Head of Internal Audit

Introduction Are you an experienced Internal Audit leader with the confidence to challenge, influence, and strengthen governance at Board level? Do you thrive in highly regulated environments where your independence and expertise directly impact organizational success? We are seeking a Head of Internal Audit to establish, lead, and enhance a best-practice Internal Audit function, providing independent assurance across governance, risk management, and internal controls. Reporting functionally to the Board Audit Committee and administratively to the CEO, this is a strategic leadership role with significant organizational influence.

As the Head of Internal Audit, you will serve as the organization's third line of defense, ensuring the effectiveness of risk management, compliance, governance, financial controls, IT security, operational processes, and conduct risk frameworks. You will play a key role in strengthening internal controls, supporting regulatory compliance, and fostering a culture of accountability and continuous improvement.

Duties & Responsibilities Strategic Audit Leadership •Develop and maintain the Internal Audit Charter in line with professional standards and regulatory requirements. •Create and execute a risk-based annual audit plan. •Ensure appropriate audit coverage across operational, financial, compliance, technology, and governance risk areas. •Provide insights that support strategic decision-making and organizational resilience.

Independent Assurance & Reporting •Lead and oversee complex audit engagements across the business. •Assess the effectiveness of governance, risk management, and control frameworks. •Present audit findings, recommendations, and trends to executive leadership and the Audit Committee. •Track and report on the implementation of agreed corrective actions.

Regulatory & Quality Oversight •Support organizational readiness for regulatory reviews and inspections. •Ensure audit activities align with applicable legislation, regulations, and industry best practices. •Maintain a Quality Assurance and Improvement Programme (QAIP). •Monitor emerging risks and provide proactive assurance on key business initiatives.

Leadership & Continuous Improvement •Lead, mentor, and develop the Internal Audit team. •Drive the adoption of data analytics and continuous auditing techniques. •Oversee investigations relating to fraud, misconduct, governance concerns, and whistleblower matters. •Safeguard the independence, objectivity, and integrity of the Internal Audit function.

Desired Experience & Qualification This opportunity is ideal for a senior audit professional seeking a position with high visibility, executive engagement, and the ability to shape organizational governance and risk management practices.

Requirements

Qualifications •Chartered Accountant (SA) and/or Certified Internal Auditor (CIA). •Bachelor's Degree in Accounting, Finance, Risk Management, or a related field. •CISA or equivalent certification will be advantageous. Experience •10-12+ years of audit experience within financial services, banking, or a similarly regulated environment. •Minimum 5 years in a senior Internal Audit leadership role. •Proven experience engaging with Audit Committees, Boards, and Executive Teams. •Strong understanding of risk management, governance, compliance, and regulatory frameworks. •Experience establishing, transforming, or scaling an Internal Audit function is advantageous.

Competencies •Strong ethical judgment and professional integrity. •Strategic and analytical thinking. •Excellent executive communication and presentation skills. •Leadership and people development capability. •Stakeholder management and influencing skills. •Resilience, independence, and sound decision-making ability. •Continuous improvement mindset.

Package & Remuneration R1.8 - R2.2 Million

Interested? If you are a strategic Internal Audit leader ready to make a lasting impact on governance, risk management, and organizational effectiveness, we invite you to apply. Take the next step in your executive career and become a trusted advisor to leadership, the Audit Committee, and key stakeholders.