Forensic Investigations Manager at Absa Bank Limited

Job Summary

• The Forensics Investigations Manager is a member of the Forensics & Security country unit providing independent investigative services to the country business at country level as requested.
• Forensic Investigations is responsible for investigating fraud, Whistle Blowing, Anti-Bribery and Anti-Corruption, Sanctions, Anti-Money Laundering and all other matters referred for investigation by all Absa’ entities.
• To undertake professional investigations into suspicions of fraudulent and criminal activities, and any activities as reported by stakeholders, providing an independent report for management to assist the disciplinary process, control enhancement and represent the bank in any related police and court proceedings.
• Liaising and working with law enforcement agencies, professional and commercial organizations in this field of expertise.
• Developing training and fraud awareness courses, workshops, brochures and material to alert employees as to the Bank’s policy on fraud, on how to detect, investigate and report on fraud.

Job Description

Key Accountabilities

• To investigate cases of criminal, fraudulent and security related incidents, examining appropriate records and documentation, interviewing all relevant parties internally and externally and reporting findings to management.
• Assist the business in confirmation of identification documents used in applications.
• To produce witness statements and submit case papers to the enforcement agencies to pursue prosecutions against perpetrators.
• To assist in the bonding of witnesses which involves, taking through the witnesses through the court process/statements
• To attend court in criminal cases where suspects have been arraigned before court.
• To attend court in civil cases where the bank has sued for recoveries and or sued by customers.
• Conducting research through the internet, newspapers, and fraud journals on emerging fraud trends in the industry.
• Attend to Warrants to investigate accounts served on the bank from law enforcement agencies
• Maintaining effective liaison with enforcement agencies and external fraud investigators within the industry.
• Liaise with other fraud teams within the industry to collate and share intelligence as appropriate.
• Conduct merchant visits at the request of the acquiring team or pursuant to investigations.
• Assist the business outlets in responding to queries which are fraud related
• Attend to requests from foreign embassies/missions on verification of bank documents.
• Assist in Audit programs that may be performed in the department.
• Assist in staff pre-employment screening process.
• Support business in disciplinary hearings.

Case Management

• To maintain case files and central investigations database to operational standards.
• To attend progress meetings with investigation teams/management
• Develop own skills from training and work experience.
• Participate in production of weekly, Monthly and ad hoc MIs as appropriate.
• Ensure credible information is provided for MIs produced by Forensic Investigations and Recoveries.
• Support the Fraud Management Team in the Fraud Awareness Campaigns

Operational Requirements

• Inform management of any system, tool or equipment that is not available to perform daily task.
• Ensure that strict access control to Forensic premises and documents is exercised and ensure adherence to the Clean Desk Policy.
• Participate in and contribute to required office / stakeholder meetings.  

Recoveries

• Ensure that lawful processes are followed to recover fraud losses.
• The following tools should be employed to make recoveries:
  • Acknowledgment of Debt
  • Indemnities are served to other banks
  • Application of compensation at courts
  •  Assist in asset tracing.

Qualifications

• First degree in Law / Accounting; Diploma in Forensics Investigations/Criminology or equivalent or 5 years’ experience in an established investigations practice
• Professional Qualifications like CFE.

Experience

• 3 years of relevant work experience.

Knowledge & Skills

• Good understanding of criminal law and other facets of Criminal Justice System.
• Relationship management and networking.
• Strong analytical skills and attention to detail.
• Working knowledge of risk management disciplines and processes. Ability to work under pressure.
• Report writing and communication skills – verbal and written.