Audit, Risk & Business Strategy Manager at Faith to Action Network

• The Audit, Risk & Business Strategy Manager will oversee the development and implementation of internal audit and risk management strategies, ensuring compliance with policies, donor regulations, and legal requirements. The position will play a critical role in safeguarding the organization by evaluating and improving internal control systems, managing risks, ensuring adherence to established policies and procedures, and contributing to the achievement of Faith to Action Network's strategic objectives. The role also involves leading all audits, assessing organizational performance against required standards, and providing strategic advice on risk mitigation.

Key Responsibilities

Internal Audit

• Develop and implement the internal audit framework.
• Conduct regular internal audits to assess compliance with laws, regulations, and organizational policies.
• Prepare detailed audit reports with actionable recommendations to improve efficiency and compliance.
• Contribute to the preparation for audits and provide follow-up support to ensure timely implementation of audit findings and action plans.
• Lead all internal and external audits planned for programs and overall organizational audits.
• Influence and monitor progress of corrective action plans to strengthen governance, risk management, and compliance
• Ensure the organization adheres to international standards in internal auditing and other relevant frameworks.
• Evaluate and report against adherence to accountability standards, and policies
• Assess compliance with minimum standards, audit findings, guidelines, manuals, and established procedures, identify gaps, and recommend corrective actions.

Risk Management

• Undertake risk assessments of operating systems, processes, and controls, and develop a risk map for management and the board.
• Assess and manage risks to ensure the safety of funds, trusts, fixed assets, and other properties internally and externally.
• Serve as a trusted strategic partner, providing advice and guidance on risk management through mitigation strategies and tools to minimize threats to organizational objectives.
• Integrate risk management into all processes and decision-making.
• Report any concerns or violations related to internal controls, auditing, regulatory, or financial matters.

Special Investigations

• Conduct investigations where fraud or irregularities are identified and recommend changes to processes for serious incidents.
• Act as an escalation point for audit and risk issues, ensuring effective resolution and safeguarding organizational integrity.
• Business Strategy Development
• Contribute to the development and execution of Faith to Action Network’s operational strategy.
• Analyse trends in the sector and recommend adjustments to the organization’s strategy.
• Assess opportunities for business development to complement donor funding and other sources of income for financial sustainability
• Support financial forecasting, scenario planning, and budgeting processes aligned with strategic goals.

Financial health Oversight

• Provide strategic input on financial planning, including income diversification and sustainability strategies.
• Support the finance team in ensuring financial management practices align with donor and regulatory requirements.
• Develop and implement a compliance matrix to ensure all financial transactions are well-documented and auditable.

Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field; a master’s degree is an added advantage.
• Professional certification in Internal Audit (CIA, CISA, or equivalent) or Accounting (CPA, ACCA).
• At least 8 years of experience in internal auditing, financial management, and risk management, with at least 3 years experience in the non-profit, a mix of both private sector and the NGO is an added advantage.
• Thorough knowledge of international standards in internal auditing and risk management.
• Familiarity with accounting principles, managerial accounting, and accounting standards.
• Proven ability to evaluate governance systems, risk management practices, and internal controls and provide practical recommendations.
• Strong understanding of donor regulations and compliance frameworks.
• Leadership skills with the ability to influence, build consensus, and drive change at all levels of the organization.
• Exceptional analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, including presentation and report writing.