheres to the Standards and Code of Ethics set by the Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA).
• Be an integral part of and contributor at the Combined Assurance Forums within the Group Stakeholder Management Keep the Audit Committee and Management informed of audit findings, and closure thereof, and emerging risks and trends.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with organizational leadership.
• Maintain strong, working relationships with the Group’s control functions.
• Ensure ongoing engagement with external auditors, to agree and coordinate reliance that can be placed on the work of Internal Audit.
• HR Management Maintain a team of professional audit staff with sufficient knowledge, skill, experience and professional certification to meet the requirements and needs of the business.
• Manage deliverables of direct reports.
• Motivate and coach direct reports. Ensure that team and individual goal setting, including performance assessments, are carried out.
• Ensure individual development plans (including identification of training needs) are in place and being executed on.

Required Knowledge and Experience:

• 8 years’ management experience in an Internal Audit or Risk Management function
• 3 years’ experience in a senior management role in Internal Audit function
• Experience in leading and managing teams Experience in managing relationships (internal, external and at a board level)
• Experience in Financial Services industry
• Deep knowledge of the business environment and value-chain.
• Insurance Knowledge of Finance, Governance, Compliance and Risk Management principles, COSO framework
• Internal audit methodology and best practice IIA Standards and Code of Ethics

Skills:

• Strong written and verbal communication skills Business acumen
• Ability to take a holistic view of the organisation in determining and positioning internal audit’s role
• Ability to identify strategic issues through critical reasoning
• Strong influencing ability across all levels of the organisation, including at a Board level
• Emotional Intelligence Ability to effectively plan and set priorities for self and team
• Flexible and open to change and innovation
• Strong conflict management skills Strong negotiation and problem-solving skills Relationship management

Educational Requirements:

• BCom (Hons) in Internal Auditing or similar relevant qualification
• Certified Internal Auditor / Professional Internal Auditor
• A Master’s Degree desirable

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