Chief Internal Auditor

SUMMARY:
Like its bold start in 1916 and its subsequent stance of defiance in the 1960's through to 1994, this iconic university has shown grit and determination. Now again in the 2000's, it has faced yet another bout of assault, this time of covert proportions. And yet again, the same grit and determination has shone through. Are you eager and determined to help reposition this iconic institution to the position it so richly deserves? The University of Fort Hare is seeking for applications from appropriately qualified and experienced candidates for a Chief Internal Auditor position on a Five (5)-Year Fixed-Term contract, in the Internal Audit division. 

POSITION INFO:
Minimum Requirements:

• B. Comm Hons with Accounting/Internal Audit, MPhil in Internal Auditing or equivalent.
• CIA, CISA, CA(SA) and a Postgraduate Diploma in Risk & Compliance qualification are an advantage.
• A minimum of 10 years’ experience in Internal Audit.
• Experience in higher education or public sector organisations is advantageous.

• Provide independent and objective assurance on the institution's governance, risk management and internal controls.
• Conduct both scheduled and unscheduled internal audits, providing actionable recommendations to senior leadership of the institution to enhance operations, mitigate risks, and strengthen overall performance.
• Possess a deep understanding of internal audit standards, principles and practices.
• Be equipped with proficiency of audit software, data analytic tools and Microsoft Office Suite.

• Play a key role in shaping the overall strategic direction of the institution.
• Govern the implementation of policies & strategies agreed by Council / Senate.
• Promote the institution’s reputational profile through networks & partnerships.
• Provide oversight, leadership & guidance to units under area of responsibility.
• Establish a combined assurance framework in place.
• Play a key role in executive/governance committees.
• Direct the leadership resources as per structure.
• Monitor the achievement of the unit’s strategic plan achievement.

• Formulate & review strategy aligned with vision & mission.
• Approve implementation of structures, resources & systems.
• Collaborates with senior stakeholders in strategy design.
• Conduct regular strategic alignment reviews.
• Provide regular feedback to senior stakeholders on plan implementation.

• Conduct long-term financial projections & planning.
• Allocate & re-allocate funds & resources based on portfolio needs & requirements.
• Approve financial strategies in conjunction with senior stakeholders / Board.
• Obtain approval for annual budgets from executive committee/Board.
• Exercise prudent budgetary control.
• Approve large payments, assets procurement & services.
• Monitor cash flow management.
• Report on financial & budgetary objectives/plans.

• Plan leadership talent, succession and development based on strategy.
• Direct preventative & mitigation strategies for anticipated talent risks.
• Recruit, select & appoint a leadership team based on the approved Resource Plan.
• Build & direct the leadership team within the portfolio structure.
• Manage performance management aligned with the Performance Management System.
• Direct talent competence, skills & performance levels aligned with strategy.
• Submit a succession & development plan progress reports to senior leadership.

• Participate in key institutional policy and decision-making bodies.
• Develop & foster partnerships with local & international academic institutions.
• Engage with industry/government stakeholders aligned with business area.
• Participate in related industry forums.

• Influence the institution's internal audit strategy & policy.
• Provide strategic internal audit direction in the strategic planning process.
• Establish frameworks for combined assurance.
• Provide direction on the ICT Audit strategy.
• Remain abreast of latest developments in internal audit legislation.
• Direct Internal Audit Charter & gain approval from senior leadership.
• Approve the Internal Audit Plan (in consultation with executive members).
• Approve risk based annual internal audit program, budget & performance criteria.
• Approve the facilitation of the fraud prevention & corruption awareness program.
• Direct internal audit policies & procedures aligned to business objectives.
• Approve the:

1. a) ICT Audit Charter & obtain approval,
2. b) Risk based annual ICT audit program, budget & performance criteria,
3. c) Audit reports for each engagement within annual ICT audit plan.
4. d) Internal audit schedules & confirm the achievement of program outcomes.

• Consider audit reports for each engagement within annual internal audit plan.
• Govern the following:

1. a) Internal audit process improvements to ensure that value-adding services are in place,
2. b) Assurance on information management controls.
3. c) Assurance of the control environment.
4. d) Internal audits and processes.

• Consider audit reports for each engagement within annual internal audit plan.
• Build business relationships with senior internal resources.
• Advise mitigation plans to the executive leadership.
• Advise on security policies, procedures & incident response plans.
• Direct ICT governance practices, security controls & risk management process.
• Govern & direct the cybersecurity assessments process & outcomes.
• Monitor outputs of the quality control function for Internal Audit.
• Monitor quality updates of business process models with commensurate controls.
• Track and monitor the implementation and compliance with the Internal Audit Charter.
• Monitor the effectiveness of the internal audit function & suggests improvements.
• Report results of audit assignments to the executive committee.
• Recommend initiatives to the Audit Committee on key decisions required.
• Report results of ICT audit assignments to senior leadership.
• Present recommendations, investigations & ad hoc ICT Audit reports.

• Remain abreast of corporate strategy/direction/business models and Governance Frameworks (e.g. King IV).
• Provides input into the Corporate Risk Strategy.
• Remains abreast of legislation & jurisdictions and the changes within.
• Assume responsibility for all aspects of the corporate disaster continuity plan.
• Evaluate risk processes.
• Draft & evaluate a leadership succession strategy.
• Remains abreast of industry drivers/risks/trends.
• Disseminate & inform leadership on the risk strategy plus operational plans.
• Manage the relationship between the institution & various regulators.
• Collaborate and provide input to compliance projects.
• Drive the implementation of new requirements such as legal, organisational etc.
• Plan & direct risk audits.
• Monitor maintenance & updates on the Risk Register.
• Propose & obtain approval from governance structures for corrective action.
• Monitor compliance to Risk Policy.

1. Applications must be accompanied by:
2. A recent and comprehensive curriculum vitae
3. A Covering Letter stating how applicants satisfy the requirements of the advertised position/s
4. A completed University of Fort Hare Application Form
5. Copies of the applicants’ qualifications. Foreign qualifications must be accompanied by an evaluation certificate from SAQA
6. Failure to comply with the above directions will result in the application/s being disqualified.