TEDER NOTICE (TOR) PROCUREMENT OF INDEPENDENT EXTERNAL AUDIT SERVICES
Job Description
TERMS OF REFERENCE (TOR)
PROCUREMENT OF INDEPENDENT EXTERNAL AUDIT SERVICES
Financial Years 2026–2028
Issued by: SEND Sierra Leone
- Background
SEND Sierra Leone is a nationally registered non-governmental organisation established in 2008 and dedicated to promoting accountable governance, quality public service delivery, gender equality, sustainable livelihoods, climate resilience, and social justice in Sierra Leone.
The organisation operates across Bo, Bonthe, Falaba, Kailahun, Karene, Kenema, Kono, Moyamba, Port Loko, Pujehun, Tonkolili, and the Western Area (Urban and Rural) through integrated development programmes implemented in partnership with government institutions, development partners, civil society organisations, community-based organisations and the private sector.
SEND Sierra Leone’s strategic programmes are organised under five thematic pillars:
* Sustainable Economic Growth
* Health, Nutrition and Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH)
* Education
* Gender Equality and Social Inclusion
* Climate Change and Disaster Resilience
The organisation is governed by an independent Board of Directors and maintains robust financial management, procurement, safeguarding, risk management, monitoring and evaluation, and accountability systems. SEND Sierra Leone is committed to the highest standards of transparency, integrity, professionalism and responsible stewardship of donor and public resources.
To strengthen organisational accountability and fulfil statutory and donor requirements, SEND Sierra Leone seeks to engage an independent external audit firm to conduct annual statutory audits of its financial statements.
- Purpose of the Assignment
The purpose of this assignment is to appoint an independent, professionally qualified and licensed audit firm to conduct the statutory external audit of SEND Sierra Leone’s financial statements for the financial years ending 31 December 2026, 31 December 2027, and 31 December 2028.
The audit shall provide an independent opinion on whether the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position, financial performance and cash flows of the organisation in accordance with applicable accounting standards.
The audit shall also provide independent assurance on the adequacy of financial management systems, internal controls, governance arrangements, statutory compliance and the effective management of organisational resources.
- Objectives of the Audit
The specific objectives of the audit are to:
* Express an independent opinion on the annual financial statements of SEND Sierra Leone.
* Assess whether the financial statements have been prepared in accordance with applicable accounting standards.
* Evaluate the adequacy and effectiveness of internal financial control systems.
* Assess compliance with Sierra Leone laws and statutory obligations.
* Assess compliance with donor agreements and contractual obligations.
* Review procurement and financial management practices.
* Evaluate the effectiveness of risk management and governance systems.
* Identify weaknesses in financial management and internal controls.
* Recommend practical measures for strengthening governance, accountability and organisational performance.
* Provide assurance to the Board of Directors, management, donors and other stakeholders regarding the proper stewardship of organisational resources.
- 4. Scope of Work
The successful audit firm shall undertake a comprehensive audit of the financial statements and related financial management systems.
The audit shall include, but shall not be limited to, the following:
Financial Statements
Audit of:
* Statement of Financial Position
* Statement of Comprehensive Income
* Statement of Changes in Net Assets/Funds
* Statement of Cash Flows
* Notes to the Financial Statements
Accounting Records
Examination of:
* General Ledger
* Cash Books
* Journals
* Trial Balance
* Bank Reconciliations
* Petty Cash Records
* Procurement Records
* Payroll Records
* Fixed Asset Register
* Inventory Records
* Grant Records
* Supporting Documentation
Internal Controls
Assessment of the effectiveness of controls relating to:
* Cash management
* Procurement and contract management
* Banking operations
* Payroll administration
* Budget preparation and monitoring
* Grant management
* Revenue and expenditure management
* Fixed assets
* Inventory management
* Information technology controls
* Delegation of authority
* Financial reporting
Compliance Review
Review compliance with:
* International Standards on Auditing (ISA)
* International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) or IFRS for SMEs, where applicable
* Sierra Leone tax legislation
* Companies and NGO regulatory requirements
* Donor agreements
* Internal financial policies
* Procurement policies
* Human resource policies
* Board-approved policies and procedures
Risk Assessment
Assess organisational exposure to:
* Financial risks
* Operational risks
* Procurement risks
* Fraud and corruption risks
* Compliance risks
* Reputational risks
Provide practical recommendations for mitigation.
- Audit Standards
The audit shall be conducted in accordance with:
* International Standards on Auditing (ISA)
* International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) or IFRS for SMEs, where applicable
* International Code of Ethics for Professional Accountants issued by the International Ethics Standards Board for Accountants (IESBA)
* Applicable standards issued by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Sierra Leone (ICASL)
* Relevant laws and regulations of Sierra Leone
- Deliverables
The successful audit firm shall provide:
* Audit Engagement Letter
* Audit Planning Memorandum
* Risk Assessment Report
* Draft Financial Statements
* Draft Independent Auditor’s Report
* Draft Management Letter
* Final Signed Independent Auditor’s Report
* Final Signed Financial Statements
* Final Management Letter
* Internal Control Improvement Matrix
* Report on the implementation status of previous audit recommendations
* Executive Summary of key findings and recommendations
* Presentation of findings to Senior Management
* Presentation to the Board of Directors or Audit Committee, where requested
All reports shall be submitted in both electronic and hard-copy formats.
