Internal Audit Manager Career in South Africa
Explore the official OFO occupation, common tasks, specialisations and approved South African qualification pathways.
Occupation overview
Advises organisations on a systematic and disciplined approach to evaluate and improve the effectiveness of the organisations risk management, control and governance processes in accordance with the Internal Audit Charter.
What does a Internal Audit Manager do?
An Internal Audit Manager advises organisations on how to assess and improve their risk management, internal controls and governance processes. The work follows a systematic and disciplined approach guided by the organisation’s Internal Audit Charter, helping decision-makers understand whether these processes are effective. A related specialisation is Internal Audit Quality Assurer.
Specialisations
How to become a Internal Audit Manager in South Africa
- Build a foundation in accounting, internal auditing, organisational controls and governance.
- Consider a relevant pathway such as the Bachelor of Accounting Sciences in Internal Auditing, Bachelor of Commerce: Internal Auditing, National Higher Certificate in Internal Auditing, or an Occupational Certificate: Internal Audit Manager.
- Develop practical capability in evaluating risk management, control and governance processes and in communicating advice to organisations.
- Work towards management responsibilities in internal audit; relevant education can support this, while progression commonly also involves workplace experience and increasing responsibility.
- Confirm current qualification, provider and assessment details with SAQA, the relevant quality council or an accredited provider.
Edupstairs Preparation Guidance
The listed qualifications provide relevant education pathways into internal auditing and management. They should not automatically be treated as universal entry requirements. Because this is a management career, education is typically complemented by workplace progression, practical responsibility and the ability to advise organisations clearly and systematically.
Useful school subjects
- Mathematics
- Accounting
- Business Studies
- English
Skills that may help
- Systematic and disciplined evaluation
- Analytical thinking
- Understanding of risk management, controls and governance
- Clear advisory and communication skills
- Attention to organisational processes
- Ability to work in line with an Internal Audit Charter