Head, Internal Audit (HIA) at Synapse Services

Job Summary

• We are seeking a dedicated and experienced Head of Internal Audit to join our team.
• The ideal candidate will support the organization in managing the audit functions of a growing group of companies operating primarily in the healthcare and wellbeing sector.
• The head of internal audit will help our organization achieve its objectives by evaluating the effectiveness of governance, risk management and set up internal control arrangements as well as playing a key role in promoting good corporate governance in the organization.

Job Description

• Plans financial, regulatory, compliance or operational reviews/audits.
• Coordinates work with Risk, Legal & Compliance and other control-related activities and with others within Internal Audit.
• Conducts financial risk assessments and identifies controls in place to mitigate identified risks.
• Ensure daily compliance with the internal and financial policies of the facility
• Do a daily call over on all expenses across all organizations and ensure that all postings are correctly done
• Takes routine stock check and verifies that records in the bin cards show true representation of stock on the ground
• Ensure that costs are not overstated on all expenses.
• Ensure compliance with all regulatory policies.
• Ensure that an internal control system is in place to control loss, theft and risk in the facility.
• Identifies any internal control gap and recommends measures for its improvement.
• Reports to management all risk issues in accordance with auditing standards.
• Review the final accounts prepared by the accountant before the external audit reviews the account.
• Advises management on any internal control issue.
• Performs audit procedures to verify that controls are operating through testing and interviewing techniques.
• Analyses and concludes on the effectiveness and efficiency of the control environment.
• Identifies control gaps and opportunities for improvement.
• Documents the results of audit work following audit department and the Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA) standards.
• Prepares timely audit reports for executive management, the Audit Committee and the Board of Directors.
• Assess, evaluate and promote compliance with internal policies.
• Contributes, as appropriate, to the year-end financial audit with the external auditor.
• Provides advice on internal control and participates in enhancing internal audit standards and practices within the consortium.
• Researches new or technical subjects when required to support audits (e.g., OSFI Guidelines, market risk, financial instruments, etc.)
• Provide feedback on Accounting Procedures
• Risk assessment and reporting -
• Conduct an assessment of current and emerging risks and identify controls in place to mitigate identified risks
• Ensure that the company's risk matrix is updated quarterly
• Report to management and the Board all risk issues and make organization-appropriate recommendations following Institute of Internal Audit (IIA) standards.
• Audit planning and implementation (performance) – financial/financial reporting, regulatory, compliance or operational reviews/audits.
• Safeguarding assets - perform asset checks and verify if financial reports are a true representation of available assets (including fixed assets, inventory, cash and bank balances)
• Value for Money (VFM) – checking that expenses meet the criteria of ethics, economy, effectiveness and efficiency
• Coordinate work within the internal audit department (including coaching and training internal audit staff) and working with other control-related functions, such as Legal.
• Testing the effectiveness of internal controls set by management and recommending improvements where necessary
• Consulting
• Supporting process owners by reviewing new guidelines, procedures and policies
• Providing support on various company projects, special investigations (e.g. chairing an investigative panel), etc
• Develop and maintain a quality assurance and improvement program that covers all aspects of the internal audit activity.
• Document the results of audit work in accordance with Intersect Consortium’s internal audit charter and the Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA) standards.

Qualification / Experience

• A Degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field is a mandatory.
• An MSc in accounting is required
• A professional certification in (ICAN) or ACCA is required.
• The Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) is a highly desirable
• A minimum of 7 to 8 years of professional experience in internal audit, risk, or compliance is required with at least 3-5 years in senior leadership role.
• Understanding of Nigerian regulations, particularly from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), is essential.
• Excellent knowledge of healthcare financial business operations and risk-based auditing attained through 3 to 5 years of progressive work experience with a focus on financial risk and regulatory requirements.
• Excellent understanding of the standards of the Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA) and ability to fully comply with IIA standards
• Ability to manage projects and, when required, work with the accountant to follow sound internal control practices and to manage risks appropriately.
• Strong skills in negotiating, relationship building, problem-solving, and timely problem escalation.