We are seeking a Senior Data Analytics Specialist with excellent problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and the ability to translate data insights into strategic business recommendations. You will be responsible for providing data-driven insights and analytics support to the Internal Audit team. The role involves analysing various data sources to identify trends, anomalies, and areas of risk within the business. You will work closely with audit teams to enhance audit efficiency and effectiveness through the use of analytical tools and techniques in accordance with Internal Audit plans, methodologies, policies, and procedures. Â
What you’ll do:
Strategy and Planning:
- Support the Data Analytics Manager in developing an audit/advisory plan.
- Deliver on the internal audit strategic objectives, specifically those involving continuous auditing and monitoring, as well as data-driven insights and reporting.
Operational/ Technical:
- Develop a thorough understanding of the overarching risk universe, processes and associated internal controls, issues, pertinent regulations and risks associated with the engagement scope.
- Arrange access to data sources and secure receipt of data files from the business via multiple channels.
- Creation of a data dictionary including definitions and availability (where appropriate).
- Build and maintain common data sets regularly required by audit delivery teams.
- Assist with data cleaning and preparation for audit delivery teams.
- Build and maintain a library of re-usable automated auditing programmes and functional specifications.
- Develop sustainable and re-useable Data Analytics models, programs and dashboards to improve the efficiency of Group Internal Audit and to improve audit coverage.
- Support audit delivery teams with the development of complex/insightful data analytics tests.
- Prepare data analytics audit programs that are aligned to the Risk and Control Matrices of the assigned audits.
- Ensure the quality and integrity of data used in analytics projects.
- Execute data analytics fieldwork using relevant tools such as Python and SQL.
- Design dashboards to visualise trends and insights using tools such as Power BI.
- Develop data analytics scripts for continuous monitoring purposes.
- Review own working papers for quality and completeness before sending them to the Audit Manager for review.
- Document findings for discussion with auditee/management, as well as validate exceptions for factual correctness.
- Take responsibility for clearing and finalising all review notes and queries.
- Manage client interaction for allocated areas of scope.
- Stay abreast of industry trends and advancements in data analytics and audit technology, as well as new regulatory pronouncements.
- Track audit process status for allocated section and effectively communicate any anticipated challenges, delays, etc.
Stakeholder Engagement:
- Collaborate with audit teams to integrate data analytics into the audit workflow.
- Build mutually beneficial relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
- Practice effective communication skills.
- Ensure a thorough understanding of the business environment, strategies, challenges and risks as well as prevailing legislation and emerging industry trends.
Financial Management:
- Effectively adhere to the budget (schedule, cost and scope) applicable to projects, as well as areas of responsibility.
Human Resources:
- Complete the necessary training as agreed in IDP (Individual Development Programme).
- Take responsibility for own career and performance management.
- Contribute to the social committee and attend social activities.
- Expected strategic/operational involvement: 20%/80%
Your expertise:
- Minimum 5 years of data analytics experience, preferably within an internal audit or financial services environment.
- Proven experience with Python for Data Analysis, Automation and Machine Learning.
- Experience with data visualisation tools (e.g., Power BI, Tableau, QuickSight, etc.).
- Financial services knowledge and/or experience, with insurance industry experience preferred.
- Strong proficiency in Python and its libraries (e.g., pandas, NumPy, scikit-learn).
- Advanced understanding of database structures.
- Good understanding of machine learning algorithms and techniques.
- Knowledge of the business environment and value-chain.
- Understanding of internal audit standards, methodology and best practice.
- Basic knowledge of data governance principles and frameworks (e.g. DAMA).
- Advanced practical knowledge of data mining, data analysis and visualisation techniques.
- Proven track record of high performance in previous roles.
- Ability to translate complex data into actionable insights for non-technical audiences.
- Team player, able to collaborate and support peers and colleagues.
Qualifications required:
- A relevant degree or diploma in IT, Data Science, Statistics, or Audit is necessary.
- Relevant professional qualifications or certifications in Python, SQL, Power BI, machine learning, R, etc.
Other information applicable to the opportunity:
- Permanent Position
- Location: Johannesburg
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