Vacancy DetailsEmployer:SAICA (SOUTH AFRICAN INSTITUTE OF CHARTERED ACCOUNTANTS) SAICA's 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 SAICA's 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 SAICA's 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 involves, 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.Output 1 - Exam Administration1.1.Overseeing the all aspects relating to the administration of the exams (managing the exams admin team) including:1.1.1.Sourcing of suitable venues (across South Africa and the UK);1.1.2.Registrations process (needs detailed understanding of POPI/GDPR);1.1.3.Mark centre;1.1.4.Markers and umpires;1.1.5.Special concession candidates;1.1.6.Ensuring all administration relating to the examinations process runs smoothly (guidance provided to the exams team in terms of administering the exams)1.2.Development of the necessary controls and documentation of all administrative procedures and maintaining this through a documented master file which is updated annually.1.3.Oversee the process of the comments om the qualifying exams to and from relevant stakeholders1.4.May be required from time to time to be involved in the other professional qualifying exam.2. Output 2 - Exam SettingEnsuring 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; andRetain the necessary documentation in line with legal requirements.Output 3 - Exam Writing3.1.Ensure all aspects relating to the writing of the assessment are plannedprior to the exam being written (admin team; packing boxes, chief invigilators etc);3.2.Review and update any controls relating to the writing of the exams (be aware of trends relating to cheating in exams);3.3 Ensure close working relationship with Special Concessions Panel.Output 4 - Exam Marking and Adjudiction and Results4.1.Oversee the collation of university comments on the exams;4.2.Oversee the selection of suitable markers and umpires;4.3.Overseeing the integrity of the exam marking process through the central mark centre;4.4.Set up and manage the electronic marking process;4.5.Oversee the uploading and review of raw and final data (review for identification of any consistencies);4.6.Preparing statistics and manage the release of results in line with SAICA's policies;4.7.Data analysis to identify areas of concern;4.8.Collating, editing and distribution of markers and umpires comments on the exam; and4.9 Ensuring the integrity of the results of the marking process.Output 5 - Regulatory5.1 Ensure all regulatory requirements are met (IRBA, IFAC, GAA etc) as it relates to exams.Output 6 - Education6.1Understanding the various elements of the education process to qualify as a CA and how they are interrelated; and6.2. Publish an approval list of examinable ponouncements annually (liaison between Exam Committee and Academics).Output 7 - Strategic Projects7.1.Identify areas for improvements to the exams process annually;7.2.Identify and run or assist in the project implementation of key strategic projects relating to exams;7.3.Reconciliation of the royalties related to SAICA Handbooks.7.4.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;7.5.Identify and implement any thought leadership projects and write thought leadership articles7.6.Assist in strategic projects related to education where it touches on exams;7.7.Participate in the monitoring and accreditation of the professional programme providers;7.8.Conduct any relevant research relating the IAC; and7.9 Assist with any other tasks as may be requested from time to time.Output 8 - Staff Management8.1.Ensure that staff perform the day-to-day operations of projects in the exams department as per the developed year plans.8.2.Manage staff's performance in accordance with their Job Descriptions / KPAs.8.3.Develop staff in accordance with their personal developmental plans.8.4 Take necessary and appropriate corrective action, if needed.Output 9 - Risk Mitigation9.1Manage the risk mitigation processes for the IAC and Exams department.9.2Ensure closer working relationship with the Risk and Compliance Office.9.3Ensure risks are timeously escalated to the Direct Line Manger and the Risk and Compliance Office.9.4 Ensure that exam-related risks are timeously addressed and risk management approahes are applied and implemented.9.5 Ensure adherence to interal processes - HR, Facilities, IT etc.Required SkillsPost Training Contract Professional EducationProfessional Development And Mentoring
