Head: Internal Audit

The Head of Internal Audit leads an independent, risk-based assurance function that helps the Board Audit Committee and executive leadership understand whether governance, risk management and internal controls are effective. The role sets the audit portfolio strategy, delivers clear and timely assurance, provides insight on emerging risks and supports sustainable improvement across the organisation.

This is a senior leadership role for an experienced audit professional who can combine independence and sound judgement with constructive influence. The successful candidate will lead a high-performing team drawn from country and Group, engage confidently with Boards, executives and regulators, and continue to modernise the audit function through data, technology and forward-looking assurance.

Role Responsibilities

Set direction and provide strategic insight

• Contribute to the Group Internal Audit strategy and translate it into clear priorities, objectives and capability plans for the portfolio.
• Maintain a current view of the business strategy, operating model, products, clients, regulatory environment and emerging risks, and use this insight to shape audit coverage.
• Provide independent perspectives on risk culture, control effectiveness and matters that could affect the organisation’s strategic objectives.

Lead risk-based assurance

• Own the portfolio risk assessment and develop a relevant, properly resourced assurance plan for approval through the applicable governance process.
• Oversee the end-to-end delivery of audits, from scope and fieldwork through reporting, closure and follow-up, in line with Group Internal Audit methodology and professional standards.
• Ensure audit opinions and reports are evidence-based, clear and focused on the most important risks, root causes and sustainable management actions.
• Monitor findings and agreed actions, assess closure evidence and report material themes, overdue matters and emerging concerns to senior stakeholders and governance committees.

Influence stakeholders and governance

• Build trusted, professional relationships with Board and Audit Committee members, executive management, business leaders, risk and control functions, external auditors and regulators.
• Present audit opinions, portfolio themes, emerging risks and forward-looking insights clearly, while protecting Internal Audit’s independence and objectivity.
• Challenge senior stakeholders constructively, hold accountable owners to agreed commitments and support practical, sustainable improvements.

Lead people and resources

• Attract, lead, develop and retain a diverse team with the technical, business and leadership capability required to deliver the audit mandate.
• Set clear expectations, allocate resources to the highest-risk priorities and manage delivery, quality, budget and productivity.
• Build succession, coach future leaders and create a culture of integrity, collaboration, accountability and continuous learning.

Modernise audit delivery

• Expand the effective use of data analytics, technology-enabled assurance, automation and continuous monitoring across the portfolio.
• Promote secure, accurate and responsible use of audit data and improve management information used for planning, delivery and reporting.
• Keep the audit approach aligned with the Global Internal Audit Standards, regulatory expectations and relevant developments in the profession.

Qualifications

Experience and Expertise

Experience

• More than 10 years of relevant internal audit experience, with substantial leadership responsibility in a complex, regulated organisation.
• Proven experience leading a significant audit portfolio or function, including risk assessment, assurance planning, audit delivery, issue follow-up, quality and resource management.
• Credible engagement with Boards, Audit Committees, executive management and regulators, including presentation of audit opinions and significant issues.
• Strong banking or financial services experience. Exposure to Corporate and Investment Banking business, credit and lending, financial crime, markets and treasury, technology and cyber, data, regulatory compliance, conduct and operational risk will be an added advantage.
• Experience working across multiple businesses, legal entities or jurisdictions.
• Demonstrated use of data analytics and technology to improve audit coverage, insight and efficiency, together with experience leading change or audit transformation.

Qualifications

• A relevant postgraduate degree in audit, accounting, finance, risk, business, technology or a related discipline.
• A recognised professional qualification or membership relevant to the role, such as CIA, CA(SA), ACCA, ACA, CPA, CISA, CFE or equivalent.
• Additional qualifications in banking, risk management, technology, data analytics or governance will be an added advantage.

Leadership and technical capabilities

• Strategic thinking and the ability to convert complex risk information into clear priorities and practical decisions.
• Independent judgement, professional courage and the confidence to challenge constructively at senior level.
• Strong knowledge of internal auditing, governance, risk management, control frameworks and professional practices.
• Business and regulatory acumen, supported by a sound understanding of technology controls and complex data.
• Clear written and verbal communication, with the ability to provide concise, evidence-based insights.
• People leadership, coaching, succession development and the ability to lead through change.
• High ethical standards, discretion and consistent commitment to quality and accountability.

Closing date: 27 October 2026