Senior Internal Auditor at Africa Enterprise Challenge Fund (AECF)

The role holder will be responsible for assisting the audit department in providing independent, objective assurance and advisory services to the Board of Directors and the Executive Committee on the effectiveness of the AECF’s policies, procedures, internal controls, and governance processes to ensure the achievement of the AECF’s mandate.

Key Responsibilities

Internal Audit

• Support the Head of Internal Audit in developing and implementing internal audit strategy and budgets aligned to the AECF’s strategic plan.
• Evaluate existing areas of risk and controls within the fund, assess them in order of priority, and suggest ways of mitigation.
• Design audit programs and plans and ensure their implementation.
• Conduct risk-based audits and system compliance audits both at the fund and its intermediaries, and recommend improvements.
• Regular reviews and updates to the Head of Internal Audit on the level of implementation by management to address significant risks and internal control deficiencies.
• Reviewing and advising on compliance levels through regular appraisal of the actual operations versus the policies and procedures to maintain reasonable and applicable levels of compliance.
• Undertake special investigations, follow-up, and specific analysis as requested by the Head of Internal Audit.
• Determine the adequacy of internal controls by conducting internal protective and constructive audits of the controls, financial records, administrative procedures, and operations of core business activities, as well as management support services.
• Examine and inspect activity records, accounting systems, and procedures relating to equipment, physical facilities, including intellectual property, to determine their efficiency and protective value, and the degree of resource utilization.
• Analyze data for evidence of deficiencies in control, duplication of effort, extravagance, fraud, or lack of compliance with approved policies; may be required to interact with suppliers to verify records.
• Provide advice, challenge, and support to multidisciplinary teams in developing, implementing, and evaluating strategic management plans, in order to improve organizational effectiveness.

Board Papers and reporting

• Assist in the preparation of board papers, periodic progress reports, and annual reports showing achievements of the internal audit function.
• Evaluate progress and status of steps taken to address any audit comments received from external audit reports to enhance organizational effectiveness.
• Make recommendations for the improvement of the AECF operations to the Head of Internal Audit.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Proactively develop a trusted advisor relationship with management that enables internal audit to effectivelyinfluence positive changes within the AECF.
• Develop strategies for strengthening collaborative partnerships and networks with stakeholders, particularly relevant agencies, to ensure statutory compliance.
• Liaising with the Head of Human Resources and Administration to familiarize the fund’s employees/clients with audit procedures and requirements through consultative meetings and seminars.

People and Leadership

• Assess training needs to build staff capacity in internal audit control, ethical business conduct, as well as integrity and accountability of funds.

The Candidate

Suitable candidates should have the following:

• Hold an undergraduate degree in business management, finance, or an equivalent field of study.
• Hold a professional qualification in CPA, CIA, or CISA.
• Have a minimum of 5 years’ experience in the audit of private companies.
• Experience working with donor-funded organizations is desirable.
• Experience working in a computerized environment.
• Demonstrate proven ability to document findings and provide possible solutions.
• Possess the ability to interact and maintain professional standards with stakeholders.
• Demonstrate proven communication, presentation, and writing skills with the ability to effectively communicate within the organization and externally.
• Possess excellent written and spoken English. Working knowledge in French or Portuguese is an added advantage.