Internal Audit Manager at Pinnah Foods

• As the Internal Audit Manager, you would provide independent, objective assurance and advisory services designed to add value and improve the organization’s operations. The Internal Audit Manager evaluates the effectiveness of risk management, control, and governance processes across all QSR outlets (including both ice-cream and Chinese restaurant brands), central kitchen, supply chain, and administrative departments.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES/TECHNICAL EXPERIENCE

AUDIT PLANNING AND EXECUTION

• Develop and execute an annual audit plan based on risk assessments, ensuring comprehensive coverage of key processes (HQ & Outlet).
• Conduct financial, operational, and compliance audits of all outlets and head office departments.
• Evaluate internal controls and recommend improvements to policies and procedures.
• Perform surprise spot checks on cash handling, inventory, procurement, payroll, and point-of-sale (POS) activities.

RISK MANAGEMENT AND INTERNAL CONTROLS

• Assess the design and effectiveness of internal controls in operations, especially around revenue leakages, food cost control, stock movements, vendor payments, and cash handling.
• Detecting potential risks related to cash handling, inventory management, food safety, and operational efficiency.
• Assess and enhance internal control frameworks across the organization
• Conduct periodic audits of operational processes and financial transactions
• Identify and report on areas of risk, proposing actionable recommendations for improvement
• Identify operational and financial risks and suggest mitigations.

OPERATIONAL AUDITS

• Audit restaurant outlet compliance with SOPs, hygiene standards, staff scheduling, customer service delivery, and kitchen processes.
• Carrying out yield analysis to check standard and review sales for completeness and accuracy.
• Ensure regular visit and audit of all outlets to ensure adherence to company policy on stock, cash and other control
• Processes evaluation, monitoring and Review-observe and evaluate processes from inward and outward of raw materials, WIP & finished goods and make recommendations for improvement where and when necessary.
• Verify adherence to QSR brand standards and food safety regulations.
• Review and test the controls on outlet-level promotions, discounts, refunds, and loyalty programs.

REPORTING & DOCUMENTATION

• Prepare detailed audit reports with findings, risk assessments, and practical recommendations.
• Present audit findings to executive management and track implementation of corrective actions.
• Review and ensure audit officers work papers are adequately documented and audit evidence is sufficient.
• Provide training and support to staff on internal control practices
• Maintain a database of audit issues and follow-up actions.
• Fraud Detection & Investigation
• Investigate suspected or reported cases of fraud, theft, or misconduct in collaboration with HR where applicable.
• Establish early-warning indicators for fraud or policy breaches in outlets and support departments.

COMPLIANCE MONITORING

• Ensure regulatory compliance with tax laws, health & safety regulations, employment laws, and financial reporting requirements.
• Ensure periodic review of fixed asset register and ensure assets movement are documented
• Design and implement internal control policies to ensure efficiency of the company operation,
• Conduct operational, financial and compliance audits to evaluate the effectiveness of internal controls. Monitor compliance with regulatory requirements and company policies
• Stay current on trends and best practices in internal controls and compliance
• Performing financial, operational, and compliance audits to evaluate the effectiveness of internal controls and identify areas of risk within the business.
• Compliance monitoring and review staff and departmental compliances with the internal policies, processes and procedures, monitor, intimate, review and ensure compliances with all relevant supervisory / regulatory authorities
• Regularly assess compliance with company policies and procedures.
• Advisory Role
• Provide advisory support on internal controls during system upgrades or new process implementation (e.g., POS rollout, inventory software).
• Work closely with Finance, HR, and Operations teams to improve efficiency and accountability.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop and implement control policies and procedures
• Prepare detailed reports on findings and present to management

KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS (KPIs)

• % completion of annual audit plan
• Number of audit findings resolved within the timeline
• Reduction in inventory/cash discrepancies
• Fraud detection rate and investigation turnaround time
• Process Improvement Initiatives
• Number of Audit Findings (by severity)
• Outlet compliance score (via audits)
• Timeliness and quality of audit reports

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field
• ICAN/ACCA certified (required); CIA certification is an advantage
• Minimum 5–7 years of internal audit experience, preferably in retail, hospitality, or QSR industry
• External audit experience is an added advantage
• At least 3 years in a managerial role
• Strong knowledge of accounting, auditing standards, and risk management frameworks
• Experience with POS systems, inventory software, and financial ERPs
• Familiarity with QSR operations is a strong advantage

SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES

• High integrity and strong ethical standards
• Strong analytical, problem-solving and reporting skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication
• Attention to detail and thorough documentation skills
• Ability to work independently and manage audit teams
• Willingness to travel to outlets regularly
• Efficient use of tools such as Risk register, IDEA, and dashboards