The Group Head of Internal Audit (GHIA) plays a pivotal role in supporting the Board of Directors, particularly through the Audit Committee, in overseeing corporate governance practices and business risk management within the Company. This entails a comprehensive review of business and risk management processes, evaluation of controls, and close examination of the implementation of business strategy. Periodic reporting of key findings to the Committee and ongoing monitoring of the effectiveness of internal Assurance processes are essential aspects of the GHIA's responsibilities, providing assurance on the satisfactory operation of the business.
The GHIA develops annual risk-based audit plans with corresponding budgets. These plans assess the efficacy of controls in financial reporting, regulatory compliance, and risk management while safeguarding company assets.
As a senior officer, the GHIA takes charge of coordinates and reinforces internal controls organization-wide to ensure policy compliance. Additionally, the role evaluates external auditors and ensures alignment to audit workflows align with corporate reporting timelines.
Responsibilitie(s):
- - Develop, implement, and monitor the Internal Control Over Financial Reporting (ICOFR) framework across the Group in alignment with best practices and regulatory standards.
- - Coordinate entity-level control assessments and support the remediation of control deficiencies in collaboration with finance and process owners.
- – Provide periodic updates to the Audit Committee and Executive Management on the status of ICOFR implementation and effectiveness.
- – Promote a robust internal control culture through policy reminder training, emails, and one-on-one discussions with process owners.
- – Review and seek approval for all governance policies.
- – Follow up on external audit recommendations, internal audit exceptions, and board directives.
- – Collaborate with compliance and risk teams to ensure regulatory adherence.
- – Implement and oversee the implementation of the approved Internal Control Framework, including documentation of financial and operational processes, risk identification, and control testing.
- – Execute action plans to mitigate risks and address audit findings.
- – Provide periodic status reports in accordance with the defined calendar.
Qualification/Experience Requirement(s):
- - Minimum of a Bachelors’ degree (BSc.) in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, Economics, Engineering, or a related numerate discipline is required.
- –- Relevant professional certifications e.g., Associate Chartered Accountant (ACA), Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Internal Auditor, (CIA), Associate Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) or Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) or its equivalent are required.
- – A Masters’ degree (MSc.) in Finance or an MBA is an added advantage.
- – A minimum of 8 years’ cognate experience in internal control and/or audit function of a similar organization.