Senior Internal Controller - BILINGUAL at African Guarantee Fund (AGF)

POSITION SUMMARY   

The Senior Internal Controller (SIC) is responsible for the following

• Support the finance and operations departments and influence the culture of Internal Control throughout the organization.
• Evaluate systems and business processes to identify areas of opportunities to enhance efficiencies and improvements, while maintaining the internal control framework.
• Develop, implement and monitor and maintain compliance of internal control policies and procedures.
• Lead audits in accordance with the audit plan. Follow the action plans in conjunction with the business functions and provide status reporting to senior management. Drive the action plans to improve the level of controls and mitigate risks.
• Lead cross functional projects to improve the level of internal control and risk management, support the defining and implementation of policies and procedures across the business.
• Complete the annual evaluation of Key Internal Controls and Top Risks within the company and report out to AGF senior management.
• Conduct field audits to identify areas of non-compliance with policy and implement remediation processes.
• Monitor changes in business, process and systems and provide guidance and recommendations to internal key stakeholders.

MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Internal Audit-Compliance-Consulting- Reporting

• Perform management testing of the effectiveness of internal controls over financial reporting, business processes and effectively document conclusions reached.
• Conduct interviews and document processes and controls.
• Identify areas of risk that should be communicated to the Group CIC.
• She/he will be responsible for further developing, implementing, and regularly updating the
• AGF’s Internal Control and Compliance Policies and Procedures.
• Evaluate identified control gaps and communicate associated risks and recommendations.
• Consistent exercise of independent judgement and discretion; Collect and analyze data electronically utilizing accounting systems and other software.
• Pro-actively pursues additional industry and business knowledge through training and certifications.
• Be knowledgeable about the business, including policies and standards that impact AGF Five years plan goals.
• The incumbent will also support the Group CIC to resolve critical issues related to above processes.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

• Master’s degree in Accounting or Finance is required.
• Experience in reporting to financial institutions regulators.
• Deep knowledge of region and global trends in the financial markets as well as an understanding of the key macroeconomic drivers.
• Deep knowledge of regulatory requirements of banking sector including BCEAO requirements.
• Good accounting knowledge including IFRS GAAP and SYSCOHADA.
• At least 7 years of relevant, progressively responsible experience, with a proven track record within the audit/financial sector - ‘Big Four’ internal audit preferred.
• Bilingual – fluent in English and French is a MUST.
• CPA or CIA.
• Experience in a busy financial services and generally banking environments.
• Experience managing and leading teams.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Desirable knowledge of guarantee system.
• Strong knowledge of strategies, approaches and tools in capacity development.
• Have a good understanding of financial institutions’ approaches to SME lending, risk mitigation strategies, loan appraisal criteria etc.
• Demonstrated ability to compile and report results of management activities.

ELIGIBILITY

The position is open to bilingual candidates of any country.