- Duration of the Assignment
The assignment shall cover the financial years:
* 1 January 2026 – 31 December 2026
* 1 January 2027 – 31 December 2027
* 1 January 2028 – 31 December 2028
The contract shall be awarded for an initial period of three (3) years, subject to satisfactory annual performance and continued independence.
- 8. Reporting Arrangements
The audit firm shall report to the Finance Director throughout the assignment.
The final audit reports shall be submitted to:
* The Executive Director/Country Director
* The Finance Director
* The Board of Directors
* The Audit Committee (where applicable)
- Required Qualifications
Interested firms shall demonstrate:
* Registration with the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Sierra Leone (ICASL).
* A valid practising licence.
* Valid business registration in Sierra Leone.
* Current NRA Tax Clearance Certificate.
* Current NASSIT Clearance Certificate.
* A minimum of five (5) years’ experience conducting statutory audits of NGOs and donor-funded organisations.
* Demonstrated experience auditing organisations funded by bilateral and multilateral development partners.
* Adequate professional staffing and technical capacity.
* Strong internal quality assurance systems.
* Professional indemnity insurance, where applicable.
- Composition of the Audit Team
The proposed audit team shall include:
* Engagement Partner
* Audit Manager
* Senior Auditor(s)
* Audit Assistants
Curriculum Vitae (CVs) for all proposed personnel shall be submitted and shall include:
* Academic qualifications
* Professional certifications
* Membership of recognised professional bodies
* Relevant audit experience
* Experience auditing NGOs and donor-funded projects
- 11. Independence and Ethical Requirements
The successful audit firm shall confirm that:
* It is fully independent of SEND Sierra Leone.
* It has no actual, potential or perceived conflict of interest.
* It complies with the International Code of Ethics for Professional Accountants.
* It shall maintain strict confidentiality regarding all information obtained during the assignment.
* It shall immediately report any suspected fraud, corruption or material irregularity identified during the audit to the appropriate governance authority within SEND Sierra Leone.
- Proposal Requirements
Interested firms shall submit:
Technical Proposal
Including:
* Company Profile
* Understanding of the Assignment
* Proposed Audit Methodology
* Risk-Based Audit Approach
* Work Plan
* Quality Assurance Procedures
* Similar Assignments Undertaken
* Three Client References
* CVs of Proposed Audit Team
Financial Proposal
Including:
* Professional Fees
* Daily Rates
* Taxes
* Reimbursable Expenses (if any)
* Total Cost of the Assignment
- 13. Evaluation Criteria
Proposals shall be evaluated using the following criteria:
Criteria Weight
Understanding of the Assignment 10%
Technical Methodology 20%
Relevant Experience 20%
Qualifications of Audit Team 20%
Organisational Capacity 10%
Work Plan 5%
References 5%
Financial Proposal 10%
Only firms achieving a minimum technical score of 70% shall proceed to financial evaluation.
- Submission of Proposals
Technical and Financial Proposals shall be submitted in separate sealed envelopes clearly marked:
“Tender for the Provision of Independent External Audit Services (2026–2028)”
Addressed to:
The Finance Director
SEND Sierra Leone
3 Amie-Jay Drive
Reservation Road
Kenema, Sierra Leone
Or delivered to:
SEND Sierra Leone
38A Spur Road
Freetown, Sierra Leone
- Requests for Clarification
Requests for clarification regarding this Terms of Reference shall be submitted in writing to:
Email: info@sendsierraleone.com
Responses to clarification requests may be shared with all prospective bidders to ensure transparency and equal access to information.
- Submission Deadline
Completed proposals must be received no later than 5:00 PM on 25 August 2026.
Late submissions shall not be considered.
- 17. Reservation of Rights
SEND Sierra Leone reserves the right to:
* Accept or reject any proposal without assigning reasons.
* Cancel or amend the procurement process at any stage.
* Request additional information or clarification from bidders.
* Negotiate with the preferred bidder where appropriate.
* Verify any information submitted by bidders.
* Award the contract in the best interests of the organisation.
- Confidentiality and Data Protection
All information exchanged during the procurement process shall be treated as confidential. The successful audit firm shall implement appropriate measures to safeguard organisational, financial, programme and personal data accessed during the assignment and shall not disclose such information without prior written authorisation, except where required by law or professional standards.
- 19. Acceptance of the Terms of Reference
Submission of a proposal shall constitute acceptance of these Terms of Reference. The successful audit firm shall be expected to comply fully with all contractual obligations, applicable professional standards, and the requirements outlined in this TOR throughout the duration of the engagement.