Job Summary

To drive consistency, depth, and quality in control design, execution, and testing across Absa Bank Kenya. The role ensures that controls are robust, standardized, and audit-ready, reducing operational risk and strengthening the bank’s control environment. The role holder leads Control Assurance engagements, supports combined assurance efforts, and partners with business units to embed a strong control culture.
The role holder will be responsible for the following:

Control Assurance Reviews

• Deliver a comprehensive Control Assurance review program aligned to business needs and FLOD methodology.
• Conduct planned and ad-hoc reviews across all business functions with professionalism and rigor.
• Produce high-quality documentation and review reports, ensuring timely delivery and alignment with FLOD standards.
• Assess compliance with internal policies and external regulations, escalating issues as needed.
• Track, monitor, and ensure closure of findings from CT engagements.
• Maintain accurate databases and ensure proper archiving of review materials.

Combined Assurance & Audit Support

• Track and validate remediation of Internal Audit (AIA), regulatory, and external audit observations.
• Provide assurance on control issue closure and support partner functions during audits.
• Contribute to the combined assurance approach by ensuring alignment across assurance providers.

Other Control Assurance Engagements

• Ensure all Significant Control and Material Issues are effectively managed across the business.
• Identify root causes and embed lessons learned.
• Provide independent evaluations of business risk profiles to senior management, local board, and regulators.
• Support business control forums and enhance control awareness across the organization.

Job Description

Key Accountabilities

Control Assurance Testing- 60%

• Analyse evidence and information to identify risks and controls, conduct effective testing, and draw objective conclusions.
• Identify root causes and agree SMART actions with management that are sustainable and address the root issue.
• Produce high-quality documentation aligned with FLOD methodology, including soft working papers.
• Deliver error-free review reports for senior review.
• Communicate FLOD methodology and keep leadership informed of engagement progress.
• Complete reviews as per the assurance plan and issue reports within agreed timelines.
• Identify thematic control issues and recommend solutions.
• Undertake ad-hoc engagements, due diligence, and demand initiatives.

Business Support & Partnerships – 20%

• Support business units in identifying and resolving control issues and emerging risks.
• Facilitate understanding of processes and procedures to strengthen control ownership.
• Conduct awareness sessions and share insights to enhance control maturity.
• Assist in root cause analysis and development of actionable recommendations

Combined Assurance & Audit Support – 10%

• Track and validate remediation of Internal Audit (AIA), regulatory, and external audit observations.
• Provide assurance on control issue closure and support partner functions during audits.
• Contribute to the combined assurance approach by ensuring alignment across assurance providers.

Team Participation & Self-Development – 10%

• Actively contributes to team initiatives and knowledge sharing.
• Coach and train team members in areas of expertise.
• Continuously develop personal capability and stay updated on control and assurance practices.

People & Capability Development

• Build and lead a team of Control Rigor Managers.
• Champion a culture of accountability and continuous improvement.
• Drive training and capability-building initiatives across the business.

Education and experience required

• B-degree in Auditing / Accounting (NQF level no.)
• Formal qualification or studying for ACIB, CPA, CIA, CISA, CCSA and or business or risk related degree / qualification.

Preferred experience

• 8-10 years (Technical/Managerial) experience i.e., Auditing/Rigor/Assurance/Risk management experience and / or working at a management level in the financial services sector with a proven track record / Audit experience within a banking environment
• Report writing and presentation experience.
• Exposure to consultation and facilitation.
• MA software tools and techniques
• Stakeholder management and negotiation experience

Knowledge and skills

• Auditing/Assurance/Risk/Rigor and investigative skills under a risk-based methodology
• Understanding of key risks faced by banks and core control environment
• Knowledge of the Bank’s governance requirements
• Computer literate (Strong MS office skills – excel, word and PowerPoint)
• Controls Testing & Monitoring
• Stakeholder management and negotiation experience