Audit Manager : Group Internal Audit

Purpose of the Role

Responsible for providing input into the annual audit plan, conducting Control Adequacy Reviews (CARs) and Control Effectiveness Reviews (CERs), and ensuring that internal controls are operating effectively and that business processes are aligned with risk management strategies across SanlamAllianz Namibia. The successful candidate will perform audits, communicate audit observations to senior management, and play a key role in assessing risks, developing audit programmes, and executing audit plans.

The Audit Manager role forms part of the Group Internal Audit team supporting the SanlamAllianz Southern African Development Community (SADC) Region, which include Botswana, Namibia, Mozambique and Zambia. The role is based in Namibia, supporting SanlamAllianz Namibia businesses and may require some travel across the Namibia region. The incumbent will administratively report to the SanlamAllianz Namibia Namibia Chief Financial Officer and functionally to SADC Regional Audit Manager.

What will make you successful in this role?

Support the development, review, and maintenance of the annual risk-based audit plan to ensure alignment with business priorities and emerging risks
Conduct control adequacy and control effectiveness reviews to identify risks, evaluate internal controls, and recommend practical improvements
Perform audit fieldwork, analyse business processes, assess risk exposure, and document audit findings in line with audit standards and methodologies
Prepare clear and concise audit reports, communicate findings to management, and monitor the implementation of agreed corrective actions
Assist in managing audit engagements by planning, coordinating, and delivering audits within agreed timelines and quality standards
Perform quality assurance reviews to ensure compliance with Internal Audit Standards, Group Audit Methodology, and regulatory requirements
Build and maintain effective relationships with stakeholders while providing trusted assurance and advisory services across the business
Participate in special investigations, ad hoc reviews, and other audit-related projects as assigned by management
Promote continuous improvement, knowledge sharing, and best practices within the Internal Audit function

Knowledge and Skills

Proficient in English (verbal & written) language skills; and/or additional local Namibian language will be a competitive advantage, etc.
Strong knowledge of risk-based auditing, including Control Adequacy Reviews (CARs), Control Effectiveness Reviews (CERs), audit testing methodologies, and internal control frameworks
Sound understanding of risk assessment techniques, control design evaluation, and business process analysis within the financial services environment
Good working knowledge of Global Internal Audit Standards, audit methodologies, sampling techniques, and audit quality assurance practices
Proficiency in the use of audit management systems, data analytics tools, and common business technologies; knowledge of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence will be advantageous
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a high level of attention to detail and the ability to identify and assess key risks and control weaknesses
Ability to plan, organise, prioritise, and manage multiple audit assignments while meeting deadlines and maintaining quality standards
Proven ability to lead, mentor, and develop audit team members, fostering collaboration and continuous learning
Strong interpersonal, stakeholder management, and relationship-building skills with the ability to work effectively across all levels of the organisation
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to present audit findings and recommendations clearly and professionally
Results-driven, action-oriented, and capable of working both independently and as part of a team in a dynamic environment

Overview of Role Responsibilities (Level 1-13)

Corporate Governance- Level 6 - Adaptation
Lead a corporate governance area, including policy enforcement, risk mitigation, and legal compliance.

Integrated and Coordinated Assurance- Level 6 - Adaptation
Manages integrated assurance initiatives by organizing cross-functional teams, formulating testing approaches, and ensuring alignment between assurance providers. Evaluates assurance methodologies and work programs against appropriate criteria to determine whether the work of other assurance providers can be relied on by the internal audit function. Analyses assurance mapping, assesses coordination effectiveness, and explores automation opportunities to optimize assurance processes. Advises management on leveraging coordinated assurance efforts to improve risk oversight and overall efficiency.

Organisational Resilience- Level 6 - Adaptation
Independently conducts or leads audits of organizational resilience processes, evaluating controls over preparation, response, and recovery. Provides recommendations for strengthening governance, risk management, and control processes over organisational resilience. Evaluates the integration of resilience planning with risk management over operational areas, such as IT, cybersecurity, and supply chain management.

Audit Compliance- Level 6 - Adaptation
Manage a portfolio of audit assignments. Ensure that the team plans and delivers audits that cover identified risk areas, and that appropriate corrective actions are agreed on with auditees. Resolve issues arising from audits and refer serious or contentious issues to the audit program leader.

Insights and Reporting- Level 6 - Adaptation
Prepare and coordinate the completion of various data and analytics reports.

Required Skills

Review and Reporting - Fully Competent
Works with full competence to create reports, and review reports created by others, for various audiences as relevant, in a lucid and effective manner, keeping in mind the purpose of reports. Typically works without supervision and may provide technical guidance.

Quality Assurance Methodologies - Advanced
Works at an advanced level to implement rigorous quality assurance processes and procedures to ensure compliance with regulatory standards and adherence to good practices. Typically works independently and provides guidance.

Auditing - Fully Competent
Works with full competence to conduct audits, identifying exceptions, and developing specific solution or recommendations. Typically works without supervision and may provide technical guidance.

Data Collection and Analysis - Advanced
Works at an advanced level to determine and analyze trends from data that is collected to assist in compiling reports that will help in decision-making. Typically works independently and provides guidance.

International Professional Practices Framework - Advanced
Works at an advanced level to apply the Institute of Internal Auditors’ IPPF to design, deliver and continuously improve internal audit activities, ensuring conformance and value delivery. Typically works independently and provides guidance.

Audit Methodologies - Fully Competent
Works with full competence to understand and apply methodologies for managing the internal audit function and for performing internal audit services. Typically works without supervision and may provide technical guidance.

Qualification and Experience

B. Com degree in Accounting / Financial Accounting / Management Accounting or equivalent degree or Diploma in Internal Auditing
Minimum of 7 years audit experience or Obtained Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) designation
Audit experience in both insurance and investment management sectors will be an added advantage

Managerial Experience

Basic experience of coordinating the work of others

Required Behavioural Competencies