Country Internal Control Lead at HBM Nigeria Plc (Formerly Lafarge)

About the role

The primary responsibility of the Country Internal Control Lead is to: 

• Support and coordinate the establishment and implementation of the Internal Control framework (including the Minimum Control Standards) in the organisation that would safeguard the organization’s assets as well as prevent and detect errors and fraud.
• Carry out an independent appraisal of the effectiveness of the policies, procedures and standards by which the country’s financial, physical and information resources are managed.
• Add value by acting as a facilitator in business risk management and carrying out value for money reviews, thereby assisting the management in the effective discharge of their responsibilities.

What you'll be doing

• Ensure that Group Internal Control instructions are followed strictly in coordination with the Regional IC Director and Group Internal Control
• Coordinate internal control system (ICS) for the organisation except Logistics:
  • Finance (including Corporate Finance and Treasury and Financial Shared Service Centre), Legal, Communications, Public Affairs, Sustainability and Development,
  • Procurement, Commercial, Security, Organisation and Human Resources, collectively “Head office Functions who work with management to ensure a system is in place which ensures that all major risks are identified, analysed and mitigated on a continuous basis.
  • Provide assurance to CFO / Supply Chain Director and other Exco members
    on control matters.
• To plan, organize and carry out the internal control function; including the preparation and monitoring of the execution of an Internal Control testing plan which fulfils the responsibility of the departments/processes within the organisation, scheduling and assigning work and estimating resource needs. Ensure system controls are adequate and that segregation of duties is at the highest level, conflicts should be at the barest minimum and with adequate mitigating controls.
• Maintain the Delegation of Authority (DOA) framework and approval workflows across the organisation and within the system. Ensure the DOA and approval workflows are designed appropriately and implemented as designed.
• To support in preparation of report package to Group Internal Control, Audit and Board Risk and Ethics Committees on the policies, programs and activities of the department.
• Deliver adequate and timely reporting on Internal Control system and control deficiencies in line with requirements to ensure appropriate escalation and adequate action plans.
• Ensure reliable Internal Control assessment and test results to the Group through SAP GRC, and signed certification letters. Preparation of Internal Control reports for presentation to Management and the Board
• Coordinate the periodic Certification Process of the financial statements and ensure timely submission
• To coordinate coverage with the external auditors and ensure that each party is not only aware of the other's work but also well briefed on areas of concern
• To make recommendations on the systems and procedures being reviewed, report on the findings and recommendations and monitor management's response and implementation
• To review and report on the accuracy, timeliness and relevance of the financial and other information that is provided for management
• Provide insight and support the Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) process performed Corporate Finance and Treasury function.
• Providing advice on proposed developments such as major new segments and proposed initiatives to help ensure risks are properly identified and evaluated and appropriate controls built in.
• Coordinate internal control activities for Mortar, and Readymix and AFR.
• Coordinate internal control activities for systems, process and Information Technology. 
• To report on the value for money that the company obtains in its activities with special regard to economy, efficiency and effectiveness
• To provide both management with an opinion on the internal controls within the operations.
• Communicating, educating and ensuring strict compliance with Company’s Controls, Policies & procedures
• Supporting Business Process Owners in the documentation of Policies, Processes and Procedures and design of suitable controls.
• Perform special review of cases (Root Cause Analyses) in a professional manner when called upon.
• This list of responsibilities is not exhaustive and the job holder may be required to perform duties outside of this as operationally required 

Who you'll be working with

List of direct reports:

• Finance / Procurement Assurance Manager
• Commercial Assurance Manager
• Internal Control & Audit Senior (Systems)

Key interfaces, stakeholders and relationships:

The incumbent interacts regularly with all cadres of staff and external parties to the Organisation including:

• Group Internal Control
• Regional Internal Control
• Chief Finance Officer
• LAP Executive Committee Members
• Internal Control Manager (Industrial & Logistics)
• Compliance Counsel
• External Auditors
• Consultants
• May also interacts regularly with the external public including suppliers and other external stakeholders. 

What we are looking for

• Relevant Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university
• Membership of ICAN, ACCA, CPA or other relevant professional body

Desirable

• Membership of Internal Control Institute
• ISACA’s CRISC certification
• Understanding of the cement industry or a similar business and regulatory environment (is a plus) 

Specific Work experience:

• Minimum of 5 years of relevant job experience, preferably with some experience in an internal audit function of multinational or Big ‘4’
• Expertise in process review & documentation: including planning, techniques, test andbsampling methods involved in conducting audits
• Knowledge of computerised accounting and auditing record keeping systems
• An ability to gather, analyse and evaluate facts and to prepare and present concise oral and written reports
• An ability to maintain current knowledge of developments related to business matters of interest to internal control and audit, including Control standards and legislation changes and developments as they affect the business, and new auditing techniques and practices
• An ability to establish and retain effective working relationships with other staff and to communicate clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing
• An ability to work with minimal supervision.

Technical / Functional Skills:

• Thorough understanding of Internal Control Framework such as COSO, Turnbull, Sarbanes-Oxley, etc (certification preferable)
• Good Presentation skills
• Good written and oral communication skills
• Strong computer Skills especially Microsoft Excel, Word, PowerPoint and email applications
• Ability to prioritise with excellent time management skills
• Attention to detail
• Experience in use of SAP is an advantage 

Behavioural Competence:

• Good interpersonal skills
• Strong team player
• Adaptable
• Tactful and tolerant
• Ability to work well under pressure and adhere to set deadlines
• Resilient and Self-motivated

Leadership and Managerial abilities: 

• Excellent management skills and ability to organize and plan effectively to meet both short- and long-range goals and objectives.
• Ability to manage multiple project plans successfully and simultaneously.
• Ability to motivate individuals and teams
• Able to coach and direct a diverse team