Senior Internal Auditor: Engineering

POSITION OBJECTIVE:

The successful incumbent will be responsible for supporting Senior Manager: IA and other unit leadership to execute the operational plan and other allocated tasks. The main responsibilities are to provide assurance as to the adequacy and effectiveness of internal controls by conducting value-adding risk-based audits in accordance with The International Standards for the Professional Practice of Internal Auditing to assist SANRAL in the accomplishment of the operating objectives.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

• A formal NQF 7 qualification in Engineering (Civil) or Quantity Surveying.
• A minimum of 5 years’ experience, of which at least 3 years must be in the built environment and 2 years in auditing infrastructure projects within the public sector.

ADVANTEGOUS:

• Registration as a Professional Engineer/Engineering Technologist with ECSA or Professional Quantity Surveyor with SACQSP.

TECHNICAL COMPETENCIES:

• Extensive knowledge in Infrastructure/built environment field.
• Knowledge of engineering standards, codes and contract management principles.
• Proficiency in auditing project documentation including drawings, specifications and site records.
• Strong understanding of Quantity Surveying (QS) principles: measurement, cost estimating, bills of quantities, valuations, claims assessment, variation orders and final accounts.
• Ability to collect, analyze and verify financial and technical project data.
• Competence in performing site inspections and evaluating compliance with engineering and QS standards.
• Skill in identifying non-compliance, inefficiencies, delays and cost overruns.
• Knowledge of PFMA and Treasury Regulations.
• Proficiency in data analysis, risk management and internal control systems.
• Knowledge of project management principles and frameworks (e.g. COSO, PMBOK etc.)
• Ability to research, benchmark and provide advisory input to management.
• Strong reporting, mentoring and coaching skills

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Audit Planning

• Define scope, objectives and methodology for construction audits.
• Identify project risks, control areas and compliance requirements.
• Proficiency in developing audit programs and checklists specific to construction activities.
• Participate in the development of the annual audit plan.
• Obtain and analyse information from clients to plan engagements.
• Drafts engagement letters.
• Conduct risk and control assessment of assigned department or functional area in established/required timeline.
• Perform walk through procedures to test controls.
• Develop audit programme in the planning phase, including the need for and use of questionnaires, flowcharts and other instruments for information analysis.
• Discuss the engagement letter with the client in the opening meeting.

Audit Execution

• Source and analyze project documentation including contracts, cost reports, valuations and progress certificates.
• Evaluate the adequacy of internal controls and contract management practices.
• Perform site inspections to assess construction quality, adherence to specifications and compliance with QS processes (measurements, interim valuations, variations, claims)
• Identify and report non-compliance, inefficiencies, cost overruns and project risks.
• Follow up on agreed action plans to ensure implementation.

Audit Reporting

• Draft clear and professional audit reports highlighting weaknesses, risks and areas for improvement.
• Provide recommendations on economy, efficiency and effectiveness of project controls.
• Present findings to management and stakeholders during closing meetings.

Audit Project Quality

• Review internal auditors and/or audit team outputs (quality assurance)
• Ensure compliance with IIA standards, internal methodologies, and best practice frameworks
• Drive continuous improvement in audit methodology

Auditee / Engagement Management

• Engage with project managers, engineers and other stakeholders to gather information and validate findings.
• Coordinate with other assurance providers (internal/external audit, risk management, forensics, compliance) within a combined assurance model

People Management

• Allocate tasks, monitor progress and ensure compliance with standards and deadlines.
• Transfer skills, foster professional growth and promote accountability within the audit team.

EMPLOYMENT REFERENCE CHECKS

Employment reference checks are a requirement as part of SANRAL’s recruitment and selection process. In order for SANRAL to conduct these checks a consent form needs to be completed and signed by the applicant. As an applicant of this position, you authorize SANRAL to process all the information provided for the purpose of your application for the position as well as the verification and record keeping of such credentials.

 Please note that this is a confidential document and is intended for internal use by SANRAL’s Human resources department only.

EMPLOYMENT EQUITY

Appointments will be made in accordance with SANRAL’s Employment Equity plan.

SANRAL reserves the right not to fill any position.

Closing date for applications: 19 November 2025

Feedback will be given to shortlisted candidates only.