Internal Control Manager at Rhizome Consulting

Summary

• The Internal Control Manager will be required to independently assess and strengthen internal controls, risk management, compliance, and governance processes across all departments. S/he will ensure that financial and operational activities meet internal standards, donor requirements (both NDPI and third parties), and external regulatory obligations. The position holder will provide objective assurance and practical recommendations to the Executive Director and the Board of Trustees (via the Audit and Compliance Committee).

Responsibilities

• Conduct periodic risk-based internal audits across departments and project locations (Port-Harcourt and Warri) In line with donor-compliant and sector-relevant audit standards.
• Regularly evaluate the adequacy and effectiveness of internal control systems across Finance, Procurement, Operations, and Program teams and update where necessary.
• Review Service Received Notes, Expense reports, Contractual Instruments, and processes to ensure integrity, compliance, and completeness.
• Represent the Executive Directorate in procurement activities by ensuring that all procurement processes are compliant with PIND's Procurement Policy and align with approved contracts or memoranda of understanding.
• Participate in bid evaluations (as observer), review procurement documentation, and track compliance across the procurement lifecycle.
• Provide control assurance on vendor selection, contract awards, and service delivery.
• Independently confirm the delivery and quality of work or services completed by the Operations team’s vendor (including facilities, maintenance, logistics, IT, and asset management) before approval for payment.
• Perform site visits, spot checks, and documentation verification as needed.
• Conduct periodic risk assessments and advise leadership on control improvements and mitigation strategies.
• Ensure compliance with PIND’s internal policies, statutory regulations, donor agreements, and ethical guidelines.
• Render all statutory reports to regulatory authorities such as SCUML
• Perform the Compliance Officer role
• Investigate allegations of financial mismanagement, procurement fraud, asset misuse, and consultants’ wrongdoing.
• Document findings, assess impact, and recommend disciplinary or systemic responses.
• Provide training and awareness sessions to prevent fraud and promote ethical behavior.
• Advise departmental heads on internal control and risk matters, including process improvements, systems design, and policy development.
• Support Finance, M&E, Procurement, and Project teams with internal control advisory during program design and implementation.
• Prepare clear and concise quarterly internal audit reports for the Executive Director and Audit Committee, including findings, risks, and recommended actions.
• Follow up with departments on the timely implementation of audit recommendations and report delays or non-compliance.
• Complete other related duties as required.

Educational Requirement

• A degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics or any other relevant field of study.
• A postgraduate degree and any professional certification (e.g: CIA, ACA, ACCA, CPA, CRMA, CISA, or CFE) are an added advantage.

Knowledge, Skills