Head, Audit and Complaince at Phillips Consulting

Audit Management:

• Develop and implement the internal audit strategy, policies, procedures and annual audit plan; identify priorities and resource requirements for the year in line with strategic goals of the company.
• Plan and lead financial, regulatory, compliance and operational audits, covering branch operations across Nigeria.
• Develop action plans to address gaps and emerging issues; provide recommendation and proffer solutions.
• Monitor implementation of recommendations proposed by Internal Audit and the External Auditor to ensure issues are adequately addressed.
• Conduct risk assessment; recommend and deploy mitigating strategies
• Coordinate internal audit activities with those of the External Auditor to ensure proper audit coverage, eliminate duplication of efforts and improve the efficiency and effectiveness of audit activities.
• Maintain audit files and records including audit procedures and reports; document the result of audit work in accordance with the Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA) standards.
• Support year-end financial audit by the External Auditor.

Reporting:

• Present annual audit plan to the Audit Committee including periodic status updates.
• Prepare timely audit reports for the Board of Directors, Audit Committee and executive management.
• Report on audit/internal control findings to the Audit Committee periodically.
• Review and ensure reports of all audits, investigations and  special assignment are in line with best practice.
• Communicate management responses on audit findings and corrective actions to various departments.

 Compliance and Control:

• Monitor and ensure compliance with corporate policies, standard operating procedures, statutory and regulatory requirements across the Group.
• Review new and existing products, services and procedures to ensure regulatory compliance.
• Develop and implement effective control systems.
• Assess internal controls within the system and make appropriate recommendations to improve efficiency and effectiveness.
• Take appropriate actions to close or mitigate control deficiencies identified.
• Promote compliance with internal policies.
• Coordinate with Risk Management, Legal and Compliance on other control related activities.

Advisory:

• Keep abreast of developments in good corporate governance practices and advise management accordingly
• Oversee the execution of other tasks or special projects as required by management including  reviews of systems, due diligence reviews, fraud investigation, etc
• Collaborate with executive management and business managers to identify and manage risks  

Team Leadership and Management:

• Provide leadership for the Internal Audit function; manage the Audit team and its activities.
• Facilitate development; manage performance; coach and mentor
• Foster a culture of constant improvement and progress.

Qualification Required:

• First degree; minimum of second class lower division.
• Professional Accounting qualification.
• Professional Audit qualification would be added advantage.

Knowledge, Skills and Competencies:

• Comprehensive knowledge of Accounting and Audit principles, practices, procedures, legislation and regulations; sound knowledge of IIA standards with compliance capability.
• Sound knowledge of financial services operations and risk-based auditing.
• Internal Control.
• Risk Management.
• Corporate Governance.
• Stakeholder Relationship Management.
• Analytical and critical thinking.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Conflict Management.
• Managerial and leadership skills.
• Proficient use of MS Office suite.

Experience:

• Minimum of ten years experience in forensic accounting and internal/external audit.
• Experience managing internal audits, supervising a team of internal and external auditors, supporting executive management, and reporting to Audit and other Board Committees.
• Big 4 experience is desired.