Strategic Risk Management:
- Develop and implement an enterprise risk management framework that aligns with organizational goals.
- Identify, assess, and mitigate financial, operational, regulatory, and reputational risks.
- Provide strategic risk insights and recommendations to the executive team and board of directors.
- Continuously monitor emerging risks and industry trends to adjust risk strategies proactively.
Regulatory Compliance:
- Ensure the organization's compliance with all relevant local and international regulations and industry standards.
- Develop, implement, and oversee compliance policies, procedures, and control mechanisms.
- Liaise with regulatory bodies, ensuring timely and accurate reporting and audits.
- Conduct compliance training programs to enhance organizational awareness and adherence.
Governance and Reporting:
- Establish and maintain governance frameworks to support business objectives and regulatory compliance.
- Prepare and present risk and compliance reports to the board and senior management.
- Develop key risk indicators (KRIs) and compliance metrics to track and report on organizational performance.
- Drive improvements in internal controls and risk reporting processes.
Operational Risk Management:
- Implement operational risk management frameworks to enhance business resilience.
- Conduct risk assessments and scenario planning to anticipate potential challenges.
- Collaborate with internal departments to embed risk mitigation strategies into day-to-day operations.
Financial Crime Prevention:
- Oversee Anti-Money Laundering (AML), fraud prevention, and anti-bribery initiatives.
- Ensure compliance with Know Your Customer (KYC) and Customer Due Diligence (CDD) requirements.
- Work closely with audit and legal teams to strengthen the financial crime compliance framework.
Stakeholder Engagement:
- Act as a key liaison with regulatory authorities, auditors, and other external stakeholders.
- Provide risk and compliance advisory to business units, ensuring alignment with organizational objectives.
- Foster relationships with industry peers to stay updated on best practices and regulatory changes.
Leadership and Team Development:
- Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing risk and compliance team.
- Foster a risk-aware culture by providing training and support across the organization.
- Encourage collaboration and knowledge sharing within the risk and compliance functions.
Qualifications - Bachelor's degree in Finance, Risk Management, Law, Business Administration, or a related field; a Master's degree is an advantage.
Required Skills - Relevant professional certifications such as Certified Risk Manager (CRM), Certified Compliance Professional (CCP), Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA), or equivalent.
Preferred Skills - Minimum of 10+ years of experience in risk management, compliance, or governance, with at least 5 years in a senior leadership role within financial services, banking, or regulated industries. Comprehensive knowledge of regulatory frameworks such as Basel II/III, IFRS, AML regulations, and corporate governance standards. Strong leadership, analytical, and problem-solving abilities. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to influence stakeholders at all levels.
go to method of application ยป
Our client, a leading Pan-African bank in Kenya, is seeking an experienced and results-driven Director of Audit to lead the internal audit function. The successful candidate will be responsible for developing and executing a comprehensive audit strategy to assess and improve the effectiveness of risk management, control, and governance processes. This role requires a strategic leader with deep expertise in audit, compliance, and financial risk management to ensure the organization meets regulatory standards and business objectives.
What You’ll Be Driving:
Strategic Audit Leadership:
- Develop and implement a risk-based audit plan aligned with organizational goals and regulatory requirements.
- Provide strategic insights and recommendations to senior management and the audit committee to enhance internal controls and risk mitigation.
- Lead audit initiatives related to governance, risk management, and compliance (GRC).
Audit Planning & Execution:
- Oversee the planning and execution of operational, financial, and compliance audits across all business units.
- Evaluate the effectiveness of internal controls, processes, and systems to identify areas of improvement.
- Ensure timely delivery of audit reports with actionable recommendations and follow-up on corrective actions.
Regulatory Compliance & Risk Management:
- Ensure compliance with local and international regulatory standards (e.g., IFRS, SOX, Basel, COSO).
- Work closely with regulatory bodies, external auditors, and other stakeholders to ensure compliance with audit requirements.
- Stay up to date with evolving regulatory and financial reporting requirements to ensure compliance and mitigate potential risks.
Stakeholder Engagement & Advisory:
- Act as a trusted advisor to senior management, offering insights and solutions to improve operational efficiency and effectiveness.
- Present audit findings and recommendations to the board, audit committee, and executive leadership team.
- Foster strong relationships with key business units to promote a culture of risk awareness and internal control.
Leadership & Team Development:
- Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing internal audit team to drive excellence and continuous improvement.
- Foster a culture of ethics, accountability, and professional growth within the audit department.
- Establish training programs to enhance the technical and analytical skills of audit staff.
Technology & Data Analytics:
- Leverage data analytics and technology-driven audit tools to enhance audit efficiency and effectiveness.
- Drive innovation in audit processes through automation and advanced analytics to identify trends and anomalies.
- Stay ahead of emerging trends in audit technology and cybersecurity risks.
Who You Are:
- Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field; a Master’s degree is an advantage.
- Professional certification such as CIA, CPA, ACCA, CISA, or equivalent is required.
- Minimum of 10+ years of audit experience, with at least 5 years in a senior leadership role, preferably within financial services, banking, or a multinational organization.
- Strong knowledge of internal audit frameworks, risk management, governance processes, and regulatory requirements.
- Proven track record in leading large-scale audits, risk assessments, and process improvements.
- Excellent leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities with a keen eye for detail.