Control Assurance Manager

A leading financial services organisation is seeking a driven and experienced Control Assurance Manager to join their team in Johannesburg. This is a critical role focused on strengthening the control environment within the Corporate and Investment Banking (CIB) operations. The successful candidate will be instrumental in developing and implementing robust control assurance frameworks, both manual and automated, to identify, assess, and mitigate risks effectively.

About the role

This position offers the opportunity to partner closely with stakeholders across CIB operations. You will be responsible for providing essential Control Assurance insights, with a particular focus on Exchange Control. This involves a blend of overseeing existing manual processes and spearheading the development and implementation of automated or AI-assisted monitoring solutions for key controls. Your work will directly contribute to the effective management and mitigation of risks, ensuring the integrity and resilience of the overall control environment. You will also be expected to engage in strategic discussions, potentially attending Management Committee (MANCO) meetings, and will have the chance to lead and mentor a small team.

The Control Assurance Manager will be tasked with a range of responsibilities aimed at enhancing risk management and operational efficiency. Key duties include:

• Developing and implementing automated or AI-assisted control assurance monitoring for critical controls. This will encompass a variety of assessment types, from standard Control Reviews to more in-depth analyses like Risk and Control Assessments (RCAs) and Risk Management and Liaising Committee (RMLC) processes.
• Providing expertise and insights on Exchange Control, ensuring compliance and effective risk mitigation.
• Collaborating with business lines to understand their products and operations (e.g., Global Markets Operations, Investment Portfolio Services, Transaction Processing Services Operations), and integrating control assurance activities accordingly.
• Managing and developing a team of control assurance professionals, fostering a high-performance culture.
• Leveraging advanced analytical tools to monitor control effectiveness, identify trends, and report on key risk indicators.
• Driving continuous improvement within the control assurance function, seeking innovative solutions to existing challenges.
• Presenting findings and recommendations to relevant stakeholders, including senior management.

What they're looking for

Ideal candidates will possess a strong foundation in audit and risk management, coupled with substantial experience in operations control within the banking sector. A degree in Audit or Risk Management is a prerequisite.

Key requirements include:

• A minimum of 5-7 years of experience in Operations Control, with a proven track record in a junior or middle management capacity.
• Proficient knowledge and practical application of Exchange Control principles.
• Solid understanding of and experience within banking operations business lines and their associated products.
• Demonstrated experience in managing a team.
• Proficiency in using Excel, PowerBI, and Power Automate for data analysis and reporting.
• A good understanding of banking system dependencies and linkages.
• Strong behavioural competencies, including the ability to challenge ideas constructively, embrace change, empower individuals, and collaborate effectively within a team.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, with a focus on data analytics and visualisation.
• An aptitude for automation, innovation, and process management.

This role is well-suited for an individual with a proactive approach to risk management, a keen eye for detail, and a passion for driving operational excellence through robust control assurance practices.

In South Africa, a Control Assurance Manager role with this level of responsibility typically commands a competitive salary, reflecting the specialised skills and experience required. Such positions are commonly found within the large banking groups and established financial institutions, offering good career progression pathways into broader risk management or operational leadership roles.

Type of Qualification: Degree
Field of Study: Audit, Risk Management 

Experience Required
Operations Control
Operations
5-7 years

• Exchange Control knowledge with a proficient level of application.
• Proven track record at junior/middle management level Operations business lines knowledge/experience, and understanding of business line products (GMO/IPSS/TPSO).
• Managing a small team and MANCO attendance.
• Proficient application of Excel, PowerBI and Power Automate, seasoned knowledge of Banking system dependencies and linkages.

Behavioural Competencies:

• Challenging Ideas
• Embracing Change
• Empowering Individuals
• Exploring Possibilities
• Generating Ideas
• Interacting with People
• Interpreting Data
• Making Decisions
• Resolving Conflict
• Team Working
• Thinking Positively
• Upholding Standards

Technical Competencies:

• Automation Acumen
• Automation Delivery
• Business Intelligence
• Creative Problem Solving
• Data Analytics & Visualization
• Innovation Management
• Process Management
• Risk Management