Manager, Internal Audit at Kenya Water Towers Agency

Job Purpose

To provide independent, objective assurance and consulting activities aimed at improving the operations of the Board.  Assist the Board and Management in accomplishing its strategic objectives through  a systematic, disciplined approach to evaluate and improve the effectiveness of  risk management, control and governance processes.

Key Responsibilities/ Duties / Tasks 

Managerial / Supervisory Responsibilities

• Lead in formulating and coordinating policies, strategies and procedures
• Provision of advice to the Board of Directors on emerging issues in internal  audit.
• Lead in direct research and investigations on emerging internal audit issues
• Lead liaison with oversight and standard setting bodies on emerging internal  audit issues
• Provide reasonable assurance on the state of risk management, control and  governance within the Agency;
• Direct the internal audit function in accordance with the established legal  framework and the International Professional Practices Framework of the  Institute of Internal Auditors.
• Direct the development of the three-year rolling internal audit strategic plan and supervise its implementation.
• Lead the development of departmental Risk Based Annual Work Plan
• Provide guidance and direction on investigations/special audits and formally  submits an opinion on all aspects of findings, conclusions and  Recommendations.
• Overseeing the review and evaluation of budgetary performance of the  Agency.
• Review and give strategic direction on the implementation of Institutional Risk  Management framework.
• Advice on the identification, monitoring and evaluation of risk management  strategies and test the efficacy of the risk assessment systems and provide  independent assurance on the risk management process on both design and  operation.

Operational Responsibilities / Tasks 

• Provision of advice and secretariat services to the Audit Committee;
• Participate in the meetings of the Audit Committee as the head of Internal  Audit Department, an advisor and Secretary to Committee.
• Coordinate the preparation of the Annual Audit Committee report to the  Board of Directors.
• Review budgetary performance, financial management, transparency and  accountability mechanisms and processes;
• Monitoring management’s progress in implementing Internal Audit  Recommendations and report annually to the Board of Directors on the extent  to which management have implemented their action plans in response to  audit recommendations
• Provide Corporate Risk and Advisory Services by assisting the Audit Committee  and management discharge their risk management responsibilities and ensure  they are objective.
• Review key corporate risks and ensure they are well supported and reported
• Provides Technical assistance in the area of risk identification and assessment
• Review effectiveness of financial and non-financial performance management  systems;
• Coordination between the Management and the Office of the Auditor General  (OAG by establishing and maintaining a productive working relationship with  the OAG, to ensure coordination of audit activities during attest and other  audits to enhance opportunities for reliance and minimize overlap.
• Regulate, standardize and document internal audit activities.
• Provide mentorship and coaching of staff within the department.
• Monitoring and reporting on the Board overall risk profile;
• Coordinate the training and capacity building of Audit Committee Members  and Internal Audit staff.

Job Dimensions: 

Financial Responsibility

• Oversee development and implementation of the Internal Audit work plans  and budget;
• Responsible for management of resources under the Internal Audit budget.

Responsibility for Physical Assets 

• Responsible for safekeeping and general custodian of physical assets assigned  by the Agency that include; desktop computer, laptop, Ipad, office furniture,  office equipment, electronics and any other assets assigned to the job holder
• Oversee prudent utilization and safety of assets assigned to the Internal Audit  department.
• Responsible for the maintenance and safekeeping of final audit reports,  confidential information, manuals, legal documents and records.

Decision Making / Job Influence 

• Provide advice to Management and Board on matters relating to Internal Audit.
• Policy formulation and implementation for the Department.
• Allocation of resources.
• Allocation of duties to staff.
• Format of reports and outcomes.
• Staff Performance appraisal and discipline.

Working Conditions

• Works predominantly within the office with occasional field visits, travelling,  extended working hours, Demanding, strenuous, political risk.

Job Competencies (Knowledge, Experience and Attributes / Skills). 

Academic qualifications 

• Bachelor’s Degree in any of the following disciplines: Accounting, Finance  or Business Administration (Finance and Accounting option) or relevant  field from a recognized university; 
• Master’s degree in any of the following disciplines: Accounting, Finance  or Business Administration (Finance and Accounting option) or relevant  field from a recognized university;
• Meets the requirements of leadership and integrity as prescribed in  Chapter 6 of the constitution;

Professional Qualifications / Membership to professional bodies

• Have passed Certified Public Accountant of Kenya (K) or its equivalent  qualification;
• Be a registered member of ICPAK in good standing and or be a Member  of the IIA or ISACA in good standing;
• Have attended a leadership course lasting not less than four (4) weeks  from a recognized institution;

Previous relevant work experience required.

• A minimum period of ten (10) years relevant work experience three (3) of which  should have been in management.

Functional Skills, Behavioral Competencies/Attributes:

Functional Skills

• Knowledge in International Professional Practice Framework for internal  auditing (IPPF)
• Understanding of national goals, policies and development objectives and  the ability to transform them into auditing standards, policies and  programmes.
• Knowledge of the constitution of Kenya, Country’s Public Sector Financial  Management, policies, relevant laws and regulation, standards and goals
• Knowledge of the International Public Sector Accounting and Internal Audit  Standards
• Knowledge of International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS),  International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS)Knowledge of International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS)

Behavioral Competencies/Attributes

• Ability to articulate, interpret and implement National and International  policies and development goals.
• Organisational, analytical, managerial and decision making abilities
• Creativity and innovation
• Integrity
• Technical problem solving
• Interpersonal and communication skills
• Resource management skills
• Results-oriented, self-driven
• Appreciation and application of technology in the work environment
• Passion for continuous professional development
• Initiative to achieve expected results
• Team leadership
• Concern for quality and standards;
• Assertiveness and Self Confidence; and Time management.
• Computer Application skills.