Africa Assurance Innovation Leader jobs at Ey in South Africa, Johannesburg

At EY, you’ll have the chance to build a career as unique as you are, with the global scale, support, inclusive

This role is pivotal in delivering high-quality IT audit services in support of financial audits for both public and private sector clients, particularly those subject to PCAOB oversight.

You will manage complex IT audit engagements, manage client relationships, and provide strategic insights into IT risk, governance, and compliance. This is an opportunity to work with a high-performing team and contribute to the development of innovative audit solutions in a rapidly evolving regulatory landscape.

Your key responsibilities:

This candidate will be required to participate in both internal and external audit services. This includes, but is not limited to:

• Manage IT audit engagements aligned with PCAOB standards, including SOX 404, ISAE3402, and SOC1/SOC2.
• Oversee the evaluation of IT general controls (ITGCs), application controls, and automated business process controls.
• Collaborate with financial audit teams to integrate IT audit procedures into the overall audit strategy.
• Present findings and recommendations to senior client stakeholders, including CIOs, CFOs, and Audit Committees.
• Mentor and develop junior staff, ensuring high-quality deliverables and audit documentation.
• Stay abreast of emerging technologies, cybersecurity risks, and regulatory changes impacting IT audit practices.
• Work with the engagement team and client to create plans for accomplishing engagement objectives

and a strategy that complies with professional standards and which addresses the risks inherent in the engagement.

• Brief the audit team on the client's IT environment and industry IT trends.
• Maintain relationships with client management to manage expectations of service, including work

products, timing, and the value to be delivered.

• Demonstrate a thorough understanding of complex information systems and apply it to client

situations.

• Demonstrate excellent project management skills, inspire teamwork and responsibility with

engagement team members, and use current technology/tools to enhance the effectiveness of deliverables and services.

• Understand EY and its service lines and actively assess what the firm can deliver to bring

value to clients.

• Play an active role in resource management, team development and training related activities.
• Demonstrate excellent practice management skills and motivate the team members to consistently

apply them.

To qualify for the role you must have:

• Bachelor’s degree in Information Systems, Computer Science, Accounting, or related field.
• Professional certifications such as CISA , CISSP , or CPA (with IT audit focus) are highly desirable.
• Minimum of 4–6 years of experience in IT audit, with at least 3 years in a managerial or supervisory role , working as an auditor for a public accounting firm or have equivalent systems/technology experience to meet special needs.
• Extensive experience in IT Audit methodologies relating to financial statement audits as well as
• internal IT audits
• Strong knowledge of PCAOB standards, SOX compliance, and IT risk frameworks (e.g., COBIT, NIST, ISO27001).
• Proven experience in auditing ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle, Microsoft Dynamics).

Experience working in Big 4 firms.

This role is pivotal in delivering high-quality IT audit services in support of financial audits for both public and private sector clients, particularly those subject to PCAOB oversight.

You will manage complex IT audit engagements, manage client relationships, and provide strategic insights into IT risk, governance, and compliance. This is an opportunity to work with a high-performing team and contribute to the development of innovative audit solutions in a rapidly evolving regulatory landscape.

Your key responsibilities:

This candidate will be required to participate in both internal and external audit services. This includes, but is not limited to:

• Manage IT audit engagements aligned with PCAOB standards, including SOX 404, ISAE3402, and SOC1/SOC2.
• Oversee the evaluation of IT general controls (ITGCs), application controls, and automated business process controls.
• Collaborate with financial audit teams to integrate IT audit procedures into the overall audit strategy.
• Present findings and recommendations to senior client stakeholders, including CIOs, CFOs, and Audit Committees.
• Mentor and develop junior staff, ensuring high-quality deliverables and audit documentation.
• Stay abreast of emerging technologies, cybersecurity risks, and regulatory changes impacting IT audit practices.
• Work with the engagement team and client to create plans for accomplishing engagement objectives

and a strategy that complies with professional standards and which addresses the risks inherent in the engagement.

• Brief the audit team on the client's IT environment and industry IT trends.
• Maintain relationships with client management to manage expectations of service, including work

products, timing, and the value to be delivered.

• Demonstrate a thorough understanding of complex information systems and apply it to client

situations.

