Job Title:
Internal Control Specialist
Job Purpose:
Our client is seeking a Senior Internal Control Professional to be based at their office in Cape Town, South Africa. You will play a key role in ensuring the effectiveness of the internal control environment across the organisation. In this role, you will engage with stakeholders at various levels, including Finance, Accounting, Procurement, Project Managers, as well as controllers within business units and other group-level stakeholders. You will contribute to the design, development, and testing of appropriate internal controls, while also supporting control owners in strengthening control execution, improving documentation, and delivering best-practice training. The role requires a strong combination of accounting and reporting expertise, along with a solid understanding of financial processes and IT systems. You are expected to demonstrate unquestionable integrity and professionalism, while also valuing collaboration and a positive, engaging work environment.
Responsibilities:
- Manage, execute, and support the quarterly and annual testing and reporting process on the design and operating effectiveness of internal controls.
- Review, assess, evaluate, and conclude on the nature of control deficiencies, including the adequacy of remediation plans and/or compensating controls where applicable.
- Support the development of remediation plans and track follow-up on agreed action items.
- Provide training and ongoing support to control owners on internal control execution and documentation.
- Support the development and enhancement of control self-assessment processes, templates, and GRC tooling.
- Contribute to the maturation of the Internal Control function through the smarter use of technology, including dashboards, tooling, and AI-driven solutions.
- Ensure a high standard of quality, with a strong focus on the efficiency and effectiveness of internal controls.
- Act as a sparring partner to local, regional, and corporate management on internal control matters.
- Support the implementation of systems and applications impacting Internal Controls, including the global rollout of new ERP systems.
Qualifications and Experience:
- Master’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field, preferably supplemented by professional certifications such as RA, RC, CA, CIA, CRMA, CISA, or equivalent.
- 7+ years of relevant professional experience.
- Proven experience in risk management, internal control, internal auditing, or within a Big Four environment is highly advantageous.
- Demonstrated ability to independently assess the design and operating effectiveness of controls over business and financial processes.
- Strong understanding of corporate governance requirements within large, global organisations, including expertise in control design, testing, and reporting methodologies.
- Experience in driving control remediation programmes and designing effective best-practice controls.
- Solid knowledge and practical application of International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS).
- Strong proficiency in Excel and Power BI (preferred).
- Fluent in English, both written and spoken.