Group Internal Audit Manager | Human Accent Careers South Africa

March 5, 2026 admin Human Accent 0

 

Location: Parktown, Gauteng, South Africa
Job Type: Permanent
Hiring Company: Human Accent
Industry: Pharmaceuticals / Corporate Governance
Experience Level: Director / Senior Leadership

About Human Accent

Human Accent is a well-known recruitment and talent solutions firm that partners with leading organisations across South Africa to source highly qualified professionals for strategic leadership roles across multiple industries.

Their client, a well-established pharmaceutical company, is currently recruiting a Group Internal Audit Manager to join their leadership team at their Parktown office in Gauteng.

This is a senior-level opportunity suited to experienced professionals in internal audit, corporate governance, enterprise risk management, and regulatory compliance.

If you are searching for internal audit manager jobs in South Africa, corporate governance careers, or senior finance leadership roles, this opportunity offers an excellent chance to work within a highly regulated industry.

Position Overview

The Group Internal Audit Manager will provide independent and objective assurance to the organisation’s leadership regarding the effectiveness of governance frameworks, financial controls, operational systems, and regulatory compliance structures.

The role supports the Founder and Audit Committee by evaluating key risk areas across the organisation including:

  • Financial controls
  • Liquidity management
  • Operational processes
  • Compliance with pharmaceutical industry regulations
  • Enterprise risk management frameworks
  • Data systems and cybersecurity governance

Importantly, this role does not design or implement operational controls or participate in day-to-day management decisions. Instead, it focuses on independent auditing, reporting, and risk assessment.

Reporting Structure

The successful candidate will operate within a high-level governance structure with the following reporting lines:

  • Direct Reporting: Founder / Group CEO
  • Dotted-Line Reporting: Audit Committee
  • Administrative Coordination: Group CFO (logistical coordination only)

The role includes unrestricted access to company systems, financial data, personnel, and business entities in order to perform independent internal audit activities.

Key Responsibilities

Internal Audit Planning

  • Develop and maintain a risk-based annual internal audit plan
  • Continuously reassess audit priorities based on emerging business risks
  • Coordinate internal audit activities across multiple group entities

Financial & Working Capital Controls

  • Evaluate revenue recognition, procurement processes, and expenditure controls
  • Review inventory management, receivables, and payables processes
  • Assess the integrity of working capital management systems

Treasury & Cash Management

  • Review governance structures related to banking and payments
  • Assess segregation of duties in financial processes
  • Evaluate cash forecasting accuracy and liquidity risk

Operational & Regulatory Compliance

  • Conduct audits across key operational areas including:
    • Sales
    • Supply chain operations
    • Shared services
    • Human resources
  • Provide assurance regarding compliance with GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice) and GDP (Good Distribution Practice) standards.

Systems & Data Controls

  • Evaluate ERP system access controls and segregation of duties
  • Review privileged user access and system security protocols
  • Assess data integrity, change management processes, and cybersecurity controls

Tax Compliance

  • Review the accuracy and timeliness of tax filings
  • Evaluate reconciliation processes for tax reporting and compliance

Fraud Risk & Ethics

  • Maintain and update the organisation’s fraud risk assessments
  • Conduct proactive fraud detection and testing procedures
  • Support ethical governance practices across the organisation

Segregation of Duties

  • Evaluate responsibilities across departments to identify potential conflicts or control weaknesses
  • Recommend corrective actions to strengthen governance controls

Continuous Monitoring

  • Apply data analytics and continuous auditing techniques
  • Identify unusual trends, anomalies, and risk exposures early

R&D Governance & Spend Control

  • Audit adherence to research and development governance frameworks
  • Review compliance with stage-gate approval processes for R&D investments

Intellectual Property Protection

  • Evaluate governance over patent and trademark registration
  • Assess processes protecting formulations, clinical data, and proprietary documentation
  • Review confidentiality controls related to intellectual property assets

Reporting & Follow-Up

  • Produce clear, evidence-based internal audit reports
  • Assign risk ratings and provide practical recommendations
  • Track remediation activities and escalate unresolved issues to leadership

Role Boundaries

To preserve independence, the Group Internal Audit Manager will:

  • Not design or implement internal controls
  • Not own operational performance indicators (KPIs)
  • Not participate in management decision-making processes

The role remains strictly independent and advisory.

Minimum Requirements

Candidates applying for this role should meet the following qualifications and experience criteria:

Education & Certifications

  • Professional qualification such as:
    • CA(SA) – Chartered Accountant
    • CIA – Certified Internal Auditor
    • ACCA – Association of Chartered Certified Accountants
    • CIMA – Chartered Institute of Management Accountants
    • Or an equivalent professional certification

Experience

  • 8–12+ years experience in internal audit, external audit, or enterprise risk management
  • Experience working in regulated industries such as pharmaceuticals, healthcare, finance, or manufacturing
  • Proven exposure to group or multi-entity corporate environments

Professional Attributes

The ideal candidate will demonstrate:

  • High levels of integrity and independence
  • Strong analytical and investigative skills
  • Excellent report writing and executive communication abilities
  • Ability to work confidently with senior leadership and board committees

Why Join This Opportunity?

A senior leadership role in group internal audit and governance offers significant professional advantages, including:

  • Strategic exposure to corporate risk management and compliance
  • Leadership interaction with executive and board-level decision makers
  • Opportunities to shape governance standards in a highly regulated industry
  • Long-term career progression in enterprise risk management and executive leadership

This position is ideal for professionals seeking to advance into Chief Risk Officer (CRO), Head of Internal Audit, or Executive Governance roles.

POPIA Compliance

By submitting your application, you consent to the processing of your personal information in accordance with the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA).

Your information will only be used for recruitment and job placement purposes.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should submit the following documents:

  • Updated Curriculum Vitae (CV)
  • Certified qualifications
  • Certified ID copy
  • Valid driver’s license

Applications should be submitted through the recruitment process managed by Human Accent.

APPLY HERE

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