Job Summary

• To provide specialist advice and support in area of specialisation enabling the provision of effective fraud risk management services.

Job Description

• Investigations: 
• Investigate all theft, fraud and corruption cases allocated, end to end by ensuring that all investigative/operative methodologies and standards (e.g. planning, reporting) are adhered to within prescribed time limits Compile a comprehensive case report containing the factual findings of the investigation, recommendations addressing people, processes, procedures and system failures or internal and external threats and forward the final report to Stakeholders.
• Provide relevant findings and evidence for the use in disciplinary purposes and CCMA matters to Line Management and Employee Relations to ensure that appropriate and successful sanctions are handed down. Attend disciplinary / CCMA hearings when required. Attend criminal / civil court proceedings when summons to do so, to provide expert evidence in Court, relating to Absa’s products, processes and flow of transactions to obtain successful prosecutions.
• Risk Identification and Fraud Prevention: 
• Identify fraud risks or emerging risks during the course of an investigation or interactions with internal and external stakeholders, escalated upon discovery, to the relevant business unit and the Fraud Defence/Strategy Recoveries and Remediation Department for assessment and closing of gaps related to processes, policies and systems.
• Conduct a proper risk assessment with each investigation, which includes quantification of the loss, insurance claims, media impact / exposure, blocking accounts, claims, provisions, risk mitigation and compliance reporting, Ombudsman queries and engaging with Group Legal Services etc.
• Identify high-risk Business areas, through feedback received from parties attending risk forums / investigations outcomes and perform specific fraud awareness presentations at the respective Business Units to the identified staff.
• Inform Heads of Business via e-mail of new trends / scams identified with further escalation to Stakeholders and Business Units for further actions. | Operational Requirements and Compliance: Identify areas of improvement, make suggestions/recommendations on ways of working, concerning the investigative and operating methodologies, to line management, for further consideration, to improve standards and workflow.
• Adhere and comply with the Group policies and procedures as set out on the Absa Intranet i.e. attestations, compulsory compliance training, via the Absa Learning system. Work co-operatively with colleagues, contributing positively and constructively to the achievement of the organizations’ objectives. | Stakeholder Management: Develop and maintain relationships (establish relevant networks) with all internal and external stakeholders such as however not limited to (Absa Business Units, SAPS, other Banks, SARS etc..) to ensure that their co-operation can be obtained when required for key operations (e.g. recovery actions, data mining).
• Interact with counterparts in the industry to share information, gain an understanding of the threats and risks and to ultimately keep abreast of changes in the field and in the industry. Actively participate in regular meetings with stakeholder / business, providing meaningful input and sharing information on best practices / investigation findings /risk identifications etc.
• Certifications (benefit to have a forensics certifications):
• Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE)
• Certified Forensic Interviewer (CFI)
• Accreditation from Relevant Professional Bodies: Such as local legal or accounting boards, depending on the jurisdiction.
• Experience in the fraud investigation environment.
• General knowledge of Risk Management and Principles of Risk Management. 

Minimum Qualifications for our Forensics Investigator:

• Bachelor’s Degree: In Law (LLB), Finance (BCom Finance), Accounting (BCom Accounting), Psychology and Criminology (Psych and Crim), or a related field.
• Diploma in Forensic Investigation and Criminal Justice or
• At least 5 years experience in the Banking environment

Knowledge & Skills:

• Investigation Skills (Advanced): Proficiency in conducting thorough and effective investigations, including evidence collection, analysis, and reporting.
• Communication Skills – Verbal and Written (Advanced): Exceptional ability to communicate findings, write detailed reports, and present cases clearly to stakeholders.
• Analytical Skills (Advanced): Strong capability to analyze complex data, identify patterns, and make informed decisions based on evidence.
• Team Management Skills – Team Building and Leadership (Solid): Competence in leading and building investigation teams, ensuring effective collaboration and team performance.
• Understanding of the Criminal-, Civil-, and Labour Law (Advanced): Comprehensive knowledge of relevant laws to ensure investigations are conducted within legal frameworks and to provide expert advice on legal matters.
• Interdepartmental Coordination: Skill in coordinating with various departments, such as legal, finance, HR, and external agencies, to ensure comprehensive investigations.
• Technological Proficiency: Familiarity with investigation tools and software to streamline the investigation process and enhance efficiency.

Competencies:

• Deciding and Initiating Action: Taking proactive steps in decision-making and driving investigations forward efficiently.
• Planning and Organising: Effective planning and organization of investigation processes, including resource allocation and timeline management.
• Persuading and Influencing: Ability to influence and negotiate with various stakeholders to achieve desired outcomes and facilitate the investigation process.
• Relating and Networking: Building and maintaining strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders to support and enhance investigations.
• Writing and Reporting: Excellence in documenting findings, preparing detailed reports, and ensuring clear and accurate communication of investigation results.

Education

• Bachelor`s Degrees and Advanced Diplomas: Law, Military Science and Security (Required)