Lead: Initial Assessment of Competence (IAC)

SAICA has embarked on an exciting transformation to become an insights-driven, technology-enabled, and AIpowered organisation. As part of our journey, we are streamlining processes, enhancing our digital capabilities, and strengthening our focus on sustainability in the accounting profession. This transformation presents an opportunity for you to grow and contribute to SAICAs vision in a redefined, future-fit role. We are looking for passionate, skilled professionals who are eager to innovate, embrace datadriven decision-making, and help shape the future of the profession. If you are ready to be part of this next chapter, make a meaningful impact, and you are a suitably qualified and experienced Difference Maker wanting to go further on this exciting journey, you are encouraged to apply. Purpose of the job SAICAs professional examinations are a key component of the overall process to qualify as a CA(SA). The need for a formalised assessment ensures that newly qualified CAs are able to demonstrate competence in line with the expectations set out in the SAICA Competency Framework. This job deals with all matters relating to SAICAs first CA(SA) professional examination, the Initial Assessment of Competence (IAC). The IAC is written twice a year, in January and June each year. Key in SAICAs strategic risks is the management of the exams processing and therefore issues within the exams processes may results in significant reputational risks for SAICA. Ensuring the overall integrity of the SAICA exams process, including, the administration, setting and marking of the exams to the release of results. The overall exams processes involve, amongst others, the following: Documenting and maintaining policies and procedures as they relate to the administration, setting and marking, and adjudication of the exams. These documents must be reviewed and updated annually. Plan and manage the execution for all aspects of the exam process from setting to releasing results. Review and manage the risks associated with the setting, marking and adjudication of the exams. Managing and coordinating the relevant committees including, the IAC Examination Committee. Preparing all relevant report for the Chartered Accountants Professional Development (CAPD) Committee. Identification and management of IAC related risks. Preparation and implementation of an annual communication plan for key stakeholders related to exams. Ensuring that the SAICA website is kept up-to-date with all communication relating to the IAC. Preparation of an annual strategy and performance contracts for staff as it relates to examinations. Key/main outputs Output 1: Exam administration Overseeing the all aspects relating to the administration of the exams (managing the exams admin team) including: Sourcing and entering into contracts with suitable venues suppliers (across South Africa and including the UK); Registrations process (needs detailed understanding of POPI/GDPR); Mark centre; Markers and umpires; Special concession candidates; Ensuring all administration relating to the examinations process runs smoothly (guidance provided to the exams team in terms of administering the exams) Development of the necessary controls and documentation of all administrative procedures and maintaining this through a documented master file which is updated annually. Oversee the process of the comments om the qualifying exams to and from relevant stakeholders Separate exam policies from process and ensure they always updated Ensure exam processes are complied with and robust controls are put in please in the exams processes. May be required from time to time to be involved in the other professional qualifying exam. Output 2: Exam setting Ensuring that the integrity of the exam is maintained from the start of the setting process through to when the exam paper is written. This includes putting in place the necessary software / controls over sharing of electronic documents and being aware of the risks of cyber security; Plan the exam setting process to ensure papers are completed in sufficient time for the printing process to start; Review and update exam policies in line with best practice and assessment pedagogy; Engaging with accredited academic providers in appointing setters. Selecting of discipline reviewers, overall reviewers, culture and diversity reviewer and exam sitters. Supporting the IAC Examinations Committee in all aspects relating to the setting of the exam; Preparation and review of the examinations in conjunction with the IAC Examination Committee; This includes the responsibility of the examinations for Institutes who have working arrangements with SAICA. Ensuring that all the quality assurance processes over the review of the exam are put in place before the exam is sent for printing; and Retain the necessary documentation in line with legal requirements. Output 3: Exam writing Ensure all aspects relating to the writing of the assessment are planned prior to the exam being written (admin team; packing boxes, chief invigilators etc); Review and update any controls relating to the writing of the exams (be aware of trends relating to cheating in exams); Plan in the implementation of the fit for purpose electronic writing of the IAC; Ensure close working relationship with the Special Concessions Panel. Output 4: Exam marking and adjudication and results Oversee the collation of university comments on the exams; Oversee the selection of suitable markers and umpires; Overseeing the integrity of the exam marking process through the central mark centre; Set up and manage the electronic marking process; Oversee the uploading and review of raw and final data (review for identification of any consistencies); Preparing statistics and manage the release of results in line with SAICAs policies; Data analysis to identify areas of concern; Collating, editing and distribution of markers and umpires comments on the exam; and Ensuring the integrity of the results of the marking process. Output 5: Regulatory Ensure all regulatory requirements are met (IRBA, IFAC, GAA etc) as it relates to exams. Output 6: Education Understanding the various elements of the education process to qualify as a CA and how they are interrelated; and Publish an approved list of examinable pronouncements annually (liaison between Exam committee and academics). Output 7: Strategic Projects Identify areas for improvements to the exams process annually; Identify and run or assist in the project implementation of key strategic projects relating to exams; Participate actively in the development and implementation of a stakeholder and communication plan for professional development, particularly as it relates to the exam specific stakeholders; Identify and implement any thought leadership projects and write thought leadership articles Assist in strategic projects related to education where it touches on exams; Participate in the monitoring and accreditation of the professional programme providers; and Conduct any relevant research relating the IAC. Output 8: Risk Mitigation Manage the risk mitigation processes for the IAC and Exams department. Ensure closer working relationship with the Risk and Compliance Office. Ensure risks are timeously escalated to the Direct Line Manger and the Risk and Compliance Office. Ensure compliance with risk management processed and that exam-related risks are timeously addressed. and risk management approaches are applied and implemented. Ensure adherence to internal processes HR, Facilities, IT, etc. Output 9: Embrace and drive organisational transformation Actively contribute to cost containment efforts by identifying opportunities for operational efficiencies, optimising resources, and ensuring value-driven decision-making in daily activities. Support SAICAs transformation into an insights-driven organisation by leveraging data and analytics to enhance decision-making, improve processes, and drive continuous improvement in your area of work Effectively utilise digital tools and technology to enhance productivity, streamline workflows, and improve service delivery. Stay informed about new and emerging technologies relevant to your role Adopt and embrace AI-driven tools and automation to enhance efficiency, accuracy, and effectiveness in job-related tasks, while continuously seeking opportunities to improve processes through innovative technology solutions Identify and support SAICAs management of risks related to sustainability, including environmental risks, regulatory changes and social risks and integrating them into business continuity and risk management plans Formal Education CA(SA) Recommended: Masters qualification Technical/Legal Certification Knowledge and understanding of: Higher education Teaching, learning and assessments in the SAICA-accredited academic programme. Professional development & mentoring Experience At least 5 years experience in post training contract professional education. Prior experience in academia or training and development would be an advantage (eg. On the academic trainee programme, in the firms learning and development or related department). Knowledge and Skills Business Acumen - Knowledge and understanding of the principles of business, the application thereof, the opportunities within business and the seizure of such opportunities Financial Knowledge - Knowledge and understanding of financial practices and standards prescribed by regulation authorities Performance management - Understanding performance management policies and procedures HR policy and procedures - Understanding HR policies and procedures to support people management processes Information Technology - Understanding of ICT prescribed practices and legislative requirements for data security and information management Governance and Compliance - Ability to implement and follow governance and compliance procedures

Location: Johannesburg, Gauteng, ZA

Posted Date: 10/9/2025