Internal Auditor at Watu Credit Limited

Job Purpose

• Reporting to the Head of Internal Audit & Risk, the Internal Auditor is responsible for providing independent and objective assurance on the adequacy and effectiveness of the Company's governance, risk management and internal control systems. The Internal Auditor will conduct periodic reviews of the Company's operations, financial activities, regulatory compliance and Internal processes, identify control weaknesses and recommend measures to strengthen the Company's control environment.

Responsibilities And Duties

• Strong knowledge of internal controls, audit methodologies, financial reporting and risk management
• High level of integrity, independence and professional judgement
• Ability to work with confidential and sensitive information.
• Review compliance with applicable laws, CBN regulations, regulatory directives and the Company’s internal policies
• Review financial transactions, records, lending activities and operational processes to identify control weaknesses and irregularities
• Identify and report control deficiencies, operational risks, fraud risks and regulatory breaches
• Prepare internal audit reports and present significant findings and recommendations to Management and the Board Audit Committee
• Monitor and follow up on the implementation of audit recommendations and corrective actions
• Conduct investigations and special audits as directed by the Board or Board Audit Committee
• Maintain independence and objectivity in the performance of all audit activities
• Implement the Risk-based annual audit plan
• Perform the full audit cycle to establish operations’ effectiveness, financial reliability and compliance with all applicable directives and regulations
• Develop audit programs and testing procedures relevant to risk and audit objectives
• Identify internal control issues for key risk processes in a timely manner to proactively avert losses
• Perform audit procedures to verify the implementation and effectiveness of controls through testing and interacting with the relevant company staff.
• Identify loopholes and recommend risk aversion measures and cost savings
• Ensure successful completion of assigned/planned audit engagements, from start to finish, inclusive of preplanning, fieldwork and wrap-up activities.
• Prepare reports that reflect the audit's results and document processes
• Conduct follow-up audits to monitor management’s interventions
• Lead occupational health and safety (OSH) audits for all Watu workplaces
• Coordinate ESG audits
• Coordinate audits with CBN and other necessary partners
• Coordinate the external IT audits
• Assist in Organization-Wide Enterprise Risk Management (ERM)
• General
• Follow company’s policies, processes and code of conduct
• Fulfil any reasonable tasks given or approved by management that is work-related and aimed towards the company’s goals and targets
• Complete all tasks and responsibilities within the agreed deadlines
• Action all administrative duties as per agreed process
• Embraces, leads and embeds change
• Effective verbal and written communication skills. Should be able to adapt communication style to suit different audiences
• Proactively recommend improvements and innovative ideas to increase business efficiency
• Empowerment – Learn and grow with Watu. We empower our employees to be the leaders our people want to follow. We empower our employees by giving them the opportunities to learn and grow together. We empower each other by sharing knowledge and embracing a positive mindset

Key performance indicators

• Percentage of audits completed vs planned audits
• Potential operational efficiencies/process improvement/cost savings generated from implementing internal audit recommendations
• Significance of audit findings and recommendations
• Certifications obtained /number of training hours per year

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting or finance
• 4 years experience in Audit, Finance, Credit, or related fields
• CPA Part II
• CIA will be an added advantage

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Proven knowledge of auditing standards and procedures, laws, rules, and regulations
• Close attention to detail and excellent analytical skills
• Sound independent judgment
• Good communication and report-writing skills
• Strong analytical skills with ability to pay attention to detail
• Ability to maintain the highest standards of ethics, confidentiality, and professionalism

Behavioral skills:

• Customer Focus – deliver and maintain a high level of customer service with both our internal and external customers
• Ownership – treat Watu as your own company and make decisions that would benefit us all, aligned with our company values – with a clear focus on delivering on the agreed KPIs
• Respect – display respect and maintain respectful relationships within our Watu teams and our customers and partners
• Integrity – operate openly and transparently with our teams, customers, and partners – Act with Integrity
• Empowerment – Learn and grow with Watu. We empower our employees to be the leaders our people want to follow. We empower our employees by giving them the opportunities to learn and grow together. We empower each other by sharing knowledge and embracing a positive mindset