Head of Internal Audit & Control

Job title : Head of Internal Audit & Control

Location: Jos / Vom, Plateau

Job Summary

• The Head of Compliance and Internal Control provides strategic leadership to ensure IDL’s full adherence to regulatory requirements, internal policies, ethical standards, and robust internal control practices.
• The role oversees the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of the organisation-wide compliance, internal audit and risk framework ensuring financial assurance, operational efficiency, asset protection, and compliant organisation.

Job Responsibilities
Internal Audit:

• Define the strategic direction for the Internal Audit function which aligns with the overall strategic goals of the company.
• Establish, maintain, and continually strengthen the organisation's internal audit framework, ensuring alignment with best practices.
• Conduct periodic internal control assessments, including design and operating effectiveness testing.
• Coordinate investigations into suspected fraudulent practices across the organization, manage incident reporting, and drive corrective and preventive actions.

Risk Management:

• Oversee the implementation of risk-based internal controls across business units.
• Lead reviews of operational processes to identify gaps, inefficiencies, and potential fraud risks.
• Conduct risk assessments, identify control deficiencies, develop remediation plans, and ensure timely correction by stakeholders.
• Use the risk assessment activity to the development of a strong annual compliance work plan.
• Conduct Compliance Risk Assessment for new customers and products of the Company and establish controls/mitigates.
• Provide assurance to senior management on the effectiveness or otherwise of the company’s risk management, processes, and systems.

Compliance & Control Leadership:

• Develop, implement, and continuously enhance the organisation’s compliance framework, policies, and enterprise-wide control systems.
• Ensure all business processes, transactions, and products comply with applicable laws, regulatory expectations, and internal policies. Ensure strict adherence to policies and procedures.
• Monitor regulatory changes (local and international), perform impact assessments, and ensure timely implementation across the Group.
• Interface with regulatory bodies, external auditors, and legal advisers to ensure compliance with industry standards.
• Oversee timely, accurate, and complete regulatory filings to avoid penalties and maintain an excellent compliance standing.
• Provide compliance training and awareness, anti-bribery and corruption, data protection, market conduct, financial crime, and other relevant regulations.
• Ensure proper documentation, custodianship, and governance of all internal control activities and evidence.
• Support the development of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), process maps, and control matrices.

Governance & Reporting:

• Support corporate governance structures including board reporting, statutory filings, policy oversight, crime committee participation, standard operating procedures (SOPs), process maps, and control frameworks.
• Promote the organisation culture of integrity, transparency, accountability, and ethical business conduct.
• Plan, execute, and report on operational, financial, regulatory, and compliance-related audits/reviews.
• Provide assurance, deliver timely and accurate reports to the Board, Executive Committee, and regulators on compliance and internal control matters.
• Contribute, as appropriate, in the year-end financial audit with the external auditor.
• Validate the adequacy of controls for new products, systems, technology deployments, and business initiatives.
• Use data-driven insights and risk analytics to support decision-making and strategic initiatives.

Educational Requirements & Skills

• MBA Finance related field.
• Minimum of 10 years work experience in an accounting-auditing role is required of which at least 5 should be at management level.
• Professional accounting qualification e.g. ACA, ACCA, and familiarity with the IAS/IFRS Standard.
• Outstanding interpersonal and written communication skills.
• Good knowledge of the regulations and applicable laws..
• Strong knowledge of risk management techniques, policy formulation, and regulation.
• Strong understanding of audit and investigation principles and practice.
• Strong analytical and detail oriented skills.
• Excellent problem analysis and solving skills.
• Good report writing and presentation skills.
• Ability to demonstrate the commitment to ethical standards and a high level of integrity.