• Demonstrate excellent project management skills, inspire teamwork and responsibility with

engagement team members, and use current technology/tools to enhance the effectiveness of deliverables and services.

• Understand EY and its service lines and actively assess what the firm can deliver to bring

value to clients.

• Play an active role in resource management, team development and training related activities.
• Demonstrate excellent practice management skills and motivate the team members to consistently

apply them.

To qualify for the role you must have:

• Bachelor’s degree in Information Systems, Computer Science, Accounting, or related field.
• Professional certifications such as CISA , CISSP , or CPA (with IT audit focus) are highly desirable.
• Minimum of 4–6 years of experience in IT audit, with at least 3 years in a managerial or supervisory role , working as an auditor for a public accounting firm or have equivalent systems/technology experience to meet special needs.
• Extensive experience in IT Audit methodologies relating to financial statement audits as well as
• internal IT audits
• Strong knowledge of PCAOB standards, SOX compliance, and IT risk frameworks (e.g., COBIT, NIST, ISO27001).
• Proven experience in auditing ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle, Microsoft Dynamics).

Experience working in Big 4 firms.

Role – Africa Assurance Innovation and Digital Data Delivery Manager and Go To Markets Lead

The DDM will also be fundamental in achieving the overall strategy of the Data and Intelligence Delivery Centre of Excellence.

Roles and Responsibilities:

• Manage the delivery of the digital solutions that are on offer from the Innovation and Digital Team for a portfolio of clients.
• Challenge the audit engagement team for the allocated portfolio of clients to generate the right demand for digital solutions, based on tools that will support the execution of the audit and the sharing of client insights with the audit client.
• Understand the full spectrum of digital solutions offered at a level which allows an establishment whether it is a good fit for the audit engagement team and when to escalate tool usage to the Implementation Team.
• Proactively engage with each audit engagement team early on in the client’s financial year to establish the data support plan.
• Through discussion with the audit team, help define project scope, goals and deliverables.
• Define the timing, tasks and required resources for the SA DD support request.
• Deep dive into data complexities and problem solve with data analyst, client and audit teams.
• Work with the audit team to understand the data landscape.
• Manage budget throughout the life of the data support so that overruns are identified early and charged appropriately.
• Grow, manage and enable junior DDM’s.
• Track deliverables and escalate blockages or changes in expected completion timelines according to the established escalation protocols.
• Identify shortfalls in the digital solutions that are on offer and share that with the product owners for resolution.
• Participate in solution design sessions to assist the Data and Intelligence Delivery and Centre of Excellence Leader to make the delivery process more effective and efficient.
• Implement and manage change when necessary to meet the delivery timelines.
• Evaluate and assess result of deliveries in order to deliver a summary of success or challenges to key stakeholders.
• Assist with operational management tasks for the South Africa Data and Intelligence delivery centre
• Manage the Go to Market initiatives with the GTM team and focus on building the bridge between our clients and the EY Assurance digital offering.
• Lead Go to Markets team through weekly meetings, ongoing project tracking, and proactive management key GTM initiatives, ensuring alignment with broader business priorities.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with Creative Services, and internal stakeholders to amplify Go to Market messaging and ensure cohesive representation of the Innovation and Digital strategy.

Required Skills and Experiences:

• Newly qualified CAs with an understanding of audit and data
• Strong desire to help and collaborate with the teams and leadership to enhance quality
• Strong risk management skills
• Demonstrates commitment in closing out key deliverables
• Integrity and objectivity and the courage to raise concerns
• Strong interpersonal, communication and presentation skills.
• Ability to identify and manage potential conflict
• Strong people and teaming skills with a commitment to the firm’s diversity and inclusiveness efforts
• Strong project management skills
• Creative thinker and problem solver

Quality Manager – Africa Tax

Your role will focus on further strengthening and innovating our existing processes, whilst enabling sustainable growth and consistent high-quality service delivery to our clients.

You will be required to:

1. Engage with leaders across our Africa business.
2. Provide consultation support for pursuit governance and engagement quality controls.
3. Support quality, independence and risk management programmes and processes.
4. Innovate existing processes, in response to our rapidly changing environment.
5. Team with a wide stakeholder group across service lines, competencies, functions and geographies.
6. Guide teams on best practice service delivery methods, tools and practices.
7. Interpret and apply EY Service Quality policies.

