Head of Risk and Internal Audit at Nzoia Water Services Company Limited

 Job Purpose (Role)

Reporting to the Managing Director and Board Audit Committee, the Head of, Internal Audit and Risk shall be responsible for examining, evaluating and investigating the adequacy and effectiveness of management control systems and procedures of the Company and Subsidiary in order to strengthen internal controls in accordance with Company Policies and plans.

Key Responsibilities

• Ascertain the extent to which the system of internal control ensures compliance with the company´s policies and procedures and State laws and regulations
• Develop a flexible annual audit plan using appropriate risk based methodology including any risks concerned as identified by the management.
• Ensure that approved audit plan is implemented including any special tasks or projects requested by the audited committee and the MD
• Carry out special audits and investigations as may be required from time to time and prepare reports of findings for the Board in case of ad hoc audit.
• Documentation of audit procedures, developing criteria , reviewing and analyzing evidence and documenting processes and procedures
• Analyse outcomes of audit activities, providing timely and accurate reports and following through to ensure that recommendations are considered and implemented in a timely manner
• Examine accounting systems and procedures in the company’s department/sections to determine adequacy of internal controls/checks and recommend appropriate measures.
• Develop, in conjunction with management, a risk profile for each business unit within the company.
• Conduct risk assessments and recommend controls to be put in place to eliminate/mitigate those risks.
• Prepare the annual audit programme and ensuring that it is effectively and efficiently implemented
• Prepare and submit quarterly board papers to the Board audit committee periodically to review internal audit activities against the audit plan.
• Review and reporting on the accuracy, timeliness and relevance of the financial and other information
• Prepare the departmental performance contract, review staff performance appraisal and evaluation in the department
• Conducting appropriate governance and performance assessment exercises to streamline the company’s performance and governance processes
• Prepare and submit clear audit findings and annual reports.
• Assist the MD in execution of special and consulting assignments and carry out other related duties as assigned by the MD or Board Audit Committee.
• Consult with external auditors to ensure external audits and financial reporting systems are efficient and effective; provide optimal audit coverage of the company

Competencies and Critical Success Factors

Working with Others:

• Team working: Recognizes and develops opportunities for team working at cross organizational level, driving improvements to the teams’ outputs/service and developing colleagues within the teams
• Customer Focus: Anticipates the needs of customers, seeking evidence of demand from the market(s) and from stakeholders. Seeks out and manages long-term relationships with stakeholders, develops strategic initiatives to ensure the delivery of a quality and valued service.
• Communicating and influencing: Communicates and negotiates effectively with a range of stakeholders on complex matters, which have future implications for the success of the organization. Alert to internal and external dynamics of the organization. Incorporates wider political factors into influencing strategy

Delivering Results
Making informed decisions: Identifies areas for development by reviewing current trends and data. Develops products, policy and strategy for the future. outputs/service and developing colleagues within the teams
Organization Delivery: Adopts a long-term view and plans resources accordingly. Develops local strategy in support of the Strategic Plan and develops resourcing models to underpin implementation
Adaptability: Instigates and leads programed of change, working in close collaboration with colleagues. Identifies resource implications of strategic developments and manages them accordingly

Focusing on the Future

• Entrepreneurship and Commercial Focus: Keeps up to date with the factors influencing the commercial context of the organization and actively seeks out opportunities for income generation, commercial exploitation, and to ensure the organisation retains a competitive edge within the sector
• Creativity and Innovation: Develops and implements new concepts, models, approaches to practice and products that have a significant impact on the long-term success of the organization. Drives strategic thinking.
• Leading and Coaching: Takes responsibility for strategic developments sets standards and direction. Takes responsibility for developing talent and succession planning. Is a role model for others.

Communication /Contacts Internal Contacts

• The Managing Director for instructions and guidance.
• Board Audit Committee
• Other Heads of Departments
• With departmental support staff by allocating duties and responsibilities to them and supervising their work performance
• External Contacts
• External auditors
• Any other person as may be directed by management
• Any other person with information requisite for execution of the Internal Audit activity.

Job Specification Academic Qualifications

• A First degree in Commerce/Business Administration (Accounting/ Finance option) or equivalent Professional Qualifications CPA (K) , ACCA , or equivalent.
• A registered member of ICPAK and in good standing

Minimum Experience Required

• Seven (7) years relevant working experience with at least three (3) years in a Senior Management position, managerial experience