The Role
The Head of Internal Audit will provide independent, objective assurance and advisory services designed to improve the Bank’s operations and strengthen its internal control environment. The role is responsible for leading the Internal Audit function, evaluating risk management processes, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements, and assessing the effectiveness of governance, operational, financial, and technology controls across the organization.
The successful candidate will play a strategic role in safeguarding the Bank’s assets, improving operational efficiency, supporting regulatory compliance, and promoting a strong culture of accountability and risk awareness.
What You Will Do
Internal Audit Strategy & Leadership
- Develop and implement the Bank’s annual risk-based internal audit plan
- Provide strategic leadership and direction for the Internal Audit function
- Ensure audit activities are aligned with regulatory requirements, business objectives, and emerging risks
- Present audit findings, reports, and recommendations to Executive Management and the Board Audit Committee
- Continuously improve audit methodologies, frameworks, and reporting standards
Risk Management & Internal Controls
- Evaluate the adequacy and effectiveness of internal controls across business operations, financial reporting, technology, and compliance processes
- Assess risk management frameworks and recommend improvements where necessary
- Monitor control gaps, emerging risks, and remediation activities across the Bank
- Conduct periodic reviews of operational, financial, regulatory, and IT risks
Audit Execution & Assurance
- Oversee the execution of operational, financial, compliance, and IT audits across the organization
- Ensure audit assignments are completed efficiently, accurately, and within agreed timelines
- Review audit findings, working papers, and recommendations to ensure quality and consistency
- Conduct investigations into suspected fraud, misconduct, or control breaches where required
- Ensure proper documentation and maintenance of audit records and reports
Regulatory Compliance & Governance
- Ensure compliance with CBN regulations, internal policies, and applicable regulatory requirements
- Liaise with regulators, external auditors, and relevant stakeholders on audit-related matters
- Monitor compliance with corporate governance standards and industry best practices
- Support regulatory examinations and external audit engagements
Stakeholder Engagement & Advisory
- Partner with business leaders to provide advisory support on process improvement and risk mitigation initiatives
- Promote a strong culture of internal control, ethics, and compliance across the organization
- Provide guidance to management on governance, operational efficiency, and control best practices
- Build strong working relationships across departments while maintaining audit independence
Reporting & Analytics
- Prepare periodic audit reports and dashboards for Executive Management and the Board Audit Committee
- Track audit findings, management responses, and remediation status
- Analyze audit trends and provide insights to support decision-making and continuous improvement
Requirements
What You Bring
Education & Professional Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Economics, Business Administration, or related discipline.
- Professional certifications such as ACA, ACCA, CIA, CISA, or related certifications are required.
- Master’s degree or additional professional qualifications are an added advantage.
Experience
- Minimum of 8–12 years relevant experience in Internal Audit, Risk Management, Compliance, or Financial Control within banking or financial services.
- Minimum of 4 years in a leadership or managerial role.
- Strong understanding of banking operations, regulatory requirements, risk management, and internal control frameworks.
- Experience leading operational, financial, compliance, and IT audits.
Technical Skills & Competencies
- Strong knowledge of audit methodologies, risk assessment, and internal control frameworks.
- Good understanding of CBN regulations, IFRS, and corporate governance principles.
- Strong analytical, investigative, and problem-solving skills.
- Experience with audit management systems, ERP platforms, and data analytics tools.
- Excellent report writing, presentation, and stakeholder management skills.
- High level of integrity, confidentiality, and professional judgement.
This Role Is Ideal For You If
- You are highly analytical and detail-oriented.
- You can balance governance responsibilities with practical business realities.
- You are confident engaging with senior stakeholders and regulators.
- You are passionate about strengthening controls, improving processes, and managing risk.
- You thrive in dynamic, fast-paced environments and can lead with objectivity and professionalism.