Senior Officer-Internal Audit at African Academy of Sciences

Audit Planning & Execution

• Lead the planning and execution of internal audit assignments according to the annual audit plan.
• Conduct risk assessments and develop audit objectives based on identified risks and business processes.
• Analyze and evaluate accounting documents, preparing reports that reflect audit results and document the process.

 Internal Controls Evaluation

• Assess the design and operational effectiveness of internal controls.
• Identify control deficiencies and recommend improvements to mitigate risks.
• Identify and assess areas of significant business risk, internal controls and corporate governance processes.
• Collaborate with management to develop acceptable solutions to mitigate identified risk.

Data Analysis

• Utilize data analytics techniques to identify trends, anomalies, and potential areas of risk.
• Collaborate with IT audit specialists to assess the effectiveness of IT controls.

Reporting

• Prepare comprehensive audit reports outlining findings, conclusions, and recommendations for management.
• Present audit findings to stakeholders, including management and the audit committee.
• Coordinating with external auditors to ensure proper audit coverage and avoid duplication of efforts.

Follow-Up

• Monitor the implementation of audit recommendations and follow up on corrective actions.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of corrective actions taken in response to audit findings.

Advisory Role

• Provide advisory services to management on internal control enhancements and risk management practices.
• Stay informed about industry trends, regulations, and best practices relevant to internal audit.

Team Leadership & Development

• Mentor and train junior audit staff to enhance their skills and professional development.
• Support the audit team in executing audits efficiently and effectively.

Compliance Assurance

• Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and internal policies.
• Assist in the preparation and review of internal audit processes and methodologies.
• Planning and performing financial and operational audits to ensure compliance with company policies and regulations.
• Maintaining updated knowledge of laws, regulations, and industry best practices and ensure the organization’s adherence to these.

Risk Management:

• Identify and effectively manage organizational risks in order to maximize achievement of organizational objectives
• Manage the process of identifying organization key risk areas including identification of emerging risks
• Oversee the process including the scope of management and other individual accountability and a monitoring plan, to ensure the implementation of the strategy/ plan.
• Responsible for preparing and submitting quarterly reports to the Board on risk management issues including the risk register and on emerging risks.
• Send quarterly updates to senior management on the implementation of organizational risk management strategy/ plan.
• Assisting in the investigation of suspected fraudulent activities within the organization and recommending appropriate action.
• Perform any other duty as may be assigned.

Person Specifications

Academic & Professional Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting or finance; master’s degree preferred.
• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field.
• Masters ‘degree preferred
• Relevant professional certification (e.g., CPA, CIA, CPA, CISA) is strongly desired and preferred.
• Member of Institute of Certified Public Accountants or a relevant professional body

Experience

• Minimum of 5 years of experience in internal audit, external audit, or risk management.
• At least three years must be in Audit (Public or private institutions), two of which should be at a Managerial or senior supervisory level. Experience in accredited audit firms and/or in a Non-Governmental organization is preferred
• Experience in a senior role within an internal audit function is highly desirable.

Language

• Knowledge of other African Union languages (e.g., Arabic, French, and Portuguese) will be an advantage.
• This is a fixed term engagement. The successful candidate will be engaged full time (40 hours/ week) for a period of 3 years working at the AAS offices in Nairobi, Kenya.