Head of Internal Audit

Job Description

Job Advertisement for the position of “Head of Internal Audit”

Job Context:

ASA Microfinance (SL) Ltd is a fully owned entity of ASA International Group PLC (ASAI), a multinational conglomerate enlisted in the London Stock Exchange. ASAI delivers microfinance services in 13 countries in Asia and Africa. We are looking for an energetic Internal Audit professional to join the team with a long-term focus.

No. of Vacancies: 01

Major Responsibilities

• Strategic

• Assist the Group Head of Internal Audit (GHIA) in the development and implementation of a risk-based annual internal audit plan in line with standards and methodology.

• Identify and focus on emerging risk areas of entity, map with auditable entities/functions and help GHIA to include in the risk-based annual audit plan.

• Plan and conduct audits to assess controls, operational and technical efficiencies and compliance with selected policies, procedures and regulations.

• Process development

Assist GHIA in developing and updating audit tools by considering IIA guidelines, IA manual, and different operational, legal and environmental changes of the entity etc.

• Leadership

• Maintain good relationships and work in a collaborative approach with all key stakeholders across the entity.
• Provide leadership to the department’s staff and supervise development in line with GHIA guidance.
• Develop and obtain approval of entity audit plan and financial budget for Audit and Risk Committee (ARC) and monitor implementation.
• Prepare and finalize ARC packs in collaboration with Group IA and entity management.
• Play the role of a member in different committees as required (I.e. GMC, RMCC-Risk Management Coordination Committee etc.).

• Operational

• Conduct audits in line with Group IA methodologies.
• Work independently and guide field auditors in the entity regarding regular tasks.
• Work closely with Group IA and help to deliver the risk-based annual audit plan while ensuring quality and within stated timelines.
• Maintain high-quality standards as guided by Group IA while delivering and executing the internal audit plan.
• Track the issue and management action plans as part of audit follow-ups and ensure timely validation.
• Monitor the administrative issues and help GHIA to increase efficiency within the team.
• Conduct special assignments and fulfil the requirements following the timeline as required by management from time to time.

• Reporting

• Directing the team for quality audit by ensuring the essential steps of the engagements.

• Finalising the reports, risk and control document.

• Ensure timely delivery of different Management Information System (MIS) reports, and data to assist GHIA and management from time to time.

• Team Building

Ensure good behavioural practice exists among the auditors both within the IA team and the entity.

Educational Requirements

• Masters in Accounting/Masters in other relevant subjects along with professional qualification (CA, CIA, CPA, CIMA, ACCA etc.).

Experience Requirements

• At least 6 to 10 years of working experience in internal audit, Technology Audit, and Statutory Audit.
• Experienced & well conversant with Audit Software, and data analytics tools (e.g., Python, R Programming) are preferred.
• Preferable experience is in the business area of NGOs, Banks, Financial Institutions, and Multinational Companies.

Additional Job Requirements

• Age not over 40 years 
• Must possess team spirit, leadership qualities and be hardworking
• Excellent command of written and spoken English
• Well-conversant with MS Excel (Above Average), MS Word, MS PowerPoint
• Should have effective communication skills, a can-do attitude, can meet timelines and deadlines, can bring
• Only Sierra Leonean citizens are eligible to apply

Job Location

Any part of Sierra Leone

Salary: Negotiable

Other Company Benefits: As per the Company HR policy

Diversity & Equal Opportunity:

ASA Microfinance (SL) Ltd aims to attract and select a diverse workforce, ensuring equal opportunity to everyone, irrespective of race, age, gender, class, ethnicity, disability, location, and religion.

Submission of application: Interested applicants can send their application to louisa.hrm@asaslltd.com or hand deliver it to the Human Resources Department at ASA Microfinance (SL) Ltd 64 Lumley Road, Wilberforce Village, Freetown on or before the 25th of June 2024.

Only short-listed candidates will be contacted for interview.