Chief Audit Executive

About this role

Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) is looking for a Chief Audit Executive to lead its independent assurance function. The role sits in Gauteng and reports functionally to the Audit and Risk Committee, with administrative reporting to the Chief Executive Officer.

The job is about giving the Board and Executive Management clear, independent views on governance, risk, controls and performance.

What you’ll do

• Build a risk-based internal audit strategy and lead the annual audit plan, in line with ACSA’s strategic direction.
• Give independent assurance on governance, risk management maturity, internal controls and regulatory compliance.
• Maintain and review the Internal Audit Charter, and get it approved by the Audit and Risk Committee and the Board.
• Lead the combined assurance framework so that coverage is strong and work is not duplicated.
• Set the quality standards for audit methodology and make sure the function follows the Institute of Internal Auditors’ standards.
• Audit IT governance, cyber security, digital transformation and data management, and push the use of data analytics in audits.
• Oversee the whistleblowing and ethics reporting framework, and make sure investigations are independent and professional.
• Lead, develop and mentor the internal audit team, manage the divisional budget, and act as principal adviser to the Audit and Risk Committee.

What you need

• An Honours Degree (NQF Level 8) in internal auditing, accounting, finance, risk management or an equivalent field. This is essential.
• Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) and Chartered Accountant (SA) designations. Both are essential.
• Registration with the Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA) and with SAICA. Both are essential.
• ISACA registration. This is recommended.
• A Master’s degree at NQF Level 9, such as an MBA, MBL or a master’s in accounting, or an equivalent. This is advantageous.
• 13 years of experience in total, including 8 years in audit execution and management in large, complex regulated organisations, and 5 years at senior management level. This is essential.
• Knowledge of internal audit processes, corporate governance, combined assurance and cyber security governance.
• Knowledge of financial, contract, project and quality management.
• Intermediate skills in ERP systems and in audit analysis and automation tools.

Is this job for you?

This role suits a seasoned audit leader who has led teams in a large, regulated environment. You should be comfortable advising a Board and working with external auditors and regulators.

You need strong analytical skills, clear writing and a firm commitment to ethics and integrity.

Tips before you apply

• Have certified copies of your degree, CIA, CA(SA) and professional registration documents ready. Shortlisted candidates must prove their qualifications and NQF level.
• Show your years in audit execution and senior management separately on your CV, with dates and organisation types.
• Give concrete examples of Board or Audit Committee reporting, and of how you led combined assurance or data analytics.

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