Group Internal Audit Manager

SUMMARY:
A leading insurance company is seeking an experienced Group Internal Audit Manager to lead and strengthen its internal audit function.

POSITION INFO:
This role plays a critical part in ensuring robust governance, effective risk management, and regulatory compliance across the organisation.

Reporting functionally to the Audit and Risk Committee, with a dotted line to the CEO, the successful candidate will drive the internal audit strategy, oversee risk-based audit programmes, and provide independent assurance on the effectiveness of internal controls within a regulated insurance environment.

This is an opportunity to take on a strategic leadership role within a regulated insurance environment, working closely with senior leadership and the Board to strengthen governance, risk management, and control frameworks across the business.

If you are a seasoned internal audit professional with strong insurance industry experience, we invite you to apply and contribute to building a resilient and well-governed organisation.


Duties:

• Develop and implement a risk-based internal audit plan aligned with the organisation’s strategic objectives and regulatory requirements.
• Lead and oversee audit engagements across financial, operational, compliance, and IT risk areas, ensuring alignment with South African insurance regulations and governance standards.
• Provide independent assurance on the effectiveness of risk management, governance, and internal control frameworks.
• Monitor developments in regulatory requirements, including those from the FSCA and Prudential Authority, and ensure audit plans adapt accordingly.
• Drive continuous improvement in audit methodologies, including the use of data analytics and modern audit approaches.
• Maintain and enhance internal audit policies, procedures, and frameworks in line with industry best practice.
• Support a combined assurance approach across the organisation’s first, second, and third lines of defence.
• Present audit findings and recommendations to the Audit and Risk Committee and Board, ensuring clear communication of key risks and improvement opportunities.
• Manage, mentor, and develop the internal audit team, promoting professional growth and high performance.
• Monitor and follow up on implementation of audit recommendations to ensure effective remediation and continuous improvement.

• Matric (Grade 12)
• BCom Accounting
• BCom Honours, Accounting / IA
• CA(SA) / CIA / CISA

• Minimum of 10 years’ experience in internal audit, with at least 5 years in a senior leadership role, preferably within insurance or financial services.
• Strong knowledge of South African insurance regulatory frameworks, including SAM, with IFRS 17 exposure considered advantageous.
• Proven experience engaging with regulatory bodies such as the FSCA and Prudential Authority.
• Strong analytical, leadership, and stakeholder engagement capabilities.
• Experience with audit management systems and data analytics tools will be advantageous.

• Strong leadership ability with the capacity to guide, mentor, and develop high-performing internal audit teams.
• Excellent analytical and critical thinking skills, with the ability to assess complex risks and identify practical solutions.
• Strong understanding of risk management, governance frameworks, and internal control environments within the insurance or financial services sector.
• Ability to communicate audit findings and complex information clearly and confidently to senior leadership, the Board, and key stakeholders.
• Strong stakeholder management skills with the ability to build trusted relationships across the business.
• High level of integrity, ethical judgement, and commitment to governance and regulatory compliance.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and deliver high-quality work within tight deadlines.
• Strong problem-solving mindset with the ability to identify control weaknesses and recommend effective improvements.
• Adaptable and resilient in a fast-paced, regulated environment with evolving regulatory requirements.