Barend O.
Senior Internal Audit and Risk Management Consultant
Open to offersNew to PlatformAbout
Barend O. is a seasoned Internal Audit & Risk Management Specialist and a Certified Fraud Examiner with over 13 years of experience across the agriculture, retail, and professional services industries. Based in Pretoria, South Africa, Barend holds certifications as a CFE and has completed Part 1 of the Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) program. His career highlights include uncovering a $1.8 million fraud scheme at Meridian and leading the digital transformation of audit documentation. He effectively provides internal audit, risk management, and forensic investigation services, employing skills like internal controls assessment, fraud detection, and using advanced audit software such as TeamMate, ACL, and EnCase. At Meridian Group Services, he designed robust control frameworks and conducted enterprise-wide risk assessments, advocating for improvements that heightened operational efficiency and risk mitigation. His academic credentials include a BCom and an Honors BCom in Internal Auditing from the University of Pretoria.
Experience
Independent Internal Audit & Risk Consultant
Self-Employed · 2025 — PresentProvide independent internal audit, risk management, and internal control advisory services. Design and execute risk-based audit plans aligned with IIA Standards, COSO, and King IV. Perform internal control reviews, gap assessments, and remediation support, while also delivering practical, value-focused recommendations.Group Audit Manager
MERIDIAN GROUP SERVICES · 2023 — 2025Develop and maintain internal control frameworks that enhance governance, ensuring regulatory compliance and alignment with organizational policies. Conduct enterprise-wide risk assessments to identify control gaps and potential fraud risks, followed by strategic action development. Recommend process improvements to boost operational efficiency and reduce risk exposure, ensuring internal assessments comply with regulatory requirements.Senior Internal Auditor
MERIDIAN GROUP SERVICES · 2021 — 2023Manage internal audit projects from planning through reporting while ensuring compliance with IIA standards. Supervise audit team members to maintain adherence to audit methodologies, document audits accurately, and monitor corrective actions based on findings, effectively communicating progress to management.Control Accountant
OOS VRYSTAAT KAAP BEDRYF BPK (OVK) · 2019 — 2020Oversee balance sheet accounts and financial reporting controls to maintain compliance and accuracy. Identify and rectify control weaknesses in financial processes, manage income statement sign-offs, and conduct reconciliation reviews to mitigate financial reporting risks. Collaborate with finance teams to strengthen control frameworks and improve process efficiencies.Internal Auditor
OVK · 2017 — 2019Conduct internal audits to evaluate compliance with organizational policies and assess operational and financial control risks. Document findings and present recommendations aimed at enhancing processes and controls, supporting the development of control enhancement plans in collaboration with other departments.Senior Associate – Internal Audit and Forensics Examiner
PwC · 2013 — 2017Identify and assess fraud risks, conduct forensic reviews, and recommend improvements. Collaborate with stakeholders to report on identified risks.
Skills & Expertise
Education
- Bachelor of Com (Hons) Internal AuditingThe University of Pretoria · 2013 — Present
- Bachelor of Com Internal AuditingThe University of Pretoria · 2011 — Present
- MatriculatedHigh School Overkruin · 2007 — Present