Chief Audit Executive (Fixed-Term Contract Of 5 Years)

In brief

**Overview** South African National Parks (SANParks) is seeking a Chief Audit Executive for a fixed-term contract of 5 years within its Corporate Division. The successful candidate will be responsible for leading an independent Internal Audit function, providing assurance and advisory services to support good governance, effective risk management, and regulatory compliance. This role involves providing strategic direction, managing the development and implementation of the Audit Management framework for SANParks, and monitoring organisational compliance with various statutory requirements, policies, and procedures. The Chief Audit Executive will report to the CEO and the Audit Risk Committee. The position is based at the Groenkloof National Park Head Office. **What you will do** The Chief Audit Executive will: * Provide strategic direction and manage the development and implementation of the Audit Management framework for SANParks. * Monitor organisational compliance in line with statutory requirements, policies, and procedures in line with the Global Internal Auditing Standards GIAS, King IV, the Public Finance Management Act PFMA and Treasury Regulations, and SANParks policies. * Define, develop, and ensure implementation of a long-term strategy for the Internal Audit unit that aligns with and supports SANParks’ overall strategy. * Ensure alignment of all activities undertaken in the unit to the business strategy and applicable legislation. * Drive best practice, continuous improvement, and innovation at process and procedure level. * Work with the CEO and Audit Committee to establish an effective control environment. * Maintain close liaison with the Board and Audit Committee members, as well as other committee members and managers. * Ensure effective planning, preparations, and facilitation of the SANParks Audit Committee. * Provide assurance on the internal control environment and participate in all forms of risk management. * Ensure that internal audits are conducted in accordance with the IIA standards. * Prepare and submit management reports on internal control policies, procedures, and systems. * Manage Auditor General monthly key controls and meetings. * Maintain internal working relationships with Executive Management and the CEO. * Report to the Audit Committee and CEO on internal controls and identified gaps. * Interface with the Audit Committee regarding internal controls and gaps. * Promote partnerships with relevant stakeholders and manage overall perceptions of the internal audit function. * Manage and oversee team performance through performance planning, coaching, and performance appraisals. * Motivate and inspire the team by providing them with the necessary information and tools to perform effectively and meet expectations. * Manage headcount, recruiting, and deploying resources as required, to ensure the department budget is balanced and that the right mix of skills and strengths are leveraged as effectively as possible. * Provide oversight, assurance, coordination, and reporting regarding forensic investigations. **Requirements (from the original advert)** * NQF level 8 in Internal Auditing / Accounting or related field. * NQF level 9 in MBA/MCom membership with a recognized professional body such as but not limited to SAICA, CRMA, etc., will be an added advantage. * Minimum 10 years’ experience in the audit environment with 5 years internal audit in a senior management level obtained within governance, risk, and compliance. * Experience in the management of processes and systems in a Regulatory environment. * IT audit experience is essential. * Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) or Chartered Accountant (CA(SA)). * Proven engagement with ARC/Board; combined assurance; QAIP; PFMA/Treasury; King IV; ERM COSO/ISO 31000. * Experience in forensic auditing related to fraud investigation. * Membership to relevant professional bodies, e.g., Global Internal Auditors (GIA), South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA), Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA), Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA), or other relevant bodies. * Capacity to work with large volumes of data and documentation. * Ability to travel occasionally to audit locations if required. * Ability to use computers and audit software for extended periods. * Commitment to ethical conduct and compliance with professional standards. * Advanced Proficiency in the GIAS International Professional Practices Framework (IPPF), COSO, Code of Ethics and Standards, and related frameworks. * Understanding of SANParks Financial Reporting Framework Generally Recognised Accounting Practices (GRAP). * Understanding of the Framework for Managing Programme Performance Information (FMPPI) and Framework for Strategic Plans and Annual Performance Plans. * Proficient understanding of internal audit processes including identifying and evaluating key risks and setting the audit scope. * Good knowledge of the business environment and related legislative frameworks. * Expert knowledge with a comprehensive understanding of the regulatory and departmental environment underpinning internal audit management to be applied in highly complex circumstances. * Possess advanced proficiency of audit competencies: risk management & control, communication, problem solving and financial analysis. * Advanced knowledge of the PFMA, Treasury Regulations and Public Service Regulations; Internal Auditing Standards; the South African Auditing Standards. * King IV report on Corporate Governance. * All other relevant legislation and regulations applicable to SANParks. * In-depth knowledge of the PFMA, its regulations, and Treasury directives. * Risk-based Auditing expertise. * International professional standards applications. * Critical behaviour and leadership skills. * Strategic leadership, influence, and Communications to be a credible advisor to the executive team and the Board. * Unquestionable integrity and ethical fortitude (King IV Principle 1). **Who should apply** An experienced and ethical strategic leader in internal audit, governance, risk, and compliance, with strong IT audit skills. The ideal candidate will have proven engagement with audit committees and boards, possess advanced proficiency in relevant frameworks and regulations, and be capable of providing credible advice to executive teams and the Board, while leading and inspiring a team. This role requires an individual with a minimum of 10 years in the audit environment, including 5 years at a senior management level in internal audit focusing on governance, risk, and compliance. **Deadline** 23 October 2026 **Reference** Original posting: https://www.myjobmag.co.za/job/chief-audit-executive-fixed-term-contract-of-5-years-south-african-national-parks-sanparks Source: myjobmag

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