Your key responsibilities

The responsibilities listed in this document are not exhaustive and are flexible to accommodate the needs of the business, Africa Quality Projects and overall Firm requirements.

Amongst other things your role will include:

• Managing business risk through driving compliance to firm risk management policies and procedures, whilst achieving an appropriate balance between risk and control.
• Designing and implementing effective processes for the monitoring and management of compliance with the firm risk and quality management processes in the business.
• Enhancing and innovating the Africa Tax Service Line's current processes, promoting sustainable growth and ensuring clients consistently receive high-quality services.

• Support the Tax Quality Leader’s and other Tax Quality Managers.
• Supports strategic projects aimed at simplification of the firm’s quality and risk management policies and processes.
• Facilitates Global Tax Quality Reviews and Local internal quality reviews.
• Provides teams with best practices methodologies, tools and practices for service delivery.
• Spearheads key quality and risk management programmes and procedures.
• Improves existing procedures considering the continually changing environment.
• Collaborates with diverse stakeholders across service lines, competencies, functions and locations.
• Develops controls and governance and identifies, evaluates and manages tax-related risk.
• Advises engagement teams on tax quality-related issues.
• Aids in the creation of local policies and the implementation of global policies.
• Creates routine Tax Quality alerts and similar publications.
• Supports the maintenance of Tax Quality databases.
• Assist in supporting the near shore Regional Delivery Centre based in Mauritius.

Skills and attributes for success

• Effective communication and organizational skills.
• Use business knowledge to make recommendations that facilitate embedding processes and programs.
• Confident in identifying and raising concerns to the Regional Tax Quality Leader, regarding risks and exceptions.
• Ability to execute to plan.
• Knowledgeable on how professional services firms operate.
• Strong presentation skills.
• Strong problem-solving skills.
• Comfortable with change and being a strong change agent.
• Skilled at handling multiple projects concurrently and prioritizing appropriately.
• Ability to work in a team to achieve a common goal in the interest of the EY Global organisation.
• Ability to remain objective and independent in all risk related matters.
• Not easily influenced by domineering personalities so that the interests of EY Global is always maintained.
• Comfortable working with individuals at all levels and creating a network of relationships built on trust.
• Ability to teach others new skills.
• Ability to perform under pressure.
• Competent at interpreting, comprehending, and applying Ernst & Young policies, giving accurate and consistent guidance to others.
• Strong listening skills.
• A strong focus on quality, risk management and efficiency.

To qualify for the role, you must have.

• Minimum 5 years’ work experience in a large professional services firm environment.
• Should be a confident and dynamic individual with excellent written and verbal business communication skills.
• Be able to learn, innovate and take initiative to better enable the business.
• Initiative-taking, high-energy levels, enthusiastic
• Strong managerial and organisational skills
• High levels of integrity and confidentiality.
• High levels of assertiveness and resilience.
• Diligence and commitment to following a process with care.
• Analytical thinker
• Be proficient in MS Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and Outlook.

Ideally, you will also have

• Experience in working in a Big 4 Quality and Risk Management environment.
• Have a suitable degree/certification aligned to risk management, project management or business management.

What we look for

We offer a competitive remuneration package where you’ll be rewarded for your individual and team performance. Our comprehensive Total Rewards package includes support for flexible working and career development, and with FlexEY you can select benefits that suit your needs, covering holidays, health and well-being, insurance, savings, and a wide range of discounts, offers and promotions. Plus, we offer:

• Support, coaching and feedback from some of the most engaging colleagues around
• Opportunities to develop new skills and progress your career.
• The freedom and flexibility to manage your role in a way that is right for you.

As a global leader in assurance, tax, transaction, and Tax services, we’re using the finance products, expertise, and systems we’ve developed to build abetter working world. That starts with a culture that believes in giving you the training, opportunities, andfreedom to make things better.Whenever you join, however long you stay, the

Role – Africa Assurance Innovation and Digital Data Engineer – Associate 3

The Africa Assurance Innovation and Digital Data Engineer (“Data Engineer”) is responsible for the extraction of data from ERP systems for the South Africa Data Delivery Team (“SA DD”). The Data Engineer will also be required to have a good understanding of key ERPs including, but not limited to SAP, Microsoft Dynamics, Oracle, AccPac, Navison, Sage and other common ERPs used in South Africa, and be able to construct scripts to extract data.

