AUDIT EXECUTIVE

SUMMARY:
JOB PROFILE / LOCATION: A Permanent Executive Level Position in the Food Manufacturing Sector based in Durban (KZN)

POSITION INFO:

JOB SUMMARY: The successful incumbent will provide independent oversight and strategic leadership of the audit and risk functions by ensuring effective governance, robust internal controls, regulatory compliance, and proactive risk management to safeguard the group’s assets and reputation. This role will report to the Internal Audit Director and the successful incumbent will be responsible for promoting and monitoring the effectiveness and adequacy of internal control processes at Group strategic and operational levels, ensuring good governance in line with King III.

REMUNERATION DATA: R1 560, 000 – R1 920, 000 (Total Annual Cost to Company including Corporate Benefits

Duties & Responsibilities

Strategy and Planning Contribution

• Assist the Board in the formulation of the audit strategy and audit plans (including annual and strategic plans) to optimise audit coverage that is compatible with the Group’s strategy and with regard to the risk environment and requirements of External Audit
• Develop and promote internal audit within the Group.
• Maintain, enhance and operationalize the Group’s Anti-Fraud and Corruption Strategy.
• Maintain a Quality Assurance and Improvement Program (QAIP), including periodic internal assessments and support for external quality reviews.
• Ensure alignment to the enterprise risk management framework and emerging risk themes (including regulatory/compliance risks).

Audit Planning and Execution Management:

• Lead the risk assessment process in assigned audit/functional areas, ensuring objectives are attained, methodologies are sound and timelines and deadlines are met.
• Prioritise organisational units by risk, considering revenue, asset base, staff compliment and strategic profile.
• Determine the scope and approach of reviews in conjunction with the Group Audit and Risk Director.
• Manage internal audit activity, ensuring objectives are met within the ambit of the internal audit charter and best practice methodology.
• Oversee the validation of audit issues identified through discussion with management and a review of mitigating controls.
• Drive combined assurance by coordinating with Risk, Compliance, External Audit and other assurance providers to optimise coverage and reduce duplication.

Reporting:

• Oversee the production and submission of timely and clear audit reports to auditees with recommendations aimed at strengthening the overall control environment.
• Lead closeout meetings with process owners to discuss and finalise the audit report.
• Quality-assure final audit reports for the approval and sign off of the Group Audit and Risk Director.
• Provide summaries on audits conducted for the monthly Board packs, Divisional Executive and Audit Committees.
• Manage key stakeholders and reporting lines, ensuring clear and timely communication to management and relevant governance forums.
• Track and report functional performance measures (e.g., plan delivery, report cycle times, issue closure rates and stakeholder feedback)

Systems Improvement

• Advise senior management on systems and processes requiring improvement.
• Drive the improved awareness regarding internal audit and the importance of a sound control environment.
• Contribute to project steering committees in relation to system/process enhancements.
• Embed data/technology-enabled auditing (e.g., analytics and continuous auditing/monitoring) to improve audit quality and insight.

Budget Management:

• Prepare the annual budget for internal audit.

Audit Committee Reporting:

• Assist the Group Audit and Risk Director in submitting an annual audit plan for approval by the Audit Committee after consultation with Executive Directors.
• Attendance of and feedback to audit committee.

Fraud Management:

• Manage the anonymous hotline and channels.
• Oversee the receipt, logging and return of all fraud reports received by telephone and e-mail.

Requirements / Criteria

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, Finance, Risk Management
• CA(SA) Chartered Accountant/ CISA (Certified Information Systems Auditor
• NQF Level 8 Post Graduate Diplomas or Honours Degrees (Preferred)
• SAP experience and FMCG would be advantageous
• Min 8 years’ post articles internal audit experience with at least 3 years’ experience in a similar role.
• Flexible and willingness to travel nationally.
• Experience in Data Analytics and Data Visualization (e.g. Power BI reporting creation and analysis)
• Experience with IT General controls and Application controls.
• Cyber Security and Digital and AI experience would be advantageous.
• Embed data/technology-enabled auditing (e.g., analytics and continuous auditing / monitoring) to improve audit quality and insight.