Audit & Compliance Officer, TBHIV Integrated Project at Association for Reproductive and Family Health (ARFH)

Background

• The Audit and Compliance Officer plays a critical role in ensuring the organization adheres to its internal controls, external regulations, and ethical standards. The position involves conducting internal audits, reviewing compliance with relevant laws and policies, assessing risk management processes, and helping the organization achieve its strategic objectives while minimizing risks of fraud, financial mismanagement, and regulatory violations.

Objectives of the Role

The primary objectives of the Audit and Compliance Officer are:

• To conduct regular audits to ensure financial, operational, and regulatory compliance.
• To develop and maintain effective compliance programs that ensure adherence to legal, regulatory, and internal requirements.
• To assess and enhance internal control systems to prevent risks, fraud, and inefficiencies.
• To support the management in fostering a culture of ethical behavior and corporate governance.

Specific Responsibilities

Key Responsibilities

Audit Responsibilities

• Plan, execute, and report on internal audits covering financial, operational, and compliance-related activities.
• Evaluate the adequacy of internal controls and recommend improvements where necessary.
• Review accounting records, financial statements, and reports for accuracy and compliance with regulatory standards.
• Ensure compliance with internal policies, procedures, and external laws, including financial regulations and donor requirements.
• Conduct risk assessments to identify potential areas of risk and develop audit strategies accordingly.
• Ensure the organization’s assets are properly safeguarded and accounted for through appropriate internal controls.

Compliance Responsibilities

• Implement and maintain compliance programs and policies that ensure the organization complies with relevant laws, standards, and internal policies.
• Conduct regular compliance reviews and monitoring activities to identify any potential violations or areas of improvement.
• Stay informed of any changes in regulatory and legal frameworks that may affect the organization and update compliance policies accordingly.
• Coordinate with legal teams to address compliance risks and respond to inquiries from regulatory authorities.
• Ensure employees are trained on compliance requirements, policies, and ethical standards.
• Investigate compliance breaches and work with management to implement corrective actions.

Reporting and Documentation

• Prepare detailed reports on audit findings, including recommendations for improvements in internal controls and processes.
• Maintain accurate records of all audits, compliance reviews, and risk assessments.
• Report findings and recommendations to the senior management and audit committees, if applicable.
• Monitor follow-up actions from audit reports and compliance reviews to ensure timely implementation.

Risk Management

• Identify and evaluate the organization’s risk exposure and design appropriate risk management strategies.
• Collaborate with management in developing risk mitigation strategies and ensuring compliance with risk management policies.
• Provide advisory support to different departments regarding compliance, internal controls, and risk management best practices.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Collaborate with various departments to ensure a culture of compliance and control across the organization.
• Act as a point of contact for internal stakeholders, regulatory bodies, auditors, and donors on audit and compliance matters.
• Support external audit processes, providing requested documentation and insights on internal controls.

Required Experience

Key Qualifications and Skills

Educational Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Law, Business Administration, or related field.
• Professional certification such as CIA (Certified Internal Auditor), ACCA (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants), CFE (Certified Fraud Examiner), or compliance-specific certifications is an added advantage.

Experience:

• Minimum of 3-5 years of experience in audit, compliance, or a related field.
• Experience with donor-funded projects or working in NGOs is an advantage.
• Proven experience in risk assessment and management, regulatory compliance, and audit processes.

Skills:

• Strong knowledge of auditing standards, compliance regulations, and internal control systems.
• Analytical thinking with the ability to identify issues and provide sound recommendations.
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, with the ability to prepare clear audit and compliance reports.
• Strong attention to detail, with the ability to work under tight deadlines.
• Proficiency in auditing and accounting software.
• High level of integrity, confidentiality, and ethical conduct.

Key Deliverables

• Completion of regular internal audits with comprehensive audit reports highlighting findings and corrective actions.
• Maintenance and continuous improvement of compliance programs to ensure legal and regulatory adherence.
• Risk assessment reports and action plans to mitigate identified risks.
• Quarterly and annual compliance and audit reports for senior management and audit committees.
• Training programs for staff on compliance-related topics and ethical behavior.

Reporting Line

The Audit and Compliance Officer will report directly to the Head of Internal Audit and/or the Compliance Manager and will collaborate with various departmental heads to ensure comprehensive audit and compliance oversight.

Performance Indicators

• Timeliness and quality of internal audit reports and compliance reviews.
• Reduction in compliance breaches and audit issues.
• Effective risk management processes in place and executed.
• Satisfaction of stakeholders with the support provided in compliance and audit activities.