Role Summary

The Head of Internal Audit & Control will be responsible for planning, executing, and reporting on operational, financial, regulatory, and compliance related audits/reviews of Global Accelerex. The Head of Internal Audit & Control is the steward of enterprise compliance strategy, structure, and processes. As the compliance leader and subject matter expert, the role is responsible for establishing standards and implementing procedures to ensure that the compliance programs throughout the organization are effective and efficient in identifying, preventing, detecting, and correcting non-compliance with applicable rules and regulations The role must provide reasonable assurance to Executive Management and the Board of Directors that there are effective and efficient policies and procedures in place, well understood and respected by all employees, and that the company is complying with all regulatory requirements. The role reports directly to the Chief Executive Officer and must also inform the Board of Directors about important issues and operational violations.

Responsibilities

• Determine internal audit scope and develop annual plans
• Plan financial, regulatory, compliance, or operational reviews/audits
• Perform and control the full audit cycle including risk management and control management over operations’ effectiveness, financial reliability, and compliance with all applicable directives and regulations
• Obtain, analyze, and evaluate accounting documentation, previous reports, data, flowcharts, etc.
• Prepare and present reports that reflect the audit’s results and document process.
• Act as an objective source of independent advice to ensure validity, legality, and goal achievement.
• Conduct risk assessments and identify controls in place to mitigate identified risks.
• Analyze the effectiveness and efficiency of the control environment and identify loopholes/control gaps as well as recommend risk aversion measures and opportunities for improvement.
• Document the results of audit work by the audit department and the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) and the Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA) standards.
• Maintain open communication with management and the audit committee.
• Document process and prepare audit findings report for executive management, the audit committee, and the Board.
• Provide advice on internal control and participate in enhancing internal audit standards and practices.
• Contributes, as appropriate, to the year-end financial audit with the external auditor.
• Conduct special audits as required by management and issue results.
• Conduct follow-up audits to monitor management’s interventions.
• Prepare and manage the internal audit budget.
• Review audit work performed by staff for completion and accuracy.
• Recommend revisions and/or additions to policies and procedures to improve operations as well as internal controls.
• Engage in continuous knowledge development regarding the sector’s rules, regulations, best practices, tools, techniques, and performance standards.

Competencies

• Proven knowledge of auditing standards and procedures, laws, rules and regulations
• Contributes to high-performing teams – Supervision of staff to follow sound internal control practices
• Acts as a team player – Collaborate and supports colleagues and peers across the organization, while still being able to work independently when needed
• Results-oriented – Meet deadlines on assignments and juggle multiple demands
• Excellent communication and leadership skills that foster a strong team environment and create a high-trust culture.
• Sound independent judgment.
• Tenacity and Ethics
• High attention to detail and excellent analytical skills
• Inspire trust and confidence in the business’s leadership and management
• Proven track record in interacting with Executive Management and the Board of Directors
• Proven knowledge of auditing standards and procedures, laws, rules, and regulations
• Demonstrated track record as a relationship builder, team player, collaborator, coach, and facilitator
• Strong skills in negotiating, relationship building, problem-solving, and timely problem escalation
• Advanced use of relevant MS Office tools, accounting software, and databases
• Committed to self-development.

Qualifications

•  Graduate degree in accounting or finance or a related field, or equivalent practical experience
•  ACA/ACCA/CIA or other relevant certification is required
• Minimum of five (5) years’ experience in internal audit performing risk-based auditing
• Considerable, demonstrable experience auditing FinTech or Financial Services environments for compliance with applicable regulations, internal policies & frameworks, and best practice