Absa is seeking a strategic and detail-oriented Audit Manager to join their team in Johannesburg, focusing on the critical domains of sustainability assurance and integrated reporting. As the financial sector shifts toward greater transparency regarding Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) impacts, this role is pivotal in ensuring that the Group’s commitments are not only ambitious but also backed by rigorous data and robust internal controls.

About the role

This position is designed for an experienced professional who can bridge the gap between traditional auditing and the evolving landscape of sustainable finance. You will be responsible for providing independent verification of the Group’s sustainability strategy, identifying potential ESG-related risks, and confirming that the data published in integrated reports is accurate, reliable, and consistent.

You will act as a subject matter expert, guiding the organisation through the complexities of sustainability regulations and helping to mature the internal assurance framework. The role requires a blend of analytical precision, regulatory insight, and the ability to challenge senior stakeholders constructively to ensure that sustainability claims are supported by concrete evidence.

Your daily responsibilities will revolve around evaluating the integrity of the bank’s sustainability governance. You will work across various business units to ensure that ESG risk management is effectively embedded into credit, lending, and operational decisions. Key duties include:

• **Governance and Strategy Oversight:** Assessing whether sustainability targets are supported by clear accountability, robust delivery plans, and effective monitoring tools.
• **Risk Framework Assessment:** Evaluating the frameworks used to identify and measure material ESG risks, ensuring they align with the Group’s risk appetite and broader prudential requirements.
• **Data Integrity:** Auditing the methodologies, data lineage, and controls that underpin sustainability metrics, ensuring all disclosures are traceable and evidence-based.
• **Integrated Reporting:** Providing assurance over the sustainability sections of the Integrated Report to ensure a seamless connection between strategy, performance, and narrative reporting.
• **Stakeholder Engagement:** Leading internal audit assignments, scoping ESG-related reviews, and communicating findings to governance forums to drive continuous improvement.
• **Regulatory Monitoring:** Staying ahead of emerging sustainability regulations and incorporating these shifts into your audit plans to ensure the Group remains compliant and proactive.

What they're looking for

Absa is looking for a candidate who possesses deep knowledge of internal audit principles combined with a specialized focus on ESG and sustainability reporting. You should have a proven track record of delivering high-quality assurance and be comfortable working in a complex, heavily regulated environment. You will need to demonstrate strong professional judgement, the ability to synthesise large volumes of complex data, and the communication skills to influence senior management.

As an organisation committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion, the Group encourages applications from a wide range of backgrounds. They are particularly keen to support candidates from underrepresented groups, including those living with disabilities, and are happy to discuss any reasonable accommodations needed during the application process.

Practical context for the applicant

Roles of this nature at major South African financial institutions typically command a senior management package, often ranging between R1.2 million and R1.8 million per annum, depending on experience and professional qualifications (such as CA(SA), CIA, or specialized ESG certifications). ESG audit is currently one of the fastest-growing specialisations in the local labour market due to the King IV Code and JSE reporting requirements. Success in this role often provides a clear pathway toward senior leadership positions in risk management, compliance, or sustainability consultancy within the broader banking and financial services sector.

Qualifications and credentials

• Relevant degree or postgraduate qualification in audit, accounting, risk, sustainability, ESG, climate, environmental science, finance, economics or a related field.
• Relevant ESG or sustainability qualification or professional credential is strongly preferred.
• Professional qualifications such as CA(SA), CIA or equivalent audit/risk qualifications would be advantageous.
• Relevant training or credentials in sustainability reporting, sustainability assurance, climate risk, ESG or sustainable finance would be advantageous.
• Ongoing professional development in sustainability regulation, reporting and assurance standards is expected.

Education

Bachelor`s Degrees and Advanced Diplomas: Business, Commerce and Management Studies (Required)