Head of Internal Audit - Fintech / Banking Cape town

SUMMARY:
Are you ready to lead independent assurance and strengthen governance at the highest level?

POSITION INFO:
We are seeking an experienced Head of Internal Audit to lead the independent assurance function and provide the Board and Exco with objective oversight of governance, risk management, and internal control effectiveness across the organisation. This is a third line-of-defence leadership role reporting functionally to the Board Audit Committee and administratively to the Chief Executive Officer . Key Responsibilities: Develop and maintain the Internal Audit Charter aligned with IIA standards, King IV, and regulatory requirements. Design and execute a risk-based audit plan covering credit, operational, IT\/cyber, financial crime, and conduct risk. Present audit findings and thematic insights to the Board Audit Committee, escalating significant control weaknesses. Liaise with regulators and external auditors, supporting inspections and reviews. Maintain a Quality Assurance and Improvement Program (QAIP) and commission periodic external quality assessments. Build and lead a multi-disciplinary audit team with expertise in credit, IT\/cyber, data analytics, and financial crime. Embed data-driven and continuous auditing techniques suited to a digitally led retail bank. Safeguard the independence and objectivity of the Internal Audit function. Requirements: Chartered Accountant (SA) and\/or Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) designation required or near completion. Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Risk Management, or related field. CISA or equivalent advantageous. 10-12 years' internal or external audit experience within banking or financial services. Minimum 5 years in a senior internal audit leadership role within a regulated institution. Proven experience reporting directly to a Board Audit Committee and engaging with regulators. Experience establishing or scaling an internal audit function in a growing or newly licensed institution. Key Competencies: Independence, objectivity, and ethical courage. Strategic and analytical thinking. Board-level communication and presentation skills. Leadership and capability building. Resilience and diplomacy when raising difficult findings. Curiosity and continuous improvement mindset. Apply now to lead independent assurance and strengthen governance in a growing financial institution.