Manager – Financial Services Internal Audit & Advisory (Gauteng) at BDO South Africa

Description


The Manager will play a key leadership role within BDO's Financial Services Advisory and Internal Audit practice, responsible for managing and delivering complex internal audit and technology risk engagements across banks, insurers, asset managers, and other regulated institutions.
The role combines engagement delivery, team leadership, client relationship management, and practice development, with a strong emphasis on technology-enabled business processes, data governance, regulatory frameworks, and financial reporting controls.
The Manager will lead engagement teams, provide technical oversight, and act as a trusted advisor to clients, ensuring high-quality, value-adding outcomes aligned to professional standards and regulatory expectations.


Key Responsibilities

Internal Audit & Assurance Leadership


Lead and manage internal audit engagements, including business process, IT, and integrated audits
Oversee planning, scoping, and execution of audits in line with risk-based methodologies and IIA standards
Review and challenge risk assessments, control designs, and testing approaches
Provide quality assurance over audit workpapers, testing, and outputs to ensure consistency and defensibility
Drive the development of clear, commercially relevant audit findings, including root cause analysis and actionable recommendations
Engage with senior stakeholders to communicate audit outcomes, risks, and insights


Technology Risk & Advisory Delivery


Lead advisory engagements across IT risk, data governance, systems implementation, and control optimisation
Provide strategic input into technology-enabled control frameworks, automation initiatives, and digital transformation programs
Oversee assessments of IT General Controls (ITGCs), application controls, and emerging technology risks (e.g., AI, data analytics platforms)
Support regulatory-driven programs (e.g., BCBS 239 / RDARR, IFRS 17, King IV/V, ISO frameworks) where relevant
Advise clients on remediation strategies, control improvements, and sustainable governance practices


Client & Stakeholder Management


Build and maintain strong relationships with client management, internal audit functions, and risk stakeholders
Act as a key contact point for engagements, managing expectations, timelines, and deliverables
Facilitate audit workshops, closing meetings, and steering committee discussions
Translate technical findings into business-relevant insights for executive audiences


Team Leadership & Delivery Management


Lead, mentor, and develop engagement teams (analysts, senior analysts, and assistant managers)
Review work outputs, provide coaching, and ensure effective skills development
Manage engagement economics, including budgeting, resource allocation, and profitability
Drive a high-performance, quality-focused team culture


Data-Enabled Auditing & Innovation


Champion the use of data analytics and Computer Assisted Audit Techniques (CAATs) across engagements
Oversee the design and execution of data-driven audit procedures
Identify opportunities to enhance audit efficiency and insight through automation and analytics
Promote innovation within audit methodologies and tooling


Practice Development & Business Growth


Contribute to proposal development, RFP responses, and client pitches
Identify cross-selling and upselling opportunities within existing client portfolios
Support the development of internal methodologies, frameworks, and thought leadership
Build market presence in internal audit and technology advisory offerings


Requirements

Qualifications:


BCom Internal Audit
BCom Information Systems / Informatics
BSc Computer Science
BA Information Management (or equivalent)
BCom Financial Science
Postgraduate qualification in Internal Audit, Risk Management, or IT Governance (advantageous)


Professional certifications preferred:


CISA (Certified Information Systems Auditor)
CIA (Certified Internal Auditor)
CRISC / CGEIT (advantageous)


Experience


5 - 8 years' experience in Internal Audit, IT Audit, or Risk Advisory
Proven experience managing audit engagements and leading teams
Strong exposure to Financial Services (banking, insurance, asset management)
Experience in delivering technology risk and integrated audits


Technical Knowledge & Frameworks​​​​​​​


Strong understanding of risk-based internal audit methodologies (aligned to IIA Standards)
Deep knowledge of IT risk management, IT governance, and internal control frameworks
Experience with frameworks such as:
Global Internal Audit Standards
COBIT
King v
ITIL
ISO 27001
Data governance frameworks (e.g., DAMA)
Understanding of regulatory environments impacting Financial Services


Core Competencies​​​​​​​


Strong leadership and people management skills
Excellent stakeholder engagement and communication ability
Commercial acumen and client-focused mindset
Strong analytical and problem-solving capability
Ability to manage multiple engagements and priorities
High standard of professionalism and delivery quality
Commitment to continuous learning and professional development