Description:
KINDLY TAKE NOTE: Applications may only be submitted online through the official UFS vacancy website: https://ufs.hua.hrsmart.com/hr/ats/JobSearch/viewAll - Applications submitted through any other platform will not be considered.
The system allows a maximum of eight attachments. To avoid upload issues, we recommend merging some or all documents into fewer files before submitting.
INCOMPLETE APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED!
To ensure your application is complete, you must submit ALL documents listed under the inherent requirements, as well as the following standard documentation:
• A detailed Curriculum Vitae.
• Copies of your qualifications, or official proof of qualifications obtained (If you hold foreign qualifications, please include SAQA accreditation).
• A copy of your identity document (South African ID or passport for foreign nationals).
• Confirmation of employment in the form of a letter, appointment contract, service certificate, or recent payslip from your current or most recent employer (applicable to external applicants only).
Duties and responsibilities
Conduct data analysis and extraction of information:
• Develop embedded audit analytics as part of audit planning, fieldwork and reporting through the execution of data analytics test steps.
• Obtain, analyse and evaluate accounting documentation, previous reports, data, flowcharts, etc.
• Utilise data analysis tools and techniques to extract, clean and transform data.
• Perform advanced data analytics, including trend analysis and anomaly detection.
• Apply predictive modelling in identifying patterns, anomalies potential risks.
• Access reliable data sources.
• Ensure data completeness and accuracy.
• Clean, transform, and standardise data.
Performs risk assessment and audit planning
• Analyse large datasets to uncover potential operational, financial, and compliance risks.
• Identify unusual patterns, trends, and anomalies that may indicate vulnerabilities or emerging risks.
• Quantify and rank risks based on their likelihood and potential impact.
• Provide a data-driven approach to determine which areas require immediate attention.
• Assist in the allocation of audit resources to high-risk areas.
• Support the development of dynamic, risk-based audit plans tailored to evolving organizational risks.
• Identify key business processes and control points for detailed reviews.
• Prioritise audit focus on areas where the greatest risks or inefficiencies are present.
• Provide objective, fact-based insights to inform risk assessments and audit strategies.
• Enable auditors to move from periodic assessments to a more proactive, real-time approach.
• Identify high-risk transactions or behaviours that might indicate fraud.
Design audit tools & conduct audit testing and sampling
• Design and execute audit tests and tools and sampling methodologies.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of internal controls and compliance with policies.
• Evaluate the accuracy of financial reporting and conform to financial standards.
• Document audit areas of improvement or positive observations and recommendations area of improvement and opportunities.
• Apply professional auditing standards and internal audit protocols.
• Benchmark performance metrics.
• Identify process bottlenecks and inefficiencies.
• Leverage advanced techniques like machine learning and AI.
• Incorporate predictive analytics and visualisation tools.
• Foster a culture of data-driven decision-making.
Assist with data visualisation and reporting of information
• Present risk assessment findings in visual formats, such as dashboards and heat maps, to aid decision-making.
• Facilitate communication of risks and priorities to senior management and audit committees.
• Deliver actionable insights beyond compliance checks.
• Provide strategic recommendations for risk mitigation.
• Highlight areas for cost savings.
• Audit effectiveness and Impact Measurement.
• Track the resolution of audit findings.
• Measure the effectiveness of data-driven audits.
• Improve audit timelines and resource efficiency.
• Monitor key controls and detecting anomalies.
• Provide real-time assurance on control effectiveness.
• Collaborate with IT team to enhance data analytics capabilities.
• Optimise data extraction processes and leverage technology solutions.
• Create visually compelling dashboards, charts and graphs to present audit findings.
• Present trends and key metrics to stakeholders clearly and professionally.
• Prepare audit reports, summaries and presentations for management review.
• Highlight areas of concern, potential risks and opportunities for improvement.
Inherent requirements:
• A degree/postgraduate diploma on NQF Level 7 in Accounting/Internal Audit/Computer Science/Data Science/Information Systems/Statistics/Business Analytics.
• Minimum three (3) years’ relevant working experience in Internal Audit Risk Management/Data Analytics/Business Analytics.
Recommendations:
• Added advantage - Professional certification (e.g. CIA, CISA)(attach a copy).
• Proficiency in data analysis tools like ACL, IDEA, Power BI, Tableau, SQL, or Python (attach certificates).
• Knowledge of ERP systems such as PeopleSoft, SAP, or Banner used by universities.
• Understanding of governance, risk, and compliance frameworks.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to communicate complex data insights clearly.
• Stakeholder management and teamwork.
Required competencies:
• Results oriented.
- The ability to cope with a frequently changing environment and to adapt to evolving situations.
- The ability to be reliable, responsible, dependable and to fulfil obligations.
• Strategic thinking.
- The ability to be creative and open-minded when addressing work issues.
- The ability to carefully analyse information and use logic to address issues and problems at work.
• Business Acumen:
- The ability to adhere to rules and strictly follow work regulations.
- Proficient in using MS Office.
• Leading.
- The ability to lead, take charge of situations, and offer opinions and directions to others.
- The ability to be cooperative with others, display a good-natured attitude and encourage people to work together.
• Building coalitions
- The ability to interact with others and establish personal connections with people.
- The ability to make decisions through consultation, collaboration and working with close supervision.
Assumption of duties:
As soon as possible.
Closing date:
04 June 2025
Salary:
The salary is available on request.
Fringe benefits:
(Subject to specific conditions): pension scheme, medical aid scheme, group life insurance, housing allowance, leave and sick leave, service bonus and study benefits.
Enquiries:
For enquiries, please feel free to contact 051 401 2979 or email JardineS@ufs.ac.za or Recruit@ufs.ac.za Additionally, kindly contact 051 401 9813 / 9810/ 9848 for assistance.
General:
The UFS is a designated employer and is committed to the pursuit of excellence, diversity, and redress in achieving its equity targets in accordance with the Employment Equity Plan of the University and its Employment Equity goals and targets. Preference will be given to candidates from the under-represented designated groups including candidates with disabilities. Our Employment Equity Policy is available at : EEA13_EE Plan UFS 1 March 2022 (003).pdf
The University processes personal information in line with its obligations under the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA) and any personal information provided to the University will be treated as confidential and processed in accordance with the rights provided to data subjects under POPIA.
The University reserves the right not to fill the post. The UFS will only consider applications of candidates who meet all the inherent requirements of the position. Applications that are incomplete will not be considered. Communication will be limited to shortlisted candidates only. Should you not be contacted within six weeks of the closing date for applications, you may assume that your application was unsuccessful