Roles and Responsibilities:

• Extract data for the South Africa Assurance business and share this with our Data Analysts.
• Knowledge of key ERPs including but not limited toSAP, Microsoft Dynamics, Oracle, AccPac, Navison, Sage and other common ERPs used in South Africa.
• Be able to construct scripts that will allow for the extraction of data for core digital analytical tools.
• Closely working with the Data Delivery Specialist to extract data.
• Participate in the SA DD Team’s learning and sharing initiatives.
• Staying abreast of developments in EY’s digital solutions and developments in the market to be able to extract the appropriate data.

• Supporting reactive and proactive projects related to driving demand from the South Africa Assurance business and improving service delivery from the SA DD Team.

Other Requirements

• Travel may be required.

Experience

• 1 to 2 years of work experience
• Strong understanding of IT environments, IT security, networking and server architecture
• Proven working experience in the extraction of data
• Strong knowledge of and experience with reporting packages (Business Objects, etc.), databases (SQL, etc)
• Some working experience in one or more ERP’s e.g. SAP, Microsoft Dynamics, Oracle, AccPac, Navison and Sage
• Advantageous to have some experience in SpotFire, PowerBi, Python and Alteryx
• Strong knowledge of and experience with common data tooling such as Microsoft Excel, Access and SQL Server
• Demonstrate good problem solving and interpersonal skills
• Deadline oriented
• Ability to prioritise own work
• Experience in external audit or in a professional services firm will be a positive

Key Responsibilities

• Business Development & Growth:Drive the development, growth, and management of the Innovation business within the broader Assurance Innovation and Digital landscape, aligning with relevant business targets and ensuring achievement.
• Engagement Management : Establish and monitor processes that enable teams to plan, scope, design, deliver, and quality review client engagements utilizing data analytics, complementing other service offerings such as Sustainability, Forensics, and Financial Accounting Advisory Services (FAAS).
• Team Empowerment: Act as a subject matter resource (SMR) to support engagement delivery teams in overcoming challenges by leveraging personal experience and connecting networks.
• Financial Oversight: Manage the financial health of the business, continuously monitoring for potential financial risks.
• Collaboration: Foster collaboration across the specialists’ network within the Africa Assurance Innovation and Digital business, including Data Delivery, Custom Analytics, Process Mining, and Go-to-Market strategies to drive digital transformation.
• Team Well-being: Prioritize the well-being of your teams, assisting them in achieving their career ambitions and learning goals.
• Community Building: Drive collaboration across specific Africa regions and build a community of practice.
• Expertise in Data Value Chain: Understand how engagement objectives relate to various phases of the data value chain and utilize advanced technology and analytics to address analytical problem statements.
• Proactive Learning: Actively seek out learning opportunities to contribute to the advancement of the Assurance Innovation and Digital business.

Educational Background:

Preferred degree in Mathematics, Engineering, Economics, Computer Science, Information Management, Statistics, or a related field.

Professional Experience:

• 10+ years of relevant experience in a professional services or consulting environment.
• 10+ years of experience in designing and delivering analytics solutions for audit and forensic clients using a broad range of analytical toolsets (e.g., PowerApps, SQL, Python, R, PowerBI).
• 7-10 years of experience in managing people and budgeting within a business area.

Skills and Competencies:

• Customer-centric solution mindset with strong analytical and logical thinkingskills.
• Strong understanding of modern data science methodologies and analytics development.
• Experience in applying Machine Learning (ML) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) techniques to solve business problems.
• Experience in design thinking and agile approaches to project management and solution delivery.
• Understanding of business processes and the ability to design analytical solutions that address specific business challenges.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, with fluency in English.
• Proficient presentation and storytellingabilities.
• Ability to prioritize competing responsibilities and demonstrate lateral thinking.
• Strong attention to detail and a proactive attitude towards service delivery.
• Independent, self-motivated, and passionate about delivering quality and innovative products.
• Understanding of information communication technology (ICT) in enabling businesses and financial statement production.
• Familiarity with different database types (relational databases/NoSQL) and the ability to analyze relationships between data.

