Deputy Head, Internal Audit & Control

Job title : Deputy Head, Internal Audit & Control

Job Summary

• We are seeking an experienced and strategic Head, Internal Audit & Control to lead the Internal Audit & Control function and provide assurance on the effectiveness of financial, operational, and internal control processes across the organization.
• The successful candidate will be responsible for evaluating the adequacy and effectiveness of accounting and financial controls, assessing the accuracy and relevance of management information, identifying business risks, and ensuring compliance with approved policies, procedures, and professional standards.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and supervise the Internal Audit & Control Department and provide strategic direction to the team.
• Develop and execute comprehensive audit plans in line with the organization's risk profile and business objectives.
• Conduct daily, weekly, monthly, and quarterly audits in accordance with the approved audit timetable.
• Carry out pre- and post-transaction audits using established audit checklists and procedures.
• Assess the adequacy and effectiveness of accounting, financial, and operational controls.
• Review established policies and procedures and recommend improvements based on changing business circumstances and identified risks.
• Conduct audits to identify business and operational risk areas and provide practical recommendations for identified control weaknesses.
• Ensure internal control checks are completed on all pre-disbursement transactions.
• Conduct proactive investigations into identified issues, risks, and control breaches and recommend appropriate corrective actions.
• Prepare comprehensive audit reports highlighting findings, risks, recommendations, and proposed corrective actions.
• Monitor the implementation of approved audit recommendations and corrective actions.
• Assess the accuracy, timeliness, and relevance of management information used for decision-making.
• Ensure audit activities are conducted in accordance with approved budgets, policies, procedures, and professional standards.
• Identify systemic audit issues and recommend sustainable solutions to prevent recurrence.
• Provide periodic audit reports and executive summaries to Management and the Board Audit Committee.
• Collaborate with unit heads and other stakeholders across the organization to strengthen internal controls and improve operational efficiency.
• Support the continuous improvement of audit programmes, processes, and methodologies.

Key Performance Indicators
Performance in this role will be measured by:

• Timely completion of the approved audit plan.
• Percentage of audit activities completed within stipulated timelines.
• Percentage of audit recommendations accepted and implemented.
• Effective management of the Internal Audit budget.
• Level of compliance with approved policies and procedures.
• Conformance with applicable professional audit standards.
• Management satisfaction with audit services and recommendations.
• Delivery of audit operations within the approved budget.
• Identification and resolution of systemic control and audit issues.

Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree in Finance, Accounting, or a related field.
• Minimum of 8 years' relevant experience in internal audit, audit & control, risk, or a related function.
• Demonstrated knowledge and experience in internal auditing, internal audit standards, ethics, fraud awareness, and control assessment.
• Strong understanding of business operations, internal processes, and control frameworks.
• Experience leading and working effectively with cross-functional teams.
• Strong analytical, testing, and investigation skills.
• Ability to identify control weaknesses, assess risks, and recommend practical corrective actions.
• Strong audit documentation and reporting skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong negotiation, interpersonal, and stakeholder management skills.
• Strategic thinking and strong leadership capabilities.
• Ability to manage multiple audit assignments and deliver within stipulated timelines.

Ideal Candidate:

• The ideal candidate should be a strategic, analytical, and results-oriented audit professional with strong leadership capabilities and a deep understanding of internal controls and business operations.
• The individual should be able to independently identify risks, challenge existing processes, provide practical recommendations, and work collaboratively with management and business units to strengthen the organization's control environment.