Internal Auditor

Job Summary

• The Internal Auditor is responsible for independently evaluating the effectiveness of the organisation’s internal controls, risk management processes, governance framework, and operational procedures. The successful candidate will conduct regular audits, identify control weaknesses, detect potential irregularities, ensure compliance with applicable laws and company policies, and recommend practical measures to improve operational efficiency, accountability, and financial integrity.

Key Responsibilities and Duties

Internal Audit and Risk Assessment

• Develop and implement risk-based internal audit plans in line with the organisation’s objectives.
• Conduct periodic audits of financial records, operational activities, departmental processes, and business transactions.
• Assess the adequacy and effectiveness of internal controls and recommend improvements where necessary.
• Identify financial, operational, compliance, and fraud-related risks and propose appropriate mitigating measures.
• Conduct special investigations into suspected fraud, financial misconduct, policy violations, and other irregularities when authorised.

Financial and Operational Controls

• Review financial statements, accounting records, invoices, payment vouchers, receipts, bank reconciliations, and supporting documents.
• Verify the accuracy, completeness, authorisation, and proper documentation of financial transactions.
• Examine procurement, inventory management, payroll, cash handling, fixed assets, and other critical business processes.
• Confirm that company assets are properly safeguarded and used for authorised business purposes.
• Evaluate adherence to approved budgets, expenditure limits, approval procedures, and financial policies.

Compliance and Regulatory Requirements

• Ensure compliance with applicable laws, regulations, accounting standards, tax requirements, and internal policies.
• Review departmental compliance with established procedures, delegated authority, and management directives.
• Identify instances of non-compliance and recommend corrective actions.
• Monitor changes in relevant regulatory and professional requirements and advise management accordingly.

Audit Reporting and Recommendations

• Prepare clear, accurate, and timely internal audit reports detailing findings, risks, control weaknesses, and recommendations.
• Discuss audit findings with relevant departmental heads and management.
• Recommend practical measures to strengthen internal controls, reduce losses, and improve efficiency.
• Follow up on previous audit findings to verify the implementation and effectiveness of agreed corrective actions.
• Escalate significant control failures, suspected fraud, and unresolved high-risk issues to the appropriate authority.

Governance and Process Improvement

• Evaluate the effectiveness of risk management, governance, and accountability processes.
• Identify opportunities to improve operational efficiency, reduce waste, prevent revenue leakages, and strengthen cost control.
• Promote transparency, ethical conduct, and compliance with the organisation’s code of conduct.
• Provide independent and objective assurance to management on the reliability of controls and business processes.
• Maintain proper audit working papers and documentation in accordance with professional standards and organisational policies.

Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree or Higher National Diploma (HND) in Accounting, Finance, Auditing, or a related discipline.
• Professional qualification such as ICAN, ACCA, CIA, or an equivalent recognised certification is an added advantage; qualification requirements may depend on the organisation’s needs.
• A minimum of 3–5 years of relevant experience in internal auditing, external auditing, accounting, risk management, or internal control.
• Knowledge of accounting principles, internal control frameworks, audit procedures, and risk assessment techniques.
• Experience using accounting software, enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems, and Microsoft Excel.
• Familiarity with applicable statutory and regulatory requirements.

Required Skills and Competencies

• Strong analytical, investigative, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent attention to detail and numerical accuracy.
• High level of integrity, honesty, confidentiality, and professional ethics.
• Strong report-writing, communication, and presentation skills.
• Ability to identify risks, evaluate evidence, and make sound professional judgments.
• Good organisational skills and the ability to manage multiple audit assignments.
• Ability to work independently while maintaining professional relationships with employees and management.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications and relevant accounting or audit software.
• Ability to handle sensitive information discreetly and objectively.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• The performance of the Internal Auditor will be assessed based on the following:
• Timely completion of approved audit assignments.
• Quality, accuracy, and timeliness of audit reports.
• Percentage of audit recommendations implemented by responsible departments.
• Effectiveness in identifying control weaknesses, financial irregularities, and operational risks.
• Reduction in recurring audit findings and preventable financial losses.
• Compliance with the approved audit plan and applicable professional standards.
• Quality of follow-up reviews and verification of corrective actions.
• Contribution to improved internal controls, operational efficiency, and accountability.

Personal Attributes

• The ideal candidate must demonstrate:
• Unquestionable integrity and ethical behaviour.
• Independence, objectivity, and professional scepticism.
• Discretion when handling confidential information.
• Confidence in communicating audit findings and challenging inappropriate practices professionally.
• A proactive approach to identifying risks and recommending improvements.
• Commitment to continuous professional development.