PRASA is recruiting an Audit Specialist for Governance, Reporting and Quality Assurance at its Umjantshi Head Office. The senior management role requires extensive internal auditing experience and offers an opportunity to strengthen governance and quality assurance within Group Internal Audit.
The Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA) has announced a senior management career opportunity for an Audit Specialist: Governance, Reporting and Quality Assurance within its Group Internal Audit department. The position will be based at PRASA Corporate – Umjantshi Head Office, providing a strategic role in strengthening governance, internal audit quality, and reporting standards across the organization.
This vacancy is open to both external and internal candidates, although applicants who have previously applied are advised not to submit duplicate applications, as repeat submissions will not be considered.
Purpose of the Role
The primary objective of the Audit Specialist role is to provide specialized governance and quality assurance support to the Group Internal Audit function. The successful candidate will play an essential role in overseeing internal audit practices, methodologies, and programmes to ensure they align with professional standards and regulatory requirements.
Working closely with the Chief Audit Executive (CAE), the Audit Specialist will help ensure that internal audit activities are conducted in accordance with internationally recognized best practices while contributing to improved transparency, accountability, and risk management within PRASA.
This role is critical in maintaining the credibility and effectiveness of internal audit processes within a major state-owned enterprise responsible for rail transport services across South Africa.
Minimum Requirements
Candidates interested in applying for the position must meet the following minimum qualifications and professional criteria:
- A Bachelor’s Degree in Internal Auditing, Accounting, or Risk Management (NQF Level 7)
- Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) professional certification
- Membership with relevant professional bodies such as IIA SA, SAICA, or IRBA
These qualifications ensure that applicants possess both the academic foundation and professional recognition required to perform high-level internal auditing and governance oversight functions.
Experience Requirements
Applicants must also demonstrate extensive experience within the auditing profession, including:
- At least 10 years of auditing experience
- A minimum of 5 years at management level
This experience should ideally include exposure to internal audit governance, quality assurance processes, and compliance reporting in complex organisational environments.
Additional Advantages
While not mandatory, the following qualifications and experience will provide a strong advantage during the selection process:
- Certified External Quality Assurance Assessor certification
- Honours Degree in Internal Auditing, Accounting, or Risk Management
- CISA (Certified Information Systems Auditor) or CRMA (Certification in Risk Management Assurance)
- Experience in internal audit quality assurance and governance reporting
These credentials demonstrate a deeper specialization in internal audit oversight and assurance frameworks.
Key Performance Areas
The Audit Specialist will be responsible for several critical functions within the Group Internal Audit division.
Supporting the Chief Audit Executive
One of the main responsibilities is assisting the CAE in fulfilling the internal audit mandate. This includes providing technical guidance, supporting governance initiatives, and ensuring audit processes align with professional standards.
Managing the Quality Assurance and Improvement Programme
The role requires planning, executing, and reporting on the Quality Assurance and Improvement Programme (QAIP). This includes:
- Conducting internal assessments
- Updating internal audit enablement systems
- Coordinating external quality assurance reviews
- Monitoring compliance with internal audit standards
These activities ensure that PRASA’s internal audit practices remain consistent with global professional expectations.
Developing and Maintaining QAIP Systems
The successful candidate will design and maintain a comprehensive Quality Assurance and Improvement Programme, ensuring continuous monitoring and improvement of audit methodologies and performance standards.
Monitoring Assurance Activities
Another responsibility is tracking and reporting on action items raised by other assurance providers such as:
- External auditors
- Compliance teams
- Risk management units
By coordinating assurance activities across the organisation, the Audit Specialist helps strengthen the broader governance ecosystem.
Monitoring Industry Developments
The role also requires keeping abreast of emerging trends, professional developments, and best practices in the internal audit profession to ensure that PRASA remains aligned with international auditing standards.
Knowledge and Technical Expertise
The role requires strong knowledge of governance frameworks and regulatory standards, including:
- Public Finance Management Act (PFMA)
- National Treasury Regulations
- King Code of Corporate Governance
- Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA) Standards
Familiarity with governance and risk frameworks such as COBIT, Basel II, ITIL, NIST, COSO, and ISO 9001 will also be important.
Technical knowledge should also include:
- Process mapping
- Budgeting and financial oversight
- Risk analysis
- Audit data analytics tools such as Teammate and ACL/Arbutus Analytics
- Microsoft Office applications
Essential Skills
To perform effectively in this role, candidates should demonstrate a strong combination of technical and leadership capabilities, including:
- Effective communication skills
- Project management abilities
- Advanced report writing skills
- Problem solving and conflict management
- Strong time management
- Quality management expertise
Behavioural Attributes
PRASA seeks candidates who exhibit professional integrity and strong ethical standards. The ideal candidate should demonstrate:
- Analytical thinking
- Sound decision-making
- High attention to detail
- Honesty and integrity
- Reliability and accountability
These attributes are critical for maintaining trust and credibility in internal audit functions.
Employment Equity
In line with PRASA’s Employment Equity Plan, this position supports the organisation’s transformation and diversity objectives. Applications are encouraged from suitably qualified candidates across designated groups.
Application Details
Candidates interested in the position should submit their applications via email to:
Applicants should ensure they reference the position using the reference number: RSS/ASGGA/GIA/001.
The closing date for applications is 18 March 2025.
A Strategic Role in Governance and Audit Excellence
The Audit Specialist: Governance, Reporting and Quality Assurance position offers an opportunity to play a pivotal role in strengthening governance frameworks and internal audit quality within PRASA. For experienced auditing professionals with strong leadership capabilities and a passion for governance excellence, this role represents a significant opportunity to contribute to accountability and operational integrity within one of South Africa’s major public transport institutions.
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