Job description
\nPURPOSE OF THE POSITION<\/p>\n
\tThe Director: Internal Audit has overall responsibility for leading and managing the Internal Audit function of the NWU. The purpose of this role is to ensure that Internal Audit provides independent, objective assurance and consulting services designed to add value and improve the University\u2019s operations.
\n\tThe incumbent is accountable for aligning the Internal Audit strategy and activities with the NWU strategy, institutional risk profile, and industry best practices. This includes oversight of continuous auditing, quality assurance, special and forensic investigations, risk and compliance alignment, and the development of a high performing, digitally enabled internal audit environment.<\/p>\n
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:<\/p>\n
Audit Leadership and Strategy<\/p>\n
\tDevelop and implement the Internal Audit Strategy aligned with the NWU strategic plan.
\n\tOversee the effectiveness of the continuous auditing and data analytics functions.
\n\tEnsure stability of audit platforms, networks, and systems and maintain risk-based, value-adding audit programming.
\n\tDrive digital transformation in audit processes in alignment with the University\u2019s digital business strategy.
\n\tEnhance staff capability in the use of technology assets including the use of AI and other automation tools and analytics for analysis in their work, through technical training and knowledge-sharing in technology-enabled auditing.<\/p>\n
Quality Assurance and Continuous Improvement<\/p>\n
\tLead the implementation of the Internal Audit Quality and Improvement Plan.
\n\tConduct periodic internal quality assessments and coordinate external quality reviews.
\n\tEnsure full conformance with IIA Standards and the International Professional Practices Framework (IPPF).
\n\tDevelop, maintain, and enhance Internal Audit manuals, methodologies, and quality standards
\n\tSpecial and Forensic Investigations including Fraud Risk Management
\n\tOversee special investigations and ensure timely, effective, and confidential handling of reported irregularities.
\n\tMaintain and monitor the Special Investigation Register and whistleblowing mechanisms.
\n\tSupport management in implementing the Anti-Fraud Strategy and preventive internal controls.
\n\tMonitor the resolution of control weaknesses arising from investigations.
\n\tInclude progress with special investigations and other required reporting to ARCC or EXCO.
\n\tMaintain a proper whistleblowing procedure and reporting mechanisms to report\/detect irregularities\/misconduct by employees, students and the public.
\n\tOversee detection scripts and data analytics to identify potential fraud risks.<\/p>\n
Assurance and Audit Planning<\/p>\n
\tDevelop and execute a comprehensive risk-based internal audit plan aligned with institutional goals, approved by the ARCC.
\n\tEvaluate and report on the effectiveness of governance, risk management, and internal control systems.
\n\tOversee all audit activities (assurance, compliance, IT, and financial) and ensure value-adding recommendations to management.
\n\tPresent quarterly reports to ARCC and executive management on audit results and control improvements.
\n\tEnsure effective coordination between internal audit, external audit, risk management, and compliance units to strengthen combined assurance.<\/p>\n
Governance, Risk and Compliance Management Support<\/p>\n
\tServe as a key advisor on integrated risk, compliance management frameworks and internal control matters.
\n\tSupport business continuity and disaster recovery planning.
\n\tEnsure alignment of internal audit findings and recommendations with institutional risk priorities.<\/p>\n
Reporting and Communication<\/p>\n
\tOn a quarterly basis report audit findings, recommendations, and the overall state of the control environment to the Vice Chancellor, executive management, and the Council through the Audit, Risk and Compliance Committee<\/p>\n
Financial and Resource Management<\/p>\n
\tPlan, manage, and monitor the financial resources of the Internal Audit function.
\n\tEnsure compliance with NWU financial policies and achieve cost efficiency.
\n\tOversee procurement and contracting processes for outsourced audit, forensic and IT audit services, system requirements, etc.<\/p>\n
People Leadership and Development<\/p>\n
\tLead, manage, and mentor the Internal Audit team to ensure high performance and professionalism.
\n\tPromote Employment Equity, diversity, and transformation within the unit.
\n\tBuild a culture of ethical conduct, teamwork, and continuous learning<\/p>\n
Minimum requirements<\/p>\n
\tA postgraduate\/honours degree in Internal Audit\/Accounting\/Cost and Management Accounting.
\n\tA master\u2019s degree in Internal Audit\/ Accounting will serve as a strong recommendation.
\n\tMust be an accredited CA(SA) or Certified Internal Auditor.
\n\tMust have membership with an applicable professional body.
\n\tA minimum of ten (10) years\u2019 specialist internal auditing experience, including experience at a senior managerial level of at least 8 years.\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0<\/p>\n
KEY FUNCTIONAL\/TECHNICAL COMPETENCIES:<\/p>\n
\tStrategic Leadership and Management
\n\tExpert knowledge of the International Professional Practices Framework (IPPF), IIA Standards, and related audit principles.
\n\tStrong understanding of corporate governance, risk management, and compliance frameworks in the higher education and public sector environment.
\n\tAdvanced knowledge of internal audit methodologies, data analytics, and continuous auditing systems.
\n\tProficiency in audit management systems (e.g., Highbond, IAS) and digital audit tools (CAATs, ACL, IDEA, Power BI, etc.).
\n\tStrong financial management and budgeting acumen.
\n\tKnowledge of forensic investigation principles, anti-fraud strategies, and whistleblowing procedures.
\n\tA catalyst for organizational improvement and value creation, driving innovative solutions and strategic enhancements within the Internal Audit function.
\n\tSound understanding of IT audit controls, information security, and digital transformation trends.
\n\tSkilled in developing and implementing quality assurance and improvement programmes.
\n\tAbility to interpret complex data and translate findings into strategic recommendations.
\n\tIndepth knowledge of university governance structures and statutory reporting to ARCC, Council, and regulatory bodies. This is desirable
\n\tExpert knowledge of the International Professional Practices Framework (IPPF), IIA Standards, and related audit principles.<\/p>\n
KEY BEHAVIOURAL COMPETENCIES:<\/p>\n
\tIntegrity and Ethics: Demonstrates impartiality, confidentiality, and high ethical standards in all engagements.
\n\tDecision-Making and Judgement: Makes informed, balanced decisions under pressure and in complex governance contexts.
\n\tAnalytical and Critical Thinking: Synthesises complex data into meaningful insights that drive institutional improvement.
\n\tCommunication and Influence: Communicates effectively across governance levels, influencing outcomes with professionalism and credibility.
\n\tChange Leadership: Leads transformation and digital modernisation of the audit function with agility and foresight.
\n\tRelationship Building: Fosters constructive relationships with management, ARCC, and external stakeholders.
\n\tAccountability and Ownership: Takes responsibility for audit outcomes, ensuring transparency and follow-through.
\n\tPeople Leadership: Develops talent, empowers and inspire teams, and builds an inclusive, high-performance culture.
\n\tResilience and Adaptability: Remains composed, solutions-focused, and effective in a dynamic, multi-campus environment.
\n\tIndependence & Objectivity: The ability to work without bias and free from conditions that threaten the ability to perform responsibilities impartially.
\n\tInterpersonal Skills: Strong relationship-building skills to collaborate effectively with management and other departments while maintaining independence.<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/p>\n
Apply by:\u00a015 January 2026<\/p>\n
Apply via company website ( ) or<\/p>\n
nwu.ci.hr<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"template":"","meta":{"_promoted":"","_job_location":"","_application":"http:\/\/nwu.ci.hr","_company_name":"North West University","_company_website":"","_company_tagline":"","_company_twitter":"","_company_video":"","_filled":0,"_featured":0,"_remote_position":0,"_job_salary":"","_job_salary_currency":"","_job_salary_unit":""},"job_listing_region":[21],"job-types":[12],"class_list":["post-26304","job_listing","type-job_listing","status-expired","hentry","job_listing_region-north-west","job-type-full-time"],"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/jobs.dataaxisnode.com\/southafrica\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/job-listings\/26304","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/jobs.dataaxisnode.com\/southafrica\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/job-listings"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/jobs.dataaxisnode.com\/southafrica\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/job_listing"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/jobs.dataaxisnode.com\/southafrica\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/jobs.dataaxisnode.com\/southafrica\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=26304"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"job_listing_region","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/jobs.dataaxisnode.com\/southafrica\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/job_listing_region?post=26304"},{"taxonomy":"job_listing_type","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/jobs.dataaxisnode.com\/southafrica\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/job-types?post=26304"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}