Head of Internal Audit
- Company: Eduvos
- Reference Number: EDU260728-7
- Department: Finance
- Employment Type: Permanent
- Location: National, South Africa
- Job Category: Finance
- Minimum Qualification: Bachelor’s Degree / Advanced Diploma
- Closing Date: 12 August 2026
Job Overview
Eduvos is seeking an experienced and strategic Head of Internal Audit to establish, lead, and continuously develop its independent Internal Audit function. Reporting to executive leadership and the Audit and Risk Committee, the successful candidate will provide objective assurance on governance, risk management, and internal controls while supporting the institution’s strategic objectives.
This senior leadership role is ideal for an accomplished internal audit professional with extensive experience in risk-based auditing, corporate governance, and leading audit teams within complex organisations.
Job Description
The Head of Internal Audit will be responsible for developing and implementing a three-year Internal Audit Strategy and annual risk-based audit plans, overseeing audit engagements, reporting to the Audit and Risk Committee, managing audit resources, and promoting a culture of governance, accountability, and continuous improvement across Eduvos.
Key Responsibilities
Internal Audit Leadership
- Develop and implement a three-year rolling Internal Audit Strategy.
- Prepare and execute annual risk-based Internal Audit Plans.
- Lead and manage the Internal Audit function in accordance with the Internal Audit Charter and IIA Standards.
- Build and continuously improve the Internal Audit methodology, systems, and quality framework.
- Maintain unrestricted access to the Chairperson of the Audit and Risk Committee.
Audit and Risk Management
- Lead financial, operational, compliance, governance, and technology audits.
- Conduct risk assessments and maintain the audit universe.
- Evaluate governance, risk management, and internal control systems.
- Identify emerging organisational risks and recommend practical improvements.
- Lead fraud-risk reviews and whistleblowing investigations within the approved mandate.
- Monitor corrective actions and verify the implementation of audit recommendations.
Reporting and Assurance
- Prepare high-quality audit reports with clear findings and recommendations.
- Present audit results to executive management and the Audit and Risk Committee.
- Coordinate assurance activities with Risk, Compliance, External Audit, and other assurance providers.
- Maintain the Quality Assurance and Improvement Programme (QAIP).
Leadership and People Management
- Lead, mentor, and develop the Internal Audit team.
- Manage co-sourced audit service providers and specialist consultants.
- Oversee departmental budgets and resource allocation.
- Promote innovation, data analytics, and the appropriate use of AI within Internal Audit.
- Foster a culture of integrity, accountability, and continuous improvement.
Minimum Requirements
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s Degree in Internal Auditing, Accounting, Finance, or a related field.
- Relevant postgraduate qualification and/or professional designation.
- Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) or Chartered Accountant (South Africa) [CA(SA)] strongly preferred.
- Active membership with a recognised professional body.
- Commitment to continuous professional development.
Experience
- 8–10 years’ relevant Internal Audit experience, including senior management or audit leadership.
- Proven experience developing risk-based audit strategies and annual audit plans.
- Experience reporting to an Audit and Risk Committee or equivalent governance structure.
- Demonstrated experience establishing or transforming an Internal Audit function.
- Strong experience in:
- Financial audits.
- Operational audits.
- Compliance audits.
- Governance audits.
- Exposure to technology, cyber security, and data assurance is advantageous.
- Experience managing Internal Audit teams and outsourced service providers.
- Experience within a complex, multi-site organisation is highly desirable.
- Higher education or other regulated industry experience will be advantageous.
- Strong experience using data analytics, audit management systems, ERP platforms, and advanced Microsoft Excel.
Required Skills and Competencies
Functional Competencies
- Global Internal Audit Standards and the IIA Professional Framework.
- Enterprise Risk Management and governance frameworks.
- Risk-based audit planning and execution.
- Internal control evaluation and testing.
- Financial reporting and IFRS knowledge.
- South African corporate governance and regulatory compliance.
- Companies Act, POPIA, and higher education legislation.
- Audit report writing and root-cause analysis.
- Data analytics and technology-enabled auditing.
- Fraud risk assessment and investigation.
- Strong business and commercial acumen.
Behavioural Competencies
- High ethical standards, integrity, and confidentiality.
- Independent thinking and sound professional judgement.
- Strategic leadership and business insight.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Professional scepticism and attention to detail.
- Excellent communication and presentation skills.
- Stakeholder engagement and relationship management.
- Coaching and people development.
- Accountability and ownership.
- Planning and execution.
- Innovation and adaptability.
- Resilience under pressure.