Principal Internal Auditor at Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service

Job Purpose

Responsible for coordinating internal audit functions in accordance with the International Auditing Standards and Public Finance Management Act while providing independent and objective assurance of effectiveness of internal controls, governance processes and risk-based management systems in the Institution.

Job Responsibilities

Key Responsibilities/ Duties / Tasks I. Managerial / Supervisory Responsibilities

• Provide input in the development, implementation and review of policies, procedures, strategies and activities within the Institution;
• Implement work programmes to ensure that audits are professionally managed so as to ensure adequacy in audit findings;
• Supervise special audits and investigations to ensure compliance;
• Supervise compilation of reports resulting from audit follow ups and recommendations that affect strategic direction of Institution.
• Follow up on progress of implementation of audit recommendations received from both internal and external audits together with Board resolutions to establish conformity;
• Participate in the preparation of board papers in respect to the department;
• Provide input in execution of risk management policy and strategies for the department to ensure a robust system of accountability, risk management, internal controls, business continuity and succession management;
• Contribute to formulation, implementation and review of departmental annual work plans, budgets and procurement and asset disposal plans in line with the Institution’s performance targets and strategic plan;
• Provide input in the development, implementation and review of the Institution’s strategic plan;
• Provide input on continuous improvement of business processes and controls in the department and develop mechanisms for corporate consultations;
• Guide the coordination and implementation of mentorship programs for staff, interns and attaches for skills development and appraisal of staff in the Department;
• Supervise implementation of a robust performance management system within the department through monitoring on the delivery of the annual performance contract and the strategic plan;
• Conduct supervision, coaching, mentoring, training and development of the department staff to ensure an effective and motivated team; and
• Performance management of direct reports.

Operational Responsibilities / Tasks

• Provide input in development of audit strategies, policies and procedures and ensure effective implementation;
• Prepare risk based annual audit plan for approval by the Audit & Risk Management Committee;
• Prepare audit reports on completion of each audit engagement to ensure timely issuance to Management for implementation of recommended actions;
• Evaluate progress and effectiveness of action taken to implement audit recommendations received from both internal and external audits;
• Prepare quarterly audit reports to the Audit and Risk Management Committee of the Board;
• Execute special audits/investigations;
• Evaluate the performance of staff in the Division to ascertain efficiency and effectiveness in work performance in meeting the objectives of the function; and
• Prepare the department's annual budget, control and monitor its implementation.

Job Dimensions:

• Financial Responsibility
• Participate in the development of departmental budgets and procurement plans; and
• Accounting for utilization of allocated departmental resources.
• Responsibility for Physical Assets Responsible for departmental physical assets i.e., office space, ICT equipment, Institution assets and furniture including regional offices.

Minimum Job Qualification

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

• Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting, Finance or Business Administration (Finance and Accounting option) or any other relevant qualification from a recognised institution.

Professional Qualifications / Membership to professional bodies

• Professional qualifications: Certified Public Accountants (K), Certified Internal Auditors and CISA from a recognised institution;
• Membership with Certified Public Accountants of Kenya (ICPAK), Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA) or any other recognised professional body, in good standing;
• Management Course lasting not less than four (4) weeks from a recognised institution;
• Proficiency certificate in computer applications; and
• Fulfil the requirements of Chapter Six (6) of the Constitution of Kenya.

Previous relevant work experience required.

•  At least nine ((9) years relevant work experience; and 2) At least three (3) years in supervisory role.

Functional Skills, Behavioural Competencies/Attributes:

• Advanced financial reporting;
• Technical accounting knowledge;
• Budgeting and forecasting;
• Audit and compliance;
• Risk management;
• Leadership and supervision skills;
• Interpersonal skills; and
• Technical proficiency.