Audit Manager: Sustainability Assurance and Integrated Reporting

Johannesburg, South AfricaFull-timeSeniorOn-sitePosted 27 Oct 2026

Job Overview

Absa Group is appointing an Audit Manager: Sustainability Assurance and Integrated Reporting within Group Internal Audit in Johannesburg (requisition R-15992218; full time; posted 26 October 2026; applications close 31 October 2026). The role provides independent assurance over the Group’s sustainability strategy, sustainability and ESG risks, responsible business practices, commitments, metrics and disclosures – assessing whether commitments are backed by appropriate governance, risk management, policies, targets, delivery plans, reliable data and effective implementation.

The Audit Manager also provides assurance over sustainability-related information in Absa’s Integrated Report and other external disclosures, supports readiness for evolving sustainability reporting, regulatory and assurance requirements (including ISSA 5000 and ISAE 3000 (Revised)), leads ESG-related internal audit assignments end to end, acts as Internal Audit’s subject-matter expert on sustainability assurance, and line-manages and develops a team of auditors.

Key Responsibilities

Assess sustainability governance, accountability and oversight across the Group and business units, and whether priorities are backed by clear targets, delivery plans and monitoring
Provide assurance over selected sustainability programmes and initiatives and the analytics used for decision-making
Assess ESG risk frameworks, risk appetite, policies and standards, and how sustainability considerations are embedded in business, credit and lending decisions
Evaluate the control environment supporting ESG and sustainability-related regulatory and disclosure requirements and their link to prudential considerations
Assess methodologies, data lineage, controls and evidence behind sustainability metrics, targets and disclosures
Provide assurance over sustainability sections and metrics in the Integrated Report and other external disclosures, including materiality processes
Lead ESG internal audit assignments – risk assessment, scoping, testing, evidence review and reporting – and present findings to governance forums
Act as Internal Audit SME on sustainability; maintain knowledge of GRI Standards, Principles for Responsible Banking, JSE disclosure guidance, ISSA 5000 and ISAE 3000
Develop sustainability assurance guidance, risk libraries and testing approaches and train Internal Audit teams
Line-manage, coach and develop team members and strengthen combined assurance with other assurance providers

Required Qualifications

Relevant degree or postgraduate qualification in audit, accounting, risk, sustainability, ESG, climate, environmental science, finance, economics or related field
ESG or sustainability qualification/credential strongly preferred; CA(SA), CIA or equivalent advantageous
6+ years’ relevant experience in sustainability assurance, ESG, sustainability or climate risk, or sustainability reporting
Demonstrable experience performing sustainability/ESG assurance over governance, data, controls, methodologies and disclosures
Working knowledge of ISSA 5000, ISAE 3000 (Revised), GRI Standards, Principles for Responsible Banking and JSE sustainability disclosure requirements
Big Four audit/assurance and/or strong financial services experience preferred; proven ability to lead assignments and teams

Skills & Requirements

Sustainability AssuranceESG RiskInternal AuditIntegrated ReportingISSA 5000ISAE 3000GRI StandardsClimate RiskSustainability DisclosuresData Lineage & ControlsRisk-Based AuditingStakeholder EngagementPeople Leadership