Position: Senior Manager Talent (HRBP)

South Africa

Human Resources

Reports To:HRBP Director

Job Summary:

The HRBP Senior Manager you will serve as a strategic partner to business leaders, providing guidance on HR matters and driving the implementation of HR strategies that support business objectives. This role requires a deep understanding of the business, its challenges, and opportunities, as well as the ability to influence and build strong relationships with key stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities:

• Partner with senior leadership to develop and execute HR strategies that are aligned with the business's vision and goals.
• Provide expert advice on a range of HR issues including talent management, succession planning, performance management, employee relations, and compensation.
• Lead change management initiatives and support the leadership team in organizational design and development.
• Drive talent acquisition strategies to attract, retain, and develop top talent.
• Analyze HR metrics and data to inform decision-making and measure the effectiveness of HR initiatives.
• Ensure compliance with all legal and regulatory requirements related to HR.
• Facilitate leadership development and coaching for managers and executives.
• Act as a mentor and coach to HR team members, fostering a culture of continuous learning and development.
• Collaborate with the global HR team to ensure consistency in HR practices and policies across the organization.

Qualifications and min requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in human resources, Business Administration, or a related field; Hons/Master's degree or relevant HR certifications (e.g., SHRM-SCP, SPHR) preferred.
• Minimum of 8 years of HRBP experience, with at least 3 years in an HRBP leadership role or equivalent, preferably within a professional services or similar dynamic environment.
• Proven track record of successfully partnering with senior business leaders and influencing strategic outcomes.
• Strong understanding of HR best practices and current regulations.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and negotiation skills.
• Ability to handle sensitive matters with discretion and tact.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Proficiency in HRIS systems and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Team Leadership Skills
• Reporting Skills
• Collaboration, Innovation and navigating uncertainty

Your key responsibilities

As a talent manager, you will be responsible for providing consultative support to various business units within the Assurance Service Line on matter relating to the end to end employee lifecycle, ensuring efficient and effective delivery of HR services. You will be involved in discussions with the business to develop the talent agenda based on the business needs and drivers. Other key responsibilities include:

• Partners and communicates extensively with business leaders to design and deliver talent initiatives; provide coaching and guidance to support the firm's strategic growth agenda
• In coordination with members of the Talent team, helps execute major talent processes including compensation planning, performance management, talent development, onboarding / integration, workforce planning and employee engagement strategies across a geography or practice area
• Serves as the first point of contact on employee relations issues; manages/handles issues as appropriate (communicating with Talent Team and practice leadership); escalates issues, as needed
• Provides coaching to Sub Service Line leaders on managing employee issues that may arise
• Coordinates with Learning & Development Consultants on program implementation
• Coordinates with Talent Acquisition team to ensure the hiring of candidates to support the firm's strategic growth agenda
• Coordinates with Talent Shared Services staff to ensure proper handling of administrative issues and needs.
• Along with Total Reward team and the Assurance Talent Leader, provide advice to the business on compensation & benefit programs, flexible working, health and well-being programs that will have an impact on employee engagement, retention and performance
• Respond to complex and urgent employee queries relevant to their respective business units(s) that have been escalated
• Work closely with the SAICA training office to support and enable the training learning and development over the three-year period
• Support the business in the event of any high potential exits and take pro-active steps along with business to manage such instances

Skills and attributes for success

• Ability to manage multiple priorities; thrive in a fast-paced, rapidly changing environment
• Strong business acumen; understands the professional service industry
• Relationship-building skills
• Experience and understanding of employment legislation
• Strong communication skills
• Ablility to operate effectively and independently in a new environment; using good judgement and experience to support decision-making

To qualify for the role you must have

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent work experience
• Minimum of 5years relevant experience in a HR Business Partner role

What we look for

As a trusted advisor to our business/service lines with a strong HR background, you will have the ability to support multiple business units. We are looking for candidates who are highly motivated, analytical, logical thinkers, have a very strong attention to detail. Being a strong team player is critical with the ability to adapt to changing requirements or deadlines in support of our clients' goals