Head: Internal Audit at South African Bureau of Standards (SABS)

 
Job Advert Summary    
Purpose Statement

Accountable for the implementation of tactical work plans and formulate associated procedures to ensure the effective implementation of the Internal Audit strategy in line with the SABS’s mandate and overall approved strategy; to provide independent and impartial co-ordination of processes to support the execution of the SABS audit plan, audit risk monitoring and identification, preparing and presenting audit findings and recommendations to management and provide independent assurance of compliance to statutory requirements, policies and procedures. 

About SABS

• The South African Bureau of Standards (SABS) is mandated to develop, promote and maintain South African National Standards (SANS), promote quality in connection with commodities, products and services, and render conformity assessment services and assist in matters connected therewith. Working for the SABS opens the mind to the world around you. We offer diverse career paths in dynamic environment that nurtures and recognises talent and potential. Become part of our vision of being a trusted standardisation and business assurance solution provider and join a team that fosters accountability, excellence and innovation in an inclusive workplace. 

SABS is an equal opportunities employer, and our recruitment will be done in line with the Employment Equity Act 55 of 1998 and our EE Policy. Please note that applications received after the closing date will not be considered. 
Minimum Requirements    
Qualifications

• Matric (Grade 12)
• Honours degree in Accounting or Auditing or Finance or related field (NQF 8)
• Professional certification in one of the following areas Chartered Accountant (CA(SA)), Certified Internal Auditor (CIA), or Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA)

Experience

• 10 years’ relevant work experience in Auditing
• 3 years’ senior management experience
• 5 years’ management experience
• Proven track record in developing and executing Audits / Audit plans within a corporate environment
• Proven track record in preparing Audit reports 
• Proven track record in leading and managing audit strategies within an organisation

Duties and Responsibilities    
Strategic Management

• Lead the development, management and execution of Internal Audit’s strategy and provide input into the overall strategy, policy and decision-making direction of the organisation.
• Ensure alignment of Internal Audit’s strategy with the requirements of all divisions, through the development and execution of strategic work plans.
• Set and drive comprehensive goals and objectives for performance and growth to support SABS’s strategy and objectives.
• Lead and ensure the establishment, maintenance and improvement of Standard Operating Procedures, policies, and guidelines relating to Internal Audit in consultation with the CEO and Executive members.
• Develop a Centre of Excellence to balance technical know-how with customer/stakeholder requirements.
• Lead the establishment, review and monitoring of key performance indicators related to Internal Audit’s strategy and business plans and identify areas for internal improvement and develops plans for implementation.
• Ensure productivity is measured effectively against set objectives.
• Ensure that Internal Audit achieves set objectives and that corrective actions are taken where the operational objectives are not achieved.
• Provide leadership and develop a strong team environment committed to the organisation’s mission, vision, values and objectives in a manner that instils trust and credibility within the unit.

Operational Management

• Report directly to the Audit and Risk Committee and the SABS Board
• Ensure alignment of the unit to Treasury Regulations and the IPPF
• Develop and ensure implementation of an auditing strategy and system that effectively identifies and analyses risks to the business.
• Oversee and manage the end-to-end audit process including resourcing capacity, audit environment staff briefings, audit progress review, audit work review, audit control design, audit report finding preparation, stakeholder updates, development of the scope and objective of audits, specifying the resource requirements, engagement work programme and working papers.
• Ensure awareness of the workings of the audit process and the areas of concern to management and relevant stakeholders.
• Professionally communicate and present findings to senior leadership, report on the policies adopted for auditing, and the programmes and activities of the Auditing team

Risk and Compliance

• Ensure the mitigation of Internal Audit’s risk profile through the application of fraud controls and risk prevention principles and implementing of sound governance and compliance processes and tools to identify and manage risks.
• Responsible for the coordination and maintenance of quality risk management in line with SANS/ISO 31 000 and regulatory requirements.
• Monitor changes in legislation and the regulatory environment and ensure that appropriate operational controls are implemented to address new requirements.
• Ensure compliance with national legislation and SABS specific policies and procedures (e.g. Code of Ethics, PFMA PPPFA, etc.) 

Financial Management

• Provide input in the planning and compilation of Internal Audit’s annual budget aligned to the operational and strategic delivery plans to support the implementation of set objectives.
• Lead the overall financial performance and improvement of efficiency in service delivery within Internal Audit.
• Develop and manage financial plans, forecasts and budgets that will be used to initiate, drive and implement all Internal Audit related initiatives in line with the business strategy
• Ensure the effective implementation, management, monitoring of Internal Audit’s budget, and mitigate and report on any variances.
• Ensure the deployment of proper financial controls to manage Internal Audit’s budget.

People Management

• Manage and lead Internal Audit by providing clarity of vision; prioritising resources; facilitating alignment of the team; managing non-performance, driving a customer-centric performance culture, setting appropriate KPA’s and ensure the cascading thereof throughout Internal Audit and driving their achievement; inspiring commitment; encouraging mutual support; and enabling development opportunities
• Mentor and coach executives and SABS leadership in the application of Internal Audit practices
• Proactively manage all direct reports in order to ensure that the strategic objectives for the division are achieved.
• Maintain excellent human capital performance within Internal Audit through various people management practices such as employee engagement, empowerment, skills development, attraction and retention of key talent, succession planning, etc.

Stakeholder Management

• Identify and mitigate internal systems and procedural barriers to enhance excellent customer service.
• Build and maintain effective internal and external stakeholder relationships for the purpose of expectations management, knowledge sharing and integration, and to manage the organisation’s reputation.
• Represent and participate in the organisation’s committees and tasks teams as required.
• Convene, chair and attend meetings and present performance and business related information to relevant stakeholders as required.
• Provide technical support and advocacy on Internal Audit services related matters to the organisation.

Closing Date: 23rd October, 2025