Chief Audit Executive

The Organisation requires the services of a Chief Audit Executive in the Corporate Divisionon a fixed-term contract of 5 years. The successful candidate will be responsible for leading an independent Internal Audit function that delivers assurance and advisory services supporting good governance, effective risk management, and regulatory compliance. They will provide strategic direction and manage the development and implementation of the Audit Management framework for SANParks. They will monitor organisational compliance in line with statutory requirements, policies, and procedures in line with the Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA) Standards, King IV, the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA) and Treasury Regulations, and SANParks policies. The successful candidate will report to the CEO and Audit Risk Committee. This position will be based in Groenkloof National Park.

Location

Groenkloof National Park (Head Office)

Requirements

• NQF level 8 in Internal Auditing / Accounting or related field.
• NQF level 9 in (MBA/MCom) membership with recognized professional body such as but not limited to SAICA, CRMA etc will be an added advantage.
• Certified Internal Audit (CIA) or Chartered Accountant (CA(SA)).
• 6–7 years in Internal Auditing with 5+ years at management level.
• Proven engagement with ARC/Board; combined assurance; QAIP; PFMA/Treasury; King IV; ERM (COSO/ISO 31000).
• Experience in forensic auditing related to fraud investigation.
• Membership to relevant professional bodies, e.g. Internal Auditors (IIA), South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA), Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA), Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA), or other relevant bodies.
• Ability to review and analyse complex information.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and professional independence.
• Verbal and written communication abilities.
• Capacity to work with large volumes of data and documentation.
• Ability to travel occasionally to audit locations if required.
• Ability to use computers and audit software for extended periods.
• Commitment to ethical conduct and compliance with professional standards.
• Advanced Proficiency in the IIA International Professional Practices Framework (IPPF), COSO, Code of Ethics and Standards, and related frameworks.
• Understanding of SANParks Financial Reporting Framework (Generally Recognised Accounting Practices – GRAP.
• Understanding of the Framework for Managing Programme Performance Information (FMPPI) and Framework for Strategic Plans and Annual Performance Plans.
• Proficient understanding of internal audit processes including identifying and evaluating key risks and setting the audit scope.
• Good knowledge of the business environment and related legislative frameworks.
• Expert knowledge with a comprehensive understanding of regulatory and departmental environment underpinning internal audit management to be applied in highly complex circumstances.
• Possess advanced proficiency of audit competencies (risk management & control, communication, problem solving and financial analysis).
• Advanced knowledge of the PFMA, Treasury Regulations and Public Service Regulations; Internal Auditing Standards; the South African Auditing Standards.
• King IV report on Corporate Governance.
• All other relevant legislation and regulations applicable to SANParks.
• In-depth knowledge of the PFMA, its regulations, and Treasury directives.
• Risk-based Auditing expertise.
• International professional standards applications.
• Critical behaviour and leadership skills.
• Strategic leadership, influence and Communications (to be a credible advisor to the executive team and the Board.
• Planning and organising.
• Conflict management.
• Presentation skills.
• Computer skills.
• Listening skills.
• High level of accuracy and attention to detail.
• Strong fraud risk, process and control assessment skills.
• Making rule-based and analytical decision.
• Unquestionable integrity and ethical fortitude (King IV Principle 1).
• Decision making.
• Leadership and People management.
• Independent and Objective.
• Teamwork and collaboration.
• Time management.
• Ethical practice and adhering to organisational values.
• Organisational knowledge.
• Excellent communication and report-writing skills.
• Information management.
• Interpersonal and presentation skills.
• Analytical and critical thinking.
• Strong stakeholder engagement and influencing skills.
• Emotional intelligence and resilience.
• Business acumen in a conservations and tourism context.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain Internal Audit policies and procedures compliant with legislation and standards.
• Develop and implement a strategic and operational audit plan framework.
• Develop engagement plans in line with GIA Standards and SANParks’ Internal Audit policies.
• Participate in SANParks strategic planning and contribute to the organisation’s effective functioning.
• Operationalise the unit’s strategic performance targets with defined measures.
• Develop and maintain the Internal Audit Charter; obtain ARC/Board approval and review annually.
• Develop the risk-based Internal Audit Plan considering input from Board, ARC, Exco, and Management.
• Manage Internal Audit resources in line with the approved plan and budget.
• Develop audit tools and frameworks; align with good practice; implement across SANParks.
• Track and report on internal and external audit progress and findings; address trends and systemic issues.
• Conduct priority/sensitive audits and recommend corrective actions.
• Prepare and submit Board/ARC reporting packs and dashboards.
• Develop the Internal Audit Annual Performance Plan and report progress to ARC.
• Maintain and present the audit findings register to ARC, monitor implementation and closure.
• Review engagement outcomes for objectives, quality, completeness, and feedback per standards and policies.
• Ensure final audit reports are completed, signed off, and submitted timeously to stakeholders.
• Produce quarterly Internal Audit reports and dashboards to ARC and stakeholders.
• Draft risk reports for ARC and Exco; attend ARC meetings and provide inputs on control improvements and risk mitigation.
• Report on risk and compliance performance and the implementation of audit recommendation actions.
• Coordinate activities of the Audit Committee and perform secretariat functions as required.
• Report on the annual IA plan, amendments, significant findings, and recommendations.
• Coordinate the audit activities of other assurance providers via the Combined Assurance Model (AGSA, risk management, forensics, compliance).
• Collate information to prepare and submit Board/ARC reports.
• Develop and implement the Quality Assurance and Improvement Programme (QAIP) in line with Internal Audit Standards.
• Ensure work is executed within established policies, systems, procedures, processes, and practices.
• Provide compliance advice and assistance; identify areas of non-compliance and implement corrective actions.
• Develop the compliance management framework; conduct compliance audits; develop, monitor, and maintain compliance registers.
• Implement compliance management procedures and monitoring mechanisms, train staff on compliance matters.
• Ensure efficiency and economy of operations; avoid fruitless and wasteful expenditure (F&WE).
• Ensure good governance and compliance with audit matters and legislative requirements.
• Review annual audit management letters and Internal Audit reports and act on findings
• Monitor policy developments and requirements from AGSA and National Treasury governing and audit policies; ensure they remain current and effective.
• Provide independent assurance and advisory input to the full Board on governance, risk, compliance, and internal control effectiveness. Support the Board in fulfilling its fiduciary duties under King IV.
• Support to Oth