Job Description

The Director: Internal Audit provides audit, management advisory and special investigation services to the University's departments and academic units to promote accountability, integrity and efficiency in their use of the University's resources and to improve operations. The director coordinates audit and investigative activities with appropriate cognisant officials and is accountable and reports to the Audit, Risk and IT governance committee (chairperson) and the Vice-Chancellor and Principal. He/she oversees all the functions relating to Internal Audit. The director of Internal Audit will direct and administer the internal audit function for the University and make periodic reports to the Audit, Risk and IT governance committee of the Council. The director will work closely with the University's risk manager with regard to many aspects of the internal audit function and the enterprise-wide risk management assessment.

KINDLY TAKE NOTE: Applications may be submitted only online through the official UFS vacancy website: https://ufs.hua.hrsmart.com/hr/ats/JobSearch/viewAll. Applications submitted through any other platform will not be considered

Duties and responsibilities

• Directing the internal audit function to include the implementation of the annual work plan. Ensuring that an appropriate balance is maintained between audit, investigative and other accountability activities. Reviewing actions taken by the University to improve major programme performance, meet programme standards and ensure performance data is maintained properly.
• Reporting (verbally and in writing) routinely to the Audit, Risk and IT governance committee of the Council on matters that include significant risk exposure, control issues, fraud risks, governance issues and other matters requested by the Vice-Chancellor and Principal and the Audit, Risk and IT governance committee of the Council.
• Notifying the chair of the Audit, Risk and IT governance committee and the Vice-Chancellor and Principal, as appropriate, of any unresolved restriction or barrier imposed by any individual on the scope of an inquiry or the failure to provide access to the necessary information or people for the purposes of such inquiry.
• Developing annual audit plans based on periodic risk assessments and overseeing activities to accomplish the audit plan. Reviewing and evaluating internal controls and University rules relating to the programmes and operations to ensure fiscal accountability and compliance with appropriate regulations.
• Initiating, conducting, supervising and coordinating investigations designed to detect, deter, prevent and eradicate fraud, waste, mismanagement, misconduct and other abuses. Utilising existing internal processes by referring complaints to designated offices for investigation, where appropriate. Advising on the development of performance measures and standards and assessing the reliability and validity of such information.
• Directing the University's follow-up programme of internal audit recommendations. Monitoring the disposition of results communicated to the University management and determining whether corrective actions have been effectively implemented. Communicating to senior management or the Audit, Risk and IT governance committee the risks of not taking corrective actions.
• Developing and maintaining a quality assurance and improvement programme in accordance with the Global Internal Audit Standards.
• Initiating, conducting, supervising or coordinating investigations that are within the purview of Internal Audit. Reviewing statutory whistle-blower information and coordinating all University activities as required. Managing the Whistle-blowers Hotline of the University.
• Performing related duties as assigned by the Vice-Chancellor and Principal in consultation with the chair of the Audit, Risk and IT governance committee.
• Collaborating with other assurance providers such as external auditors.
• Facilitating the periodic review and approval of the Internal Audit Charter.
• Obtaining an understanding of the key risk areas, etc. from senior management.

Inherent Job Requirements

• Honours degree (NQF Level 8) in Internal Auditing or Accounting or in a finance-related field.
• Qualified Chartered Accountant (CA) or an active Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) designation.
• A minimum of eight (8) years' relevant working experience relating to most of the duties and responsibilities, of which at least three (3) years should be in a managerial capacity.

Recommendations

• Experience in performing and managing special/forensic investigations.
• Knowledge of HighBond, ACL and PeopleSoft.
• Certification in the following would be an added advantage: CFE, FP (SA), CISA.
• Knowledge of accounting principles and practices, internal audit standards (new Global Internal Audit Standards) and techniques required for performing audits and special investigations.
• Knowledge of auditing procedures, practices, theory and application of internal controls.
• Knowledge of present-day information systems and networks.
• Ability to prepare audit reports.
• Knowledge of continuous audit methodologies.

Competencies

Key Competencies Required:

• Results-orientation

- The ability to set high standards, establish tough goals and work to achieve success.
- The ability to be reliable, responsible and dependable, and to fulfil obligations.
- The ability to deal calmly and effectively with high-stress situations.

• Strategic thinking

- The ability to plan work and to follow plans.
- The ability to be creative and open-minded when addressing work issues.
- The ability to carefully analyse information and use logic to address issues and problems at work.
- The ability to conduct complex audits.
- The ability to focus on details, work towards perfection and approach work in a neat and organised manner.

• Business acumen

- The ability to adhere to rules and strictly follow work regulations.
- Proficiency in using MS Office.
- The ability to apply and analyse business systems.
- Excellent communication (oral and written) skills.
- Knowledge of contemporary desktop computer applications such as word processing, spreadsheets, project management and email software systems.

• Leadership

- The ability to maintain high levels of personal motivation, energy and enthusiasm.
- The ability to lead, take charge of situations and offer opinions and direction to others.
- The ability to be cooperative with others, display a good-natured attitude and encourage people to work together.
- The ability to effectively supervise other auditors.

• Building coalitions

- The ability to be self-assured and at ease with people in all types of social situations.
- The ability to interact with others and establish personal connections with people.

Required Documents

Please ensure all relevant documentation is attached to your application.

• A detailed curriculum vitae and cover letter.
• Copies of qualifications (please provide the SAQA accreditation in the case of foreign qualifications).
• A copy of your identity document (ID or passport in the case of foreign nationals).
• Proof of registration with a professional body (if applicable).
• A copy of your driver's license (if applicable).
• Confirmation of employment from your current employer/last employer if unemployed (only applicable to external applicants).

Assumption of duties
As soon as possible.

Closing date
18 February 2024.

Salary
The salary is available on request.

Fringe benefits
Subject to specific conditions: pension scheme, medical aid scheme, group life insurance, housing allowance, leave and sick leave, service bonus and study benefits.

Enquiries
For enquiries, please contact 051 401 9737 or email JonesEY@ufs.ac.za. In addition, kindly contact 051 401 9012/ 9329/ 9848 for assistance.

General
The UFS is a designated employer and is committed to the pursuit of excellence, diversity and redress in achieving its equity targets in accordance with the Employment Equity Plan of the University and its employment equity goals and targets. Preference will be given to candidates from the under-represented designated groups, including candidates with disabilities. Our Employment Equity Policy is available at: EEA13_EE Plan UFS 1 March 2022 (003).pdf.

The University processes personal information in line with its obligations under the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA), and any personal information provided to the University will be treated as confidential and processed in accordance with the rights provided to data subjects under POPIA.

The University reserves the right not to fill the post. The UFS will only consider applications of candidates who meet all the inherent requirements of the position. Applications that are incomplete will not be considered. Communication will be limited to shortlisted candidates only. Should you not be contacted within six weeks of the closing date for applications, you may assume that your application was unsuccessful.

Additional Information

University of the Free State