About the position
Introduction
The position of Internal Audit Specialist Manager is vacant. The Internal Audit Specialist Manager will report directly to the Senior Manager Internal Audit Clinical and Analytics and form part of the Internal Audit Division. The position is based at Head Office.
Overview:
The Internal Audit Specialist Manager within GEMS's Internal Audit Division, responsible for leading and executing specialised, risk-based audits across the organisation's clinical, operational, and regulatory areas. Reporting to the Senior Manager: Internal Audit Clinical and Analytics, the position provides independent assurance on governance, risk management, and control effectiveness while driving innovation through data analytics and audit automation. The role also involves managing audit staff, overseeing project delivery, and contributing to continuous improvement initiatives to strengthen GEMS's overall assurance framework.
The total remuneration package will be between R1,165,101 and R1,456,304 per annum, based on the Scheme's Remuneration Policy and dependent on the candidate's skills and experience.
The closing date for applications will be Wednesday, 11 March 2026.
Duties & Responsibilities
The Internal Audit Specialist Manager will be required to provide support to the Senior Manager Internal Audit Clinical and Analytics through the implementation of the following Key Performance Areas (KPAs):
- Lead, plan, and execute specialised risk-based audits across clinical, operational, and regulatory areas within the Scheme.
- Develop, maintain, and update the audit universe and annual internal audit plan aligned to organisational risks.
- Provide independent assurance on governance, risk management, and control effectiveness to support sound decision-making.
- Drive innovation through the use of data analytics, automation, and computer-assisted audit techniques (CAATs).
- Ensure compliance with internal audit standards, the Medical Schemes Act, and applicable organisational policies.
- Prepare and present clear, insightful audit reports and recommendations to management, the Audit Committee, and other stakeholders.
- Manage and develop internal audit staff by providing guidance, mentorship, and performance feedback.
- Oversee audit project budgets, timelines, and resources, ensuring delivery within scope and quality standards.
- Build strong collaborative relationships across GEMS departments, external service providers, and other assurance functions.
- Contribute to the enhancement of internal audit methodologies, continuous improvement initiatives, and the combined assurance framework.
Desired Experience & Qualification
Qualification Requirements
- A Bachelor's degree in Internal Auditing, Accounting, Commerce, Medical or Clinical Sciences, or a similar relevant discipline.
- A Certified Internal Auditor (CIA), CA(SA), or Registered Healthcare Professional designation is essential.
- A minimum of 3 years' experience in the medical schemes industry and at least 3 years of Internal Auditing experience, with 1 year at a managerial level.
- Advantageous - Experience managing or overseeing outsourced audit providers.
- Knowledge of audit management systems, automated testing techniques (CAATs), and data analytics.
Skills
- Strong knowledge of internal auditing standards, methodologies, and best practices (IIA Standards, COSO, ISO 31000).
- Comprehensive understanding of medical scheme operations, managed care, and healthcare regulatory environments.
- Proven experience in planning, executing, and managing complex internal audit engagements.
- Proficiency in Computer-Assisted Audit Techniques (CAATS) and data analytics for assurance delivery.
- Excellent report-writing, presentation, and communication skills, with the ability to simplify complex findings for diverse audiences.
- Strong project management, budgeting, and organisational abilities.
Behavioural Competencies:
- Integrity: Demonstrates ethical conduct, professionalism, and confidentiality in all dealings.
- Analytical Thinking: Strong problem-solving and critical-thinking abilities with a focus on detail and accuracy.
- Excellence Orientation: Strives for quality, accountability, and continuous improvement.
- Innovation: Applies creative thinking and modern audit techniques to improve processes and results.
- Member-Centric Approach: Acts in the best interests of Scheme members and organisational objectives.
- Leadership: Inspires and develops others, fostering a culture of collaboration and high performance.
- Communication: Articulates ideas clearly and effectively at all organisational levels, both verbally and in writing.
- Collaboration: Builds positive relationships with internal and external stakeholders to achieve collective goals.
- Resilience and Adaptability: Performs effectively under pressure, managing change in a dynamic environment.
Desirable
- Strong understanding of healthcare funding models, claims administration, and managed care processes.
Interested?
- GEMS employs people with the highest level of integrity - submission to the appropriate pre-employment assessment is obligatory to be considered for the position.
- Kindly note that the information provided on application of the position may be shared with a third party for vetting purposes and will be stored by GEMS for a period of 5 years.
- Kindly note that information is required for Employment Equity Purposes and information gathered is strictly used according to the intended purpose of collection, unless there is a legal need or permission is granted from the applicant themselves to make use of it for other purpose
- Should you wish to have your information removed from the GEMS database, kindly send a request in writing to [Email Address Removed] .
- GEMS adopts a hybrid work model.
- GEMS is guided by the principles of employment equity. Preference will be given to groups who are underrepresented in accordance with GEMS employment equity plan.
- An employee must be in their current role for at 12 months before they will be considered for other vacancies within the Scheme.
- GEMS reserves the right not to proceed with an appointment.
- Successful candidates will be required to seek approval to conduct other work outside of GEMS.
- GEMS Employees are required to conduct themselves in a manner that reflects the organisation's paramount values: Excellence, Member Value, Integrity, Innovation, and Collaboration.
