Head, Internal Audit at Nigerian Electricity Supply Corporation (Nigeria) Limited (NESCO)

Purpose of the Job

• Manage NESCO’s internal audit processes by ensuring strict adherence to NESCO’s internal control policies and procedures.

Key Duties and Responsibilities
The Head Internal Audit shall therefore be responsible, but not limited, for the following:

• Lead financial, operational, and business process audits, ensuring compliance with business control criteria
• Provide advice on internal control and enhance internal audit standards and practices within the organization
• Identify key risks, evaluate the effectiveness of controls, and recommend process improvements to strengthen financial and operational controls
• Coordinate planned and ad-hoc audits, including regulatory and compliance reviews
• Conduct Ethics & Compliance investigations, including breaches of NESCO’s Code of Business Conduct and suspected fraud cases
• Liaise with internal and external control functions (HSSE, Legal, External Auditors, and Regulators) to ensure optimal audit coverage and minimize duplication of efforts
• Develop and implement internal audit strategies, policies, and procedures, including maintaining the internal audit operating procedures manual
• Monitor and validate the implementation of preventive and corrective action plans
• Investigate violations of operational procedures and recommend appropriate corrective actions
• Support external auditors in the annual audit testing plan to facilitate smooth year-end audits
• Prepare periodic reports for the attention of the MD/CEO
• Review and authorize key expenditures/transactions of the Department in line with approved budget
• Perform any other tasks as assigned from time to time by the MD/CEO

Requirements
Minimum Educational & Professional Qualifications, Experience and Knowledge:

• Minimum of a First Degree in Accounting, Finance, Economics or a related numerate discipline is required
• An MBA or Master’s Degree in related discipline is an added advantage
• Relevant professional certification from a reputable institution e.g. Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA), Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA), Institute of Chartered Accountants (ICAN), Association of National Accountants of Nigerian (ANAN) or any other relevant professional qualification
• Minimum of ten (10) years relevant professional experience, with at least five (5) years in a senior Management position in a similar corporate role.

Attributes and Competencies:

• Excellent understanding of the standards of the Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA) and ability to fully comply with IIA standards
• Knowledge of Internal audit methodologies
• Ability to manage projects and, when required, supervise auditors to follow sound internal control practices and to manage risks appropriately
• Strong ability to carry out Internal and Technical Audit
• Good business process analysis and reporting skills
• Strong background in Auditing/ Accounting/ Cost control
• Good understanding of enterprise risk management
• Knowledge and application of regulatory guidelines
• Strong leadership and people management skills
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Excellent time management and organizational skills
• Strong analytical and problem solving
• High ethical standards and integrity
• Good investigative skills
• Stakeholder engagement and collaboration