Assistant Manager – Internal Controls & Compliance at Sidian Bank

JOB PURPOSE

To support the Internal Controls & Compliance function by ensuring the Bank’s operations comply with internal policies, regulatory requirements, risk frameworks and industry standards. The role drives risk-based control assurance activities, performs control testing, and coordinates remediation with business units.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES AND ACTIVITIES

Internal Control Framework

• Support the design, maintenance, and periodic review of the Bank’s Internal Control Framework in line with CBK Prudential Guidelines, COSO principles, and the Bank’s Risk Appetite.
• Ensure control standards are embedded within key business processes, products, and outsourced arrangements.

Control Testing & Assurance

• Execute risk-based control testing across business units (branch operations, credit, treasury, digital, finance, operations).
• Validate adequacy, design effectiveness, and operating effectiveness of key controls.
• Document control testing outcomes and evidence in a manner suitable for audit and regulatory review.
• Test the veracity, check accuracy and integrity of financial, operational, and customer service records (response time, resolution quality).

Issue & Remediation Management

• Track internal control weaknesses, compliance breaches, and operational incidents.
• Coordinate remediation action plans with business owners and monitor timely closure.
• Escalate overdue, high-risk, or recurring control failures to Senior Management and ERM/Compliance teams.

Policy & Procedure Oversight

• Support periodic review of operational and compliance-related policies to ensure alignment with regulatory and internal control expectations.
• Verify that approved policies are operationalised through procedures and process manuals.
• Support automation initiatives with control mechanisms.

Stakeholder Coordination

• Liaise with Internal Audit, Compliance, Risk Management, Operations, and Business Units on control findings and improvement actions.
• Support regulatory inspections and internal/external audits relating to controls and compliance matters.

Training & Compliance Awareness

• Conduct awareness sessions on internal controls and compliance standards.
• Provide recommendations for training programs based on audit findings.

Reporting

• Prepare internal control and compliance reports for Management and Board Risk Committee.
• Provide trend analysis on control effectiveness, repeat findings, and emerging control risks.

PERFORMANCE OBJECTIVES

• Embed a consistent control testing calendar covering all material functions.
• Ensure 100% timely escalation of critical compliance exceptions.
• Reduce repeat audit or inspection findings year-on-year.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & EXPERIENCE

Academic

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, Economics, Risk Management, or a related discipline.
• Master’s Degree in Business, Finance, or Risk Management would be an asset.

Professional

• A Professional risk management certification or other recognised risk/control certification (advantage).
• Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) or progress towards CIA.
• CPA(K), ACCA qualifications are an added advantage

Desired Work Experience

• 4–6 years’ experience in internal controls, compliance, risk management, internal audit, or operations within a bank or regulated financial institution.
• At least 3 years in a second-line or assurance role (risk, compliance, or internal audit).
• Demonstrated experience in:
  • Control testing and assurance reviews
  • Audit issue tracking and remediation
  • Designing and implementing internal controls, compliance frameworks, and risk management policies.
  • Fraud detection, investigation, and compliance reviews is highly desirable
  • Collaborating with senior management to drive corrective actions.

Key Competencies

• Strong analytical, investigative, and problem-solving skills.
• High ethical standards, confidentiality, and integrity.
• Excellent report writing and presentation skills.
• Proficient in MS Office tools, particularly Excel and PowerPoint.
• Strong interpersonal and communication abilities to influence at all levels.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple job cases simultaneously.