Chief Audit Executive (CAE)

SUMMARY:
An opportunity exists for an experienced Chief Audit Executive (CAE) to lead the Group Internal Audit function at one of our clients.

POSITION INFO:
This executive role is responsible for providing independent, objective assurance and advisory services that enhance governance, risk management, and internal control across the organisation.

The CAE will report administratively to the Chief Financial Officer and functionally to the Audit Committee, ensuring independence and alignment with the IIA’s Global Internal Audit Standards.

The role spans key insurance business areas including underwriting, claims, actuarial functions, policy administration, finance, IT, cybersecurity, and distribution.

This is a well-established, proudly South African financial services group, listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange, with over 30 years of experience delivering accessible, innovative, and client-focused solutions.

The organisation is purpose-driven, committed to safeguarding lives with compassion, and focused on building long-term trust through strong governance, integrity, and reliability.

Duties:

• Provide independent assurance to the Audit Committee and Board on the effectiveness of governance, risk management, and internal controls.
• Lead and maintain a risk-based internal audit function aligned with organisational strategy and the Global Internal Audit Standards.
• Develop and execute the annual internal audit plan based on enterprise-wide risk assessments and regulatory expectations.
• Oversee high-quality audit execution and reporting, ensuring findings are clear, actionable, and value-adding.
• Maintain functional independence by reporting audit outcomes, risks, and resource needs directly to the Audit Committee.
• Assess key insurance risks across underwriting, claims, actuarial, finance, IT, cybersecurity, and policy administration.
• Advise executive management on control improvements, risk mitigation, and process efficiencies while preserving objectivity.
• Lead and develop the internal audit team, including resourcing, performance management, and capability building.
• Coordinate combined assurance activities across internal audit, risk, compliance, actuarial, and external audit to avoid duplication and gaps.
• Monitor regulatory compliance and emerging risks, ensuring audit coverage remains aligned with evolving insurance and governance requirements.

• Matric / Grade 12 (essential)
• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Auditing, Risk, Finance, or a related discipline.
• Postgraduate qualification in Risk, Governance, Auditing, or Business.
• Additional certifications in Insurance, Data Analytics, or IT Audit.
• Professional certification: CIA, CA(SA), CISA, CFE, or equivalent.

• At least 10 years’ internal audit experience, including 5 years in a senior leadership role.
• Strong exposure to insurance operations is highly advantageous.

• Expert knowledge of internal audit standards and risk-based auditing practices.
• Strong governance, risk management, and internal control expertise.
• In-depth understanding of insurance operations and financial services environments.
• Proven ability to assess regulatory and compliance risks.
• Experience with enterprise risk management (ERM) and combined assurance frameworks.
• Capability in data analytics, technology auditing, and cybersecurity risk assessment.
• Strong financial and business acumen.
• Strategic thinking with the ability to identify and respond to emerging risks.
• High integrity, independence, and professional objectivity.
• Excellent executive communication, stakeholder influence, and leadership skills.

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