In support of the iMasFinance transformation strategy, preference will be given to candidates from the designated groups.

About this position

iMasFinance, a financial services Cooperative, is looking for a Forensic Officer. This position reports to the Head: Internal Audit and is responsible to conduct forensic investigations into financial irregularities, fraud, and other white-collar crimes within iMas, ensuring adherence to legal and professional standards, and providing support for legal proceedings. This includes assessing the effectiveness of controls related to fraud prevention and detection, and reporting findings to relevant stakeholders, including management and legal counsel.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:


Job Outputs:

1. Investigative Planning:

• Implement forensic investigation plans for specific assignments as agreed with management and Department Head.
• Develop and implement forensic investigation programs and procedures.
• Participate in preliminary meetings with relevant stakeholders (e.g., legal, HR, auditee).
• Develop and define investigation scope per assignment; including objectives, identified risks, defined approach, project team, and outputs.
• Develop and implement an approved investigation plan according to Forensic Investigation Charter (policy) aligned to approved plan of relevant committees.
• Adhere to relevant forensic standards and methodologies.
• Conduct Fraud Risk assessment within the ERM framework and guidelines.
• Project governance according to priority and appropriate risk-based methodology.
• Ensure signed document between stakeholders and forensic officer.
• Approved system and process description.
• Update the status of every investigation in the Fraud Management system.
• Reasonable provision made for ad-hoc complex tasks or projects requested by management and Departmental Head

2. Conducting investigations:

• Investigate established systems and operations for fraudulent activities and financial irregularities. |
• Identify control weaknesses, and deviations from operating standards leading to fraud.
• Communicate deviations and findings to relevant stakeholders so that corrective action can be implemented.
• Compliance with policies and procedures according to agreed plan and deadlines.
• Comply with forensic investigation standards and methodology.

3. Reporting and administration:

• Compilation of Draft Forensic Investigation Report Findings. |
• Draft report, reviewed and edited before circulation for comments to relevant stakeholders.
• Finalization and distribution of forensic investigation report to the relevant stakeholders.
• Consolidate management comments and action plans on findings in the report which include the comments and action plans from the auditee(s) and executive in the report.
• Compile and summarize the Executive Report.
• Participate in closing meetings with auditees/stakeholders.
• Distribute final report to all the stakeholders.
• Prepare relevant committee inserts. Regular follow-up regarding material issues and recommendations distributed according to the planning document.
• Discussion of forensic investigation report with the relevant persons/line manager.
• Timeframes adhered to / deadlines met.

4. Customer Relations

• Manages relationships with line management about audit performance and determination of remedial action.
• Enhance good customer relations (internal and external stakeholder).
• Manage progress report of outsourced assignments in line with the defined Service Level Agreement.

5. People Management

• Supervise the work of internal auditors and learners on investigative assignments.
• Manage the implementation of the operational plan .
• Provide training and guidance to internal auditors and internal stake holders.
• Assist in the recruitment of internal auditors.
• Manage performance.
• Manage employee relations
  

Qualifications and Accreditations

• A National Diploma in Forensic Investigation / Auditing is essential
• A BCom Degree /B Tech Forensic Accounting /Auditing is recommended
• Computer literacy is essential.
• Accreditation and Registration in the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE) Membership is essential
• Accreditation and Registration as Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE) Programme is essential
• Accreditation and Registration in the Professional Internal Auditor (PIA) Programme is essential
• Accreditation and Registration in the Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) Programme is essential
• A valid driving licence is essential.

Experience:

• Minimum of 2 years Internal Audit (internship / articles) Forensic Investigations (internship / articles) experience is essential.
• Minimum of 5 years operation experience in Forensic Auditing/Investigations is essential.
• Minimum of 2 years managerial experience is recommended.

Knowledge and Skills:

• The ideal candidate with possess the following knowledge and skills:
• Knowledge of organization's structures, enterprise risk management and internal controls.
• Knowledge of business objectives and processes of various and complex environments such as information technology, human resources, finance and operations.
• Knowledge of Professional Code of Ethics and the Standards for the Professional Practice of internal auditing according to the Institute of Internal Auditors.
• Excellent communication and listening skills with the ability to interact effectively with all levels of management and staff.
• Ability to work alone and to plan and execute projects with minimum supervision and to complete work within required deadlines.
• Demonstrate excellent analytical skills in proposing well-founded conclusions.
• Writing and reporting skills
• Planning and Organizing skills
• Delivering results and meeting customer expectations
• Leading and Supervising skills