Bus Area Head: Internal Audit

Position Reports to: Head: Internal Audit

Division: Office of the Commissioner

Location: Head Office

Advert Closing Date: 16 October 2026

About the Position

SARS is recruiting a distinguished Audit Executive with deep capability in, Information Technology auditing, performance auditing and fraud auditing to lead a specialised assurance division. The incumbent will drive a strategic assurance agenda focused on assessing the effectiveness of Information Technology controls, evaluating organisational performance, and ensuring that SARS resources are utilised efficiently, effectively and responsibly. This leadership role provides high-level assurance and insight across governance, fraud risk, technology risk, information systems and enterprise-wide emerging risks, supporting sound decision-making and reinforcing organisational accountability and integrity.

Job Purpose

To formulate and position the value chain, operating model and framework for the Specialised Audit function within a broadly defined organisational strategy, by maintaining audit systems and developing audit programmes based on compliance levels and risk priority, conducting performance, information technology and fraud audits, in order to enable horizontal alignment, implementation and adoption.

Education and Experience

Minimum Qualification & Experience Required

Honours Degree / Postgraduate Diploma in Commerce or Science (NQF 8) with 12 - 15 years’ experience in Information Technology/Performance /Fraud Auditing, of which 4 - 6 years at a Senior management level.

#Alternatively

Bachelor's Degree/Advanced Diploma in Commerce or Science (NQF 7) with 15 - 18 years’ experience in in Information Technology/Performance /Fraud Auditing, of which 4 - 6 years at a Senior management level.

Job Outputs:

Process

• Strategically interpret and enable the development, adoption, implementation and adherence to, organisational control, risk and compliance frameworks.
• Assist in the planning and execution of the specialised audit programme.
• Be responsive to change in order to influence and effectively manage associated functional acceptance. (I)
• Champion policy frameworks and objectives with internal partners to ensure integration between functions in pursuit of strategic goals. (I)
• Conduct system application and information security reviews.
• Contribute to the development of the functional operating model and alignment of the value chain to org. objectives in partnership with stakeholders.
• Create the context to continuously improve all functions and systems in line with national, regional and organisational changes. (I)
• Determine strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats, interpret changing social and org. environments and identify new initiatives and or systems. (I)
• Develop, monitor and evaluate the quality of internal audit and fraud / forensic audit performance programmes for tax, customs, head office and enforcement and recommend changes in line with legislative requirements.
• Develop, monitor and evaluate the quality of technology security and data integrity.
• Direct, control, coordinate and optimise resources to meet established objectives and deliver agreed results across functional areas. (I)
• Ensure the planning, performance and documentation of audits and the reporting and resolution of any weaknesses and shortcomings.
• Implement divisional strategies and plans, specifically the rolling strategic three-year and detailed one-year specialised Audit Plans.
• Influence and communicate across all levels of the business to minimise resistance and ensure onboarding of new thinking in own area. (I)
• Oversee and conduct any specialised audits in the organisation and report outcomes.
• Proactively identify interconnected problems, develop and model alternative solutions as well as contingency plans to resolve value chain conflicts. (I)
• Provide authoritative advice and guidance that supports the realisation of major divisional objectives in line with the SARS mandate. (I)
• Provide independent and objective consulting services by overseeing the planning, implementation and monitoring of the specialised audit programmes to add value and improve the organisations operations.
• Provide periodic reports on performance against plan and progress on medium-term initiatives and use to realign operating plan and objectives appropriately. (I)
• Review annual Risk Assessment which identifies significant risks to the organisation.
• Scan external environment, identify benchmarks and influence alternative operating plans or model to deliver on the SARS objectives and mandate. (I)
• Set priorities to shape and structure the function by providing a framework for the achievement of longer-term objectives. (I)
• Translate and communicate a meaningful strategic context that articulates functional purpose in relation to the organisational vision, purpose and philosophy. (I)
• Use insights and knowledge gained from high level reports to conduct abstract, conceptual and comparative analysis to define functional strategy. (I)

Governance

Ensure the consolidation of the risk profile for the area of accountability, manage critical risks and ensure feedback integration. (I)

Monitor legislative and regulatory changes and drive the alignment of corporate governance, policies and risk strategies. (I)

People

• Communicate strategic context that guide best practice, foster an environment of continuous learning and improved employee engagement levels. (I)
• Create a positive work climate and culture to energise employees and give meaning to work, minimise work disruption and maximise employee productivity. (I)
• Develop clear human capability and accountability frameworks within own area in support of people management strategies. (I)
• Provide leadership and direction by translating, articulating and reinforcing the vision or direction for the function. (I)

Finance

• Ensure that the own area's strategy is adequately budgeted for through the development and implementation of a requisite budget. (I)
• Implement effective financial control, management of costs and corporate governance in area of accountability. (I)

Client

• Build and maintain relationships with stakeholders to ensure integrated approaches in pursuit of collective goals. (I)
• Define and influence relationships and service level agreements entered into with internal and external stakeholders. (I)

Behavioural competencies

• Accountability (V)
• Fairness and Transparency (V)
• Honesty and Integrity (V)
• Problem Solving and Analysis
• Respect (V)
• Trust (V)
• Ability to translate strategy into execution
• Concern for Impact of own behaviour on others
• Develops teams and nurtures interdependency
• Inspires others to Positive Action
• Nurtures Future Talent
• Stewardship and Service Orientation
• Strong Results Orientation
• Values and Manages Diversity

Technical competencies

• Business Acumen
• Change Management
• Decisiveness
• Effective Business Communication
• Financial Accounting
• Functional Policies and Procedures
• Governance, Ethics and Values
• Internal Audit Delivery (IA) (a)
• Internal Audit Delivery (IA) (b)
• Internal Audit Delivery (IA) (c)
• Internal Audit Delivery (IA) (d)
• Internal Auditing
• Managerial Budgeting
• Planning and Organising
• Planning, Management and Measurement
• Problem Analysis and Judgement
• Risk and Compliance
• Strategic Planning and Reporting

Compliance Competency

• GOC Secret

Employment Equity

The Employment Equity policy of SARS will be considered as part of the recruitment and selection process and Persons with Disabilities are encouraged to apply. Successful candidates will be required to undertake an oath of secrecy, pre-employment screening, case study, pre-assessment, psychometric assessment and or vetting, and a declaration of private interest. The appointment is also subject to appropriate reference(s) and security clearance where applicable.