Data Analyst Internship (Internal Audit) - 12 Month Contract

This 12-month internship opportunity at OUTsurance offers a valuable entry point into the field of internal audit within a prominent South African financial services organisation. Designed for individuals seeking practical experience, this programme provides exposure to the core functions of auditing across various business areas within the OUTsurance Group. Interns will have the privilege of working alongside seasoned auditors, benefiting from their expertise and guidance to not only meet audit deliverables but also to foster significant professional growth.

About the Role and Your Development

The primary objective of this internship is to equip you with hands-on experience in conducting governance, financial, and operational process audits. You will be immersed in the day-to-day activities of the internal audit department, gaining a comprehensive understanding of how to assess and improve organisational processes. This role is structured to provide direct interaction with both experienced internal audit professionals and operational management, offering a rich environment for learning about the auditing profession and the intricacies of the insurance industry.

Your responsibilities will span several key areas of audit execution:

• **Preliminary Surveys and Scoping:** You will learn to conduct initial assessments of business areas to understand their operations and processes. This involves identifying potential risks and defining the scope of upcoming audits.
• **Audit Programme Design:** You will gain insight into the development of audit plans, including the design of audit programmes tailored to specific objectives.
• **Process Documentation:** Assisting in documenting business processes to create a clear understanding of workflows and controls.
• **Fieldwork Execution:** Performing audit tests and procedures in accordance with the established audit programmes, meticulously documenting your findings.
• **Working Paper Management:** Populating audit working papers with well-organised planning, fieldwork, and reporting information, ensuring all material issues are captured accurately and promptly.
• **Stakeholder Liaison:** Effectively communicating with audit management, your team, and departmental clients. This includes building rapport and utilising strong interpersonal skills to ensure efficient collaboration and completion of reviews.
• **Debriefing and Communication:** Participating in discussions with department managers to communicate audit findings, review identified control weaknesses and risks, and ensure recommendations are clearly understood.
• **Report Drafting:** Contributing to the drafting of internal audit reports, which will include detailing control deficiencies, associated risks, and actionable recommendations, along with management's responses.

What They're Looking For

OUTsurance is seeking candidates who demonstrate a proactive approach and a strong desire to learn and grow within the internal audit discipline. Ideal candidates will possess the following attributes and aspirations:

• **Initiative and Responsibility:** The ability to take ownership of tasks and proactively seek solutions.
• **Adherence to Values:** A commitment to upholding the professional principles of auditing and the core values of OUTsurance.
• **Eagerness to Learn:** A genuine enthusiasm for acquiring new knowledge from audit staff and diligently completing assigned duties.
• **Quality and Detail Focus:** A meticulous approach to work, ensuring accuracy and attention to detail in all aspects of the audit process.
• **Passion and Enthusiasm:** A positive and energetic attitude towards the role and the organisation.
• **Teamwork:** A collaborative spirit and the ability to work effectively as part of a team.
• **Adaptability:** Flexibility and a willingness to adjust to changing priorities and environments.

**Essential Qualifications and Requirements:**

• A relevant 3 or 4-year degree or diploma, or an equivalent qualification, in Internal Audit, or an Honours degree in Internal Audit.
• **Crucially, to qualify for the INSETA Internship programme:**
• You must be a South African citizen.
• You must not have previously participated in an internship or learnership facilitated by INSETA.
• You need to be between the ages of 18 and 35 years old.
• You must have been unemployed for the past two months.

OUTsurance is committed to Employment Equity and will prioritise candidates from designated groups who meet the job requirements.

For graduates in South Africa, an internship like this provides invaluable practical experience. While specific salaries for internships can vary, it's typical for such programmes to offer a stipend that covers living expenses and provides some disposable income. The insurance sector in South Africa is robust, with major players like OUTsurance offering diverse career paths. Successful completion of an internship can often lead to further opportunities within the organisation or the broader financial services industry, with potential for growth into roles such as a qualified internal auditor, risk specialist, or compliance officer.

Qualifications

• 3/4 year degree/diploma or equivalent in Internal Audit; or
• Internal Audit Honors.

Take note to qualify for an INSETA Internship program you need to:

• Be a South African citizen
• Not previously part of an internship/learnership with INSETA
• Be between the ages of 18 & 35
• Unemployed in the last 2 months