Internal Audit Business Analyst

The Internal Audit Business Analyst is responsible for enhancing the Internal Audit function’s digital capability by integrating data analytics, automation tools and continuous auditing methodologies into the audit lifecycles to strengthen the effectiveness, efficiency, and insight-generation capability of the Internal Audit function. The role leverages data analytics, monitoring tools, and digital audit solutions to support risk-based audit planning, issue tracking, and executive reporting, thereby enabling informed decision-making and enhanced governance oversight.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

Minimum Qualifications

A Bachelor’s Degree in Internal Audit or Accounting, Information Systems, Data Science/Governance, Computer Science or related field.

Minimum Experience

A minimum of 8 years’ experience in a business analysis or audit analytics role within an internal audit or assurance function.

Strong understanding and commitment to good corporate governance, legislation and regulations.

Dynamic reporting ability to provide enhanced insights.

Experience with issue tracking systems and analytics tools.

Strong analytical and communication skills, with attention to detail and accuracy.

Familiarity with internal audit frameworks (e.g., Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA) Standards) and governance processes.

Experience working with data visualisation and reporting tools (e.g., Power BI, Excel).

Knowledge of Public Finance Management Act (PFMA), internal control frameworks, and risk management principles.

Desirable Experience

Understanding data modelling and database design fundamentals.

Understanding Information Systems Fundamentals.

Postgraduate qualification in Internal Audit, Accounting or Information Systems.

Qualifications in Data Analytics.

Qualified CIA and/or CISA.

TECHNICAL COMPETENCIES

Data Collection and Analysis

Based on knowledge of the reasons behind the analysis, can define the most appropriate means of data collection.

Is able to develop formats for data collection.

Is able to define the most appropriate internal and external data/information sources.

Identifies key facts in an array of data, recognises when pertinent facts are incorrect, missing, or require supplementation or verification.

Breaks down data into parts to understand the nature and relationship of the parts.

Has a broad knowledge of statistical datahandling techniques.

Can undertake more comprehensive analysis of data/information, but is not required to conclude.

Audit

Understands internal audit standards and the procedures expected in conducting assignments.

Is able to contribute to the planning of specific audit assignments.

Is able to prepare audit reports to specified standards, including format, style and timelines with the need for minimal editorial changes.

Understands the need for monitoring of the results of audit assignments to enable the follow-up of significant issues within an appropriate timescale.

Reporting

Prepares both standard and non-standard reports to time and quality standards.

Collate and analyse readily available data for inclusion in a report.

Written Communication

Technically experienced and fully competent writer: can write independently various technical and non-technical documents.

Uses a clear and easily understood writing style when communicating technical information to non-technical employees or individuals.

Presentation Skills

Understands how to present objectives in a compelling manner and maintain the interest of the audience.

Knows how to deliver presentations appropriately (e.g. maintaining eye contact, the appropriate use of hand gestures, etc.) and at the correct pace.

Knows how to clarify and confirm people’s feelings, concerns and needs.

KEY PERFORMANCE AREAS

Audit Analytics and Insight Generation

Design, develop, and execute data analytics to identify risk patterns, anomalies, control weaknesses, and emerging risks in support of audit planning and execution.

Support the Internal Audit team with pre-audit data analysis, continuous auditing, and the preparation of insights to guide risk-based reviews.

Develop automated control testing routines and support real-time monitoring of key risk indicators.

Leverage data-driven insights to enhance audit coverage, improve efficiency, and support risk-based decisionmaking across the organisation.

Develop predictive audit indicators and risk dashboards for Executive and Audit & Risk Committee reporting.

Issue Tracking and Monitoring

Manage and monitor audit issues and findings to ensure timely remediation and closure.

Maintain an accurate and up-to-date issue tracking system aligned with audit recommendations, action plans, and defined timelines.

Provide regular dashboards and reports on issue status, escalation trends, and key control deficiencies to management, governance forums, and audit committees.

Prepare and present data-driven insights and reports to stakeholders, ensuring accuracy, clarity, and relevance.

Tools and Methodology Enhancement

Conduct research and maintain business intelligence to support Internal Audit in adopting innovative, efficient, and value-adding solutions.

Recommend enhancement and maintenance of Internal Audit tools, dashboards, templates, and methodologies.

Support the integration of digital tools, automation solutions, and technology-enabled techniques to improve audit efficiency, transparency, and consistency.

Contribute to the refinement of audit workflows, documentation standards, and quality assurance processes to strengthen the internal audit framework.

Identify opportunities for improving productivity, service levels and audit cycle efficiency through technology, process redesign, and automation.

Assess the risk, benefits and costs of implemented audit solutions and recommend improvements when required.

Evaluate solution performance against defined metrics and user adoption, communicating outcomes to Internal Audit leadership.

Create forecasting, business analytics, and performance monitoring models to support Internal Audit operations.

Identify process inefficiencies within Internal Audit and recommend enhancements to strengthen audit governance, documentation, and execution.

Support the development of Internal Audit plans and demand strategies aligned with organisational priorities and strategic objectives.

Business Analysis and Optimisation

Analyse internal audit business requirements and develop an in-depth understanding to support improvements to audit planning, execution, and reporting processes.

Analyse existing Internal Audit processes and procedures to assess effectiveness, efficiency, and alignment with best practices.

Conduct gap analyses between current and desired audit processes, tools, and methodologies to support optimisation.

Engage Internal Audit stakeholders and process owners to identify business, functional, and technical requirements for audit-related systems and enhancements.

Assess organisational readiness for proposed audit solutions, systems, or process improvements and recommend appropriate implementation strategies.

Identify opportunities to automate audit testing and improve audit working paper efficiency through digital tools.

Support preparation for External Quality Assessments (EQA) focusing on digital maturity.

Testing and Implementation Support

Translate Internal Audit business requirements into test conditions and expected results for system development, enhancements, and User Acceptance Testing (UAT).

Develop documentation covering user needs, business processes, audit applications, user interfaces, data requirements, and workflow requirements.

Document acceptance criteria for system functionality and audit-related user requirements.

Communicate system or process changes to Internal Audit stakeholders and support adoption.

Monitor approved audit system/process changes through development to implementation.

Facilitate user testing, sign-off, and “go-live” of Internal Audit digital tools and systems.

Integrate audit management software and analytics platforms.

Digital Transformation Support

Provide assurance input during system implementations.

Participate in pre- and post-implementation reviews.

Validate system control design and automation controls.

Combined Assurance Coordination Support

Support the coordination and alignment of assurance activities across the lines of defence.

Validate the adequacy, consistency and quality of assurance provided by management, risk, compliance and other assurance providers.

Assist in maintaining the Combined Assurance map and identifying assurance gaps and overlaps.

Support preparation of consolidated assurance reporting to EXCO and the Audit and Risk Committee.

Stakeholder Engagement

Collaborate effectively with stakeholders to achieve common goals and support audit initiatives.

Facilitate open communication, actively listen, and foster a cooperative environment for problem-solving.

Share information and insights that support informed decision-making and continuous improvement.

Key Measurements of Outputs

Improved stakeholder satisfaction with internal audit analytical tools, insights, and support services.

Efficiency and effectiveness of audit processes enabled through analytics and digital solutions.

Successful adoption and integration of analytical solutions and dashboards within the audit division.

Accuracy, completeness, and usability of data models, forecasts, and analytical databases.

Volume and quality of audit analytics performed to enhance audit planning, scoping, and execution.

Reliability and integrity of the issue-tracking system and related audit reports.

Number and impact of enhancements made to audit tools, dashboards, and methodologies.

Accuracy, clarity, and timeliness of data-driven reports and dashboards delivered.

Clean Audit.