Associate, Internal Audit

Job title : Associate, Internal Audit

Job Description & Summary

• As an Associate, you will support the evaluation and improvement of clients' internal controls, risk management, and governance processes. 
• This role requires strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work collaboratively with team members and client stakeholders. 
• The Associate will work closely with internal audit team leads to execute internal audit plans, identify control weaknesses, and recommend improvements.

Key Responsibilities

Audit Planning and Execution:

• Support the development and execution of audit programs, including audit scope and testing procedures.
• Participate in risk assessments to identify key focus areas for internal audit engagements.
• Perform audit testing and evaluate internal controls over financial and operational processes.
• Document audit procedures, observations, and conclusions in accordance with applicable professional standards (e.g., IIA Standards).
• Ensure internal audits are conducted in accordance with applicable standards (e.g., IIA Standards).

Audit Reporting and Communication:

• Prepare working papers and contribute to the development of audit reports.
• Clearly document audit findings, risks, and recommendations.
• Participate in discussions with engagement teams and client personnel regarding audit observations.
• Follow up on audit recommendations to ensure timely and effective implementation of corrective actions.

Compliance and Risk Management:

• Ensure all internal audits are conducted in compliance with relevant laws, regulations, and internal policies.
• Identify and assess areas of significant business risk and develop strategies to mitigate these risks.
• Stay updated on changes in regulatory requirements and industry best practices.

Stakeholder Engagement:

• Collaborate with various departments and stakeholders to gather necessary information and understand business processes.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders to facilitate effective communication and cooperation during audits.
• Provide advisory services to management on risk management, internal controls, and governance practices.

Qualifications

Education:

• Professional certifications such as ICAN (Institute of Chartered Accountants in Nigeria), CIA (Certified Internal Auditor), or ACCA (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants) or progress toward obtaining these certifications is preferred.

Experience:

• Minimum of 2-3 years of experience in internal audits.
• Experience participating in audit engagements and executing audit testing.

Skills:

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to interpret financial and operational information.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively present findings and recommendations.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications and familiarity with audit tools such as ACL, IDEA, or similar software.
• Understanding of internal control frameworks, risk management principles, and regulatory requirements.

Key Attributes:

Attention to Detail:

• Ability to meticulously review and analyze financial data, ensuring accuracy and completeness.

Teamwork:

• Ability to work effectively within a team environment and contribute to engagement success.

Adaptability:

• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and manage multiple tasks simultaneously, while maintaining high standards of quality.

Integrity:

• High ethical standards and professionalism, with a commitment to maintaining confidentiality and integrity in all audit activities.