Group Head, Audit & Internal Controls. at Bridgemead Consulting

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced and strategic Group Head, Audit & Internal Controls to lead the Group\\\'s Internal Audit and Controls function across a diversified holding company with interests in Steel Manufacturing, Energy, Oil & Gas, and Mining.

Reporting functionally to the Board Audit Committee and administratively to the Group Managing Director/CEO, the successful candidate will provide independent assurance on the effectiveness of governance, risk management, and internal control systems across the Group. The role will drive a robust control environment, safeguard organizational assets, strengthen regulatory compliance, and provide strategic insight to Executive Management and the Board.

Key Responsibilities

Internal Audit & Controls

• Develop and execute a risk-based Group-wide internal audit strategy and annual audit plan covering the Holding Company and all subsidiaries.
• Design, implement, and continuously improve the Group\\\'s internal control framework, ensuring the effectiveness of financial, operational, compliance, and IT controls across all businesses.
• Establish standardized audit methodologies, control self-assessment programs, and audit practices aligned with the International Professional Practices Framework (IPPF), COSO, and other recognized standards.

Audit, Risk & Compliance Assurance

• Lead financial, operational, compliance, and forensic audits across the Group, evaluating governance, risk management, regulatory compliance, financial reporting, procurement, treasury, capital projects, and operational processes.
• Conduct investigations into suspected fraud, financial irregularities, and significant control breaches while ensuring timely implementation of corrective actions.
• Partner with Enterprise Risk Management and business leaders to align audit activities with the Group\\\'s risk profile, monitor emerging risks, and strengthen the overall control environment.

Governance & Board Reporting

• Prepare and present high-quality audit reports, risk assessments, and internal control updates to the Board Audit Committee and Executive Management.
• Maintain the independence and objectivity of the Internal Audit function while coordinating effectively with external auditors, regulators, and subsidiary leadership.
• Support governance initiatives by monitoring remediation of audit findings, overseeing whistleblowing investigations relating to financial or operational controls, and promoting best practices across the Group.

Leadership & Continuous Improvement

• Build, lead, and develop a high-performing Internal Audit and Controls team with capabilities across manufacturing, mining, energy, and oil & gas operations.
• Strengthen audit capability through coaching, succession planning, specialist resources, and continuous professional development.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives that enhance governance, operational efficiency, compliance, and organizational resilience across all subsidiaries.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Success in this role will be measured by:
• Delivery of the annual risk-based audit plan | Effectiveness of the Group\\\'s internal control environment | Timely closure of audit findings and management action plans | Regulatory compliance and governance outcomes | Fraud prevention, detection, and investigation effectiveness | Quality and timeliness of Board Audit Committee reporting | Financial value created through cost savings, recoveries, and risk mitigation | Team capability development and professional certification | Stakeholder satisfaction and audit quality

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Economics, or a related discipline. A Master's degree or MBA is an added advantage.
• Minimum of 12–15 years of progressive experience in Internal Audit, External Audit, Internal Controls, or Risk Assurance, including at least 5 years in a senior audit leadership role.
• Demonstrated experience leading Group-wide or multi-entity audit functions and reporting directly to a Board Audit Committee.
• Experience within a diversified conglomerate or capital-intensive industries such as Mining, Steel Manufacturing, Energy, or Oil & Gas is strongly preferred.

Professional Certifications

• The following qualifications are required or highly desirable:
• ICAN, ACA, ACCA, CPA, or equivalent (required)
• Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) – strongly preferred
• Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) – advantageous
• Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE) – advantageous
• Relevant certifications in Risk Management, Corporate Governance, or related disciplines will be an added advantage.

Skills & Competencies

Internal Audit & Assurance | Internal Controls & Corporate Governance | Enterprise Risk Management | Financial & Operational Auditing | Fraud Investigation & Forensic Auditing | Regulatory Compliance | Strategic Leadership | Executive & Board-Level Communication | Stakeholder Management | Analytical & Critical Thinking | Change Management | Integrity, Independence & Professional Judgment