Head of Internal Audit

SUMMARY:
We are seeking a dynamic and forward-thinking Head of Audit to lead the internal audit function for a prominent short-term insurance business operating within a leading financial services group.

POSITION INFO:
Are you a strategic audit leader with deep expertise in short-term insurance and a passion for strengthening control environments in complex, regulated environments?

This executive position offers a unique opportunity to drive the audit strategy across a growing, innovative short-term insurance business. The successful candidate will play a key leadership role in overseeing the development and execution of the internal audit plan, providing assurance over governance, risk management, and internal control processes, while helping shape the organisation’s overall risk culture.

This is a key person role as per regulatory standards and requires registration with the Prudential Authority as a Head of a Control Function.

Lead the audit function of a high-growth business, collaborate with top professionals across insurance, banking, and risk, and drive meaningful change in an organisation dedicated to governance excellence and innovation.

Duties:

• Define and execute the annual internal audit plan for the short-term insurance (non-life) division.
• Deliver high-quality, timely audit and governance reports that meet internal standards and regulatory expectations.
• Ensure the use of data analytics and digital tools in audit delivery and continuous monitoring.
• Apply professional scepticism and a risk-based lens to all audit work and issue validations.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with executive leaders, Board committees, and regulators.
• Communicate audit findings and recommendations clearly and constructively to senior stakeholders.
• Represent internal audit at governance forums and contribute to Combined Assurance efforts.
• Lead and inspire a team of experienced auditors and subject matter experts.
• Foster a high-performance culture and continuous learning environment.
• Coach and develop talent, supporting succession and skills pipeline for future audit leadership.
• Remain informed on regulatory developments, market trends, and emerging risks in insurance and bancassurance.
• Contribute to internal audit strategy, digital transformation initiatives, and functional positioning.

• Matric (Grade 12)
• Bachelor’s degree in Finance and Business
• BCom Honours
• CA(SA)/CIA/CISA preferred

• 15+ years in internal/external audit or similar assurance roles, ideally within financial services.
• Proven expertise in short-term (non-life) insurance.
• Demonstrated success in leading high-performing teams and influencing at executive/board level.
• Strong working knowledge of risk-based auditing, regulatory compliance, and internal controls.

• Strategic thinker with strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Able to manage multiple priorities and senior-level relationships with confidence.
• Passionate about developing people and driving continuous improvement.