Manager - Insurance Audit (IFRS 17 Focus)

Purpose of the Role

To lead and manage audit engagements within the Financial Services Insurance (FSI) portfolio, with a specific focus on life and non-life insurance entities, ensuring compliance with IFRS 17, the International Standards on Auditing, and firm methodology, while delivering high-quality, compliant and client-centric audit outcomes.

Key Responsibilities

Audit Delivery & IFRS 17

• Lead the execution of audit procedures relating to:
• Insurance contract liabilities (LRC / LIC)
• IFRS 17 measurement models (GMM / PAA)
• IBNR / actuarial reserves
• Review technical accounting positions, judgements and disclosures under IFRS 17 and other relevant reporting standards.
• Ensure audit execution is aligned with ISA requirements, regulatory expectations and firm methodology.

Project Management (Critical Requirement)

• Demonstrate strong project management capability, including:
• Planning and monitoring multiple audit deliverables
• Managing tight deadlines across multiple stakeholders
• Identifying and proactively resolving risks and bottlenecks
• Drive delivery against key milestones and ensure the timely completion of audit activities.

Client Service Excellence

• Build and maintain high-quality client relationships through:
• Clear, professional communication
• Proactive issue identification and resolution
• Consistently deliver excellent client service standards that reflect EY’s Financial Services brand.

Quality

• Ensure adherence to:
• International Standards on Auditing (ISA)
• Firm Audit Methodology (GAM)
• Maintain inspection-ready audit documentation
• Drive a culture of exceptional quality, accountability and professional scepticism.

Team Leadership & Development

• Lead and manage teams across engagements by:
• Allocate work appropriately
• Provide coaching and technical guidance
• Set expectations for:
• Accountability
• Quality of deliverables
• Timely execution
• Mentor, develop and motivate junior team members to support high performance and career progression.

Key Skills & Competencies

• Strong technical knowledge of IFRS 17, insurance accounting and audit methodology.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills
• Ability to operate under pressure and tight deadlines
• High level of professional judgement and scepticism

Minimum Requirements

• CA(SA) or equivalent qualification
• Relevant insurance audit experience, including exposure to life and/or non-life insurance engagements.
• Demonstrated experience in an IFRS 17 reporting and audit environment.
• Proven experience managing and leading audit teams and workstreams.