Johannesburg: Group Internal Audit Manager

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 organisations 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 organisations 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. Job Experience & Skills Required: Qualifications: Matric (Grade 12) BCom Accounting BCom Honours, Accounting / IA CA(SA) / CIA / CISA Experience: 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. Skills & Competencies: 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. If you have not had any response in two weeks, please consider the vacancy application unsuccessful. Your profile will be kept on our database for any other suitable roles / positions.