Senior Investigating Officer: Financial Impact Crimes

About the role

The University of Cape Town's Risk Services, within Properties and Services, is appointing a Senior Investigating Officer: Financial Impact Crimes (payclass 10, permanent). The post provides functional leadership and specialist expertise in forensic and criminal investigations, managing high-risk matters involving fraud, corruption, financial misconduct and financial losses to the institution. It oversees, governs and ensures the quality of investigations, advises executive management and governance, and acts as the complainant in cases registered with the SAPS. The role has two direct reports.

Key responsibilities

• Investigate and direct complex investigations into fraud, corruption, financial misconduct and other incidents causing financial loss to UCT, defining scope, methodology and evidence approach
• Oversee investigations from initiation to closure and provide findings, reports and recommendations for disciplinary, civil and criminal proceedings, including expert evidence and representation
• Manage sensitive matters, including whistleblower protection and reputational risk, and prepare executive briefings
• Coordinate with HR, Legal, Internal Audit, Finance and external bodies such as the SAPS
• Lead proactive identification of emerging fraud risks, run institution-wide fraud risk assessments and develop mitigation strategies and controls
• Drive fraud awareness strategies and preventative control frameworks
• Ensure investigation records, evidence registers and case management systems are secure and audit-ready, and submit reports to senior management and audit committees

Required profile

• NQF 6 qualification in Forensic Investigation, Criminology, Law, Accounting, Risk Management or a related field
• Detective Learning Programme / Investigation Course or similar completed
• At least 5 years of investigative experience in a law enforcement environment, of which 3 years relate to financial crime
• Knowledge of higher education environments, including student conduct systems and coordination with law enforcement and regulators
• PSIRA registration (minimum Grade B)
• Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE) or equivalent recognised forensic certification
• Valid Code B / EB / 8 driver's licence

Annual cost of employment including benefits for 2026 is between R 661 967 and R 778 783. Applications are made through the university's online jobs site with a cover letter, CV, copies of PSIRA, CFE, driver's licence and ID, and three referees; the closing date is 23 November 2026.