Internal Auditor - Retail Credit at Absa

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Job Summary

To monitor the risk profile of the business and execute audit assignments in accordance with the Group Audit Plan and Internal Audit methodology, relevant policies, procedures and quality standards.

Job Description

Retail Credit Internal Audit – Assistant Vice President (AVP)

The Retail Credit Internal Audit AVP role is responsible for providing independent assurance that the management of retail credit risk across ABSA aligns with internal policies, regulatory requirements, and industry best practices. This role plays a key part in assessing the design and effectiveness of credit risk management frameworks, governance structures, and control processes across retail portfolios such as mortgages, personal loans, credit cards, and vehicle finance.

The incumbent will work within the Internal Audit function, with a specific focus on retail credit risk, and will be expected to participate in end-to-end audit engagements. The role requires a strong understanding of retail credit products, risk management frameworks, data-driven audit testing, and relevant regulatory standards.

 

Key Responsibilities

Audit Execution and Delivery

• Ensure timely delivery of assigned tasks in accordance with agreed project timelines.

• Perform risk-based audits across Retail Credit portfolios, including planning, scoping (identifying key risks and controls), fieldwork, and reporting.

• Prepare audit observations that are concise, factually accurate, and clearly identify root causes and risks. Ensure agreed management actions fully mitigate identified issues.

• Evaluate the effectiveness of credit risk management practices, including origination, underwriting, account management, collections, and recovery processes.

• Assess compliance with regulatory and internal policy requirements (e.g., IFRS 9, Basel, National Credit Act).

• Utilize data analytics to inform audit testing strategies and obtain deeper insights into credit risk trends and control effectiveness.

• Ensure delivery is aligned with internal audit methodology and quality standards.

 

Relationship and Portfolio Management

• Engage with stakeholders across the 1st and 2nd lines of defense, including Credit Risk, Product, Collections, and Regulatory Compliance teams.

• Conduct ongoing business monitoring and maintain a strong understanding of key credit risk issues and trends to inform audit planning and continuous risk assessment.

• Contribute to the Combined Assurance effort by collaborating with other assurance providers across the 3 Lines of Defense to strengthen the control environment.

• Provide clear input into risk and governance committee reporting, highlighting emerging risks and control gaps.

 

Skills and Experience

• Strong understanding of retail credit risk management practices and processes across the customer lifecycle.

• Experience in performing or leading internal audits or risk reviews within a financial institution.

• Working knowledge of regulatory frameworks applicable to retail credit portfolios (e.g., Basel II/III, IFRS 9, NCR).

• Experience in credit risk reporting, performance metrics (e.g., PD, LGD, EAD), and credit decisioning models preferred.

• Proficient in data analysis and able to work with data specialists to design effective audit tests.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills; able to present complex issues clearly to senior stakeholders.

• Strong time management, organizational, and stakeholder engagement skills.

• Independent thinker with strong professional judgment and attention to detail.

 

Education and Experience

• A minimum of 3 years’ experience in internal audit, retail credit risk, credit policy, or credit analytics.

• Demonstrated exposure to retail credit products and the associated risk management frameworks.

• Proficiency in data analysis tools such as SAS, SQL, and Excel; experience with risk or credit models will be considered an added advantage.

• Bachelor’s degree in Risk Management, Actuarial Science, Statistics, or a related field is required.

• An Honours degree in Risk Management will be regarded as a distinct advantage.

Education

Bachelor`s Degrees and Advanced Diplomas: Business, Commerce and Management Studies (Required)

Absa Bank Limited is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer. In compliance with the Employment Equity Act 55 of 1998, preference will be given to suitable candidates from designated groups whose appointments will contribute towards achievement of equitable demographic representation of our workforce profile and add to the diversity of the Bank.

Absa Bank Limited reserves the right not to make an appointment to the post as advertised

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