Head Internal Audit - Technology

Liberty is currently seeking a highly experienced professional to take on the role of Head Internal Audit, specifically focusing on the technology portfolio. This senior leadership position is designed to drive the internal audit strategy, providing objective assurance and high-level advisory services across the business. As the financial sector faces an increasingly complex digital landscape, this role serves as a crucial pillar in ensuring that technology-driven risks are managed sustainably and in alignment with the organisation’s broader governance framework.

About the role

This position is strategic and requires a leader capable of overseeing audits across multiple complex portfolios. You will be tasked with evaluating the effectiveness of technology controls, ensuring that the organisation’s IT infrastructure remains secure and compliant with both internal standards and external regulatory requirements. The role demands an individual who is not just an auditor, but a strategic partner to senior management, capable of translating complex technical data into actionable insights that inform business decisions.

Working within a major financial services environment, you will lead large, multidisciplinary teams, fostering a culture of excellence, professional development, and rigorous standard-setting. You will be responsible for balancing the demands of stakeholders, including executive leadership and external regulators, while continuously looking for ways to integrate modern methodologies—such as artificial intelligence—into the audit process to improve efficiency and foresight.

• Direct and review internal audit processes for various technology portfolios, ensuring alignment with Group Internal Audit strategies.
• Provide independent and objective risk-based assurance, focusing on technology infrastructure, security, and application controls.
• Analyse complex data sets to identify emerging trends, using visualisation and interpretation to support risk management strategies.
• Cultivate and maintain strong working relationships with senior-level stakeholders and regulatory bodies.
• Lead and mentor large teams, managing human capital through periods of organisational change and transformation.
• Champion the adoption of advanced technologies, including AI, to evolve the internal audit function.
• Maintain the highest professional standards, ensuring that all audits comply with international internal audit practices and governance frameworks.

What they're looking for

To be considered for this senior leadership position, you must possess a robust academic and professional background:

• **Academic qualifications:** A postgraduate degree or undergraduate degree in IT, Computer Science, or Information Systems.
• **Professional certifications:** A valid CISA, CIA, or equivalent ISACA certifications (CISM, CGEIT, CRISC, or CCAK) are essential.
• **Experience:** A minimum of 10 years of experience in project or programme management, with a proven track record of leading audit or advisory projects.
• **Sector background:** Previous experience within an audit firm, the financial services sector (banking/insurance), or the telecommunications industry is highly desirable.
• **Leadership:** Demonstrated ability to build, manage, and inspire large teams, along with significant experience in change management.
• **Technical expertise:** A deep understanding of IT general controls (ITGC), application controls, and data analytics.

For professionals at this level in the South African financial services market, roles of this nature typically attract competitive total-cost-to-company (TCTC) packages that reflect the high level of responsibility and the technical nature of the audit function. This is a significant step for a senior audit manager or director looking to move into a high-impact role at a major institution. The career path for this position typically leads towards Chief Internal Auditor or senior risk management executive roles within the broader financial ecosystem in Gauteng.

• Post Graduate Degree/Degree IT/Computer Science/Information Systems
• Other Minimum Qualifications, certifications or professional memberships ie (CISA, CIA)
• ISACA Membership or equivalent
• Other relevant ISACA or equivalent certifications (CISM, CGEIT, CRISC, CCAK)
• Management/Leadership programmes through accredited institutes
• Financial services strategy programmes

Experience required:

• 10 years proven experience in project/programme management, and leading multiple audit/advisory  projects across the organization.
• Experience in building partnerships and engaging with multiple stakeholders at senior levels and regulators across the ecosystem.
• Experience in understanding IT general and application controls and analysing complex sets of data to interpret, visualize and identify trends.
• Experience in building and leading large teams; Change management experience.
• Audit of technology infrastructure and security
• Experience in audit firms, financial services(banking/insurance) or telecommunications.
• Learning and use of AI in auditing

Behavioural Competencies:

• Challenging Ideas
• Convincing People
• Developing Expertise
• Developing Strategies
• Directing People
• Empowering Individuals
• Interpreting Data
• Making Decisions
• Providing Insights
• Team Working
• Upholding Standards
• Valuing Individuals

Technical Competencies:

• Business Acumen (Audit)
• IA Data Analysis
• IA Technology Application
• Internal Auditing
• Maintain IA Professional Practices
• Management of Audit Function
• Operational Planning
• Promote Good Governance, Risk & Control