Lead: Ethics Member Guidance and Thought Leadership

SAICA has embarked on an exciting transformation to become an insights-driven, technology-enabled, and AI-powered 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 data-driven 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 The Lead: Ethics Member Guidance and Support is responsible for providing technical expertise, guidance, and leadership on matters related to professional ethics, including supporting the maintenance and promotion of the SAICAs Code of Professional Conduct and ethical frameworks. The role ensures that SAICA members uphold the highest ethical standards in line with local and international best practices. Reporting to the Head: Public Sector and Ethics this role contributes to the strategic direction of SAICAs ethics initiatives as detailed in the SAICA strategy and plays a key role in fostering public trust in the accounting profession The Lead: Ethics is also responsible for the strategic direction of the profession, standard-setting and supplementary guidance and regulations, as it relates to ethics standards. Some of the key activities under the leadership of the Lead: Ethics, are: Supporting the development of the Integrated Ethics Plan. Developing an ethics related seminars and events planner for members. Identifying challenges experienced by members on implementation of the SAICA Code and developing guidance to support members. Responding to complex ethical queries on the member portal. Identifying and performing ethics related research that will result in enhancing the ethical behaviour within the profession. Maintaining and building on the reputation and the relevance of the profession by demonstrating SAICAs ability to analyse and interpret proposed or new policy, standards and legislation through the media, events, stakeholder collaborations and research papers while harnessing our local and international strategic alliances. Supporting members through communication of relevant and important developments, developing technical resources and undertaking technical support activities for members. Supporting and enhancing a culture of ethical behavior within the profession and standards settings. Supporting the alignment of the Code of Professional Conduct with the IESBA Code and the IRBA Code Key/main outputs Output 1: Development of Guidance as it relates to the SAICA Code Identify challenges experienced by members on implementation of the SAICA Code and develop guidance to support members. Monitor and address emerging ethical issues, such as artificial intelligence, ESG reporting, and data privacy, and develop relevant frameworks and guidance. Review outcomes of member disciplinary matters as it relates to the SAICA Code to determine guidance that may be required to support members. Draft and review technical documents, position papers, and thought leadership publications on ethics. Leverage data analytics and digital tools to enhance transparency, accountability, and decision-making in ethical practices Output 2: Stakeholder Engagement and Advocacy Engage with local and international bodies, such as IESBA, to influence the development of ethical standards and guidance that is required to support the profession. Collaborate with regulatory bodies, public institutions, and private entities to promote ethical conduct and professional responsibility. Build and sustain relationships with members, audit firms, and other stakeholders to address ethical challenges and promote awareness. Represent SAICA on ethics-related committees, panels, and forums. Represent SAICA in national and international forums, contributing to the global discourse on professional ethics. Advocate for high standards of governance, accountability, and ethical behaviour in the profession. Lead the effective utilisation and management of relevant Member Committees and Structures to formulate and inform professions technical positions. Support SAICA committees in preparing technical submissions to influence ethics policies. Implement AI-driven tools to enhance communication with stakeholders. These tools can help in drafting personalised messages, scheduling meetings, and even predicting stakeholder responses based on historical data Output 3: Research and Thought Leadership Conduct research on emerging trends and challenges in professional ethics, including cultural, technological, and regulatory influences. Analyse case studies and global developments to provide insights and recommendations for the profession. Develop innovative ethical solutions and resources to address emerging risks and challenges. Position SAICA as a thought leader in ethics through the publication of articles, research papers, and participation in public discourse Publish thought leadership materials and research on trends and challenges in ethical practices Output 4: Member and Stakeholder Support Provide expert advice to members on resolving ethical dilemmas and implementing ethical practices. Develop and deliver training programs, workshops, and e-learning modules to educate members on ethical standards and principles including hosting and managing the monthly Ethics in Practice Webcasts. Respond to member queries regarding ethical challenges, offering practical and technically sound advice. Create tools, checklists, and resources to assist members in embedding ethical practices within their organisations Build capacity among members and stakeholders by delivering workshops, webinars, and training programs on ethics-related topics Use AI to create personalised training programs for members which the capabilities and endorsements function can rollout. Furthermore, use AI to analyse individual learning patterns and provide customised content to enhance understanding and application of standards Provide technical expertise and guidance to SAICA members, committees, and stakeholders on complex ethical issues Develop technical resources, guidance documents, and training materials to support members in implementing ethical standards Address member queries and provide tailored advice on ethics challenges, including conflicts of interest, governance issues, and compliance with ethical codes. Develop AI-powered advisory services that provide real-time guidance to members on standards application. This can include chatbots or virtual assistants that can answer queries and provide relevant resources. Implement automated knowledge repositories to ensure real-time access to technical resources. Strengthen interactive technical advisory services for members. Output 5: Reporting and Collaboration Provide regular updates to the Head: Public Sector and Ethics on key developments, risks, and progress in ethical initiatives Collaborate with other teams within SAICA, including Standards, Capabilities and Endorsements and Member Disciplinary, to address cross-functional ethical issues Support governance structures by preparing reports and recommendations on ethics-related matters for committees. Ensure that SAICAs ethics initiatives align with governance frameworks, ethical principles, and regulatory requirements. Identify and manage risks related to ethical practices. Lead the effective utilisation and management of relevant Member Committees and Structures to formulate and inform professions technical positions. Oversee member committees management and ensure that it properly supported, effective and efficient Support the Head : Public Sector and Ethics by reporting quarterly to SETCO, and to Exco when required on the effectiveness of the committee and progress on workplans Output 6: 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) Postgraduate qualification in Ethics, Governance, or a related discipline is preferred Masters in a related field is advantageous. Technical/ Legal Certification Membership with SAICA or another recognised professional body is requried. Certification in Business Ethics, Governance, or Compliance is advantageous. At least 10 years of experience in ethics, governance, or compliance, with 3 years in a specialist or advisory role. Experience engaging with regulatory bodies and standard-setting institutions. Proven ability to address complex ethical issues and provide practical, solutions-oriented guidance Expertise and experience on professional ethics and the SAICA Code of Professional Conduct Executive level stakeholder engagement including engagement with regulatory bodies, standard setters , C Suites, Public speaking, including on media platforms Knowledge and understanding of: The role of key stakeholders Project management principles SAICA Code of Professional Conduct Development of training and/or presenting training Knowledge and Skills SAICA - Comprehensive knowledge of SAICAs Code of Professional Conduct, IESBA Code, and relevant South African legislation Governance - Knowledge of regulatory and compliance requirements in ethics Business Acumen - Knowledge and understanding of the principles of business, the application thereof, the opportunities within business and the seizure of such opportunities Performance and Talent management - Understanding performance and talent 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. Leverage Human Capital data for insights and decision making.

Location: Johannesburg, Gauteng, ZA

Posted Date: 10/10/2025