Data Analyst at Discovery Limited

Key Performance Area

Tasks

Strategic:

• Assist in attending to management queries.
• Build / maintain relationships with the Discovery companies and other Assurance Providers:
• Discovery Invest, Life, Employee Benefits, Insure, Corporate, Health, Vitality RSA, Vitality Group, Vitality Health, Vitality Life, External Audit.

Technical

Knowledgeable in:

• Data Analytics, continuous auditing via Computer Assisted Auditing Techniques (CAATs)
• Data Assurance

Operational:

• Perform audits in line with Audit Methodology.
• Assist in defining scope and approach of audits.
• Prepare Letter of Engagement, Audit Planning Memorandum (APM) and address review notes where applicable.
• Request data from the client, document SQL/ACL queries, analyse data and document deficiencies identified after performing the required CAATs testing.
• Obtain data for internal audit assignments (by means of SQL or any other relevant sources).
• Analysis of data and identifying exceptions and trends by utilising available data analysis software.
• Save all scripts used for any audit assignment.
• Prepare finalised working papers and evidence for all components of work, as per standards set in the Audit Methodology.
• Ensure that working papers are appropriate and include: Objective, Risk, Controls, Tests, Results, Conclusion and supporting documents.
• Communicating findings / control weaknesses identified with business prior to drafting observations.
• Prepare the draft report which includes criteria, detailed findings, root cause, potential consequences, recommendations and management actions.
• Complete action plans on file.
• Provide feedback to Senior Data Analyst / Senior Data Analytics Specialist regarding progress on activities.
• Advise Senior Data Analyst / Senior Data Analytics Specialist immediately of any problems experienced on audit section.
• Assist management in compiling a continuous auditing audit plan.
• Conduct continuous auditing assignments.
• Assigned work is completed on time and within budget.
• Completion of time-sheets on a weekly basis.
• Request feedback from business management (client satisfaction survey).
• Escalate cases where feedback is not received.

Follow-ups:

• Follow up on outstanding audit issues and management actions in a timely manner.

Development:

• Self-development: studying, attending courses, external courses, e-Learnings.
• Present training to the audit team.
• Completion of mini-appraisals.
• Schedule meetings with Senior Data Analyst / Senior Data Analytics Specialist for the combined review of mini appraisals.

General:

• Stay up-to-date with Internal Audit profession Information Technology developments and industry developments.
• Ongoing development and improvement of audit methodology.
• Travel if required.

Qualification:

As a guideline, the following qualifications are recommended:

• B Degree or equivalent (and relevant) qualification (with Computer Science / Computer Auditing / Information Systems / Auditing / Data Science as majors)
• CISA / CIA (one or more of the afore mentioned are advisable)
• SQL / ACL (or data analytics equivalent) certification

Experience:

• 3+ years data analytics experience.
• Essential knowledge:
• Experience using CAATS tools such as SQL or ACL;
• Experience building within SSRS and SSIS.
• The following would be deemed as an advantage (and would be required for career progression):
• Internal Controls;
• Experience working with PL/SQL language;
• Studying towards or in possession of relevant Honours Degree;
• Financial Services experience.

Competencies: 

• Analytical Thinking Ability: ability to split a task or problem into its component parts and use these in a logical and systematic manner. Ability to think on his/her feet and find innovative solutions to testing of data when the traditional approach does not work,
• Communication Skills: able to communicate clearly both verbally and in writing. 
• Relationships: building relationships with auditees, business and external auditors.
• Reporting Skills: ability to consolidate information and compile reports reflecting the necessary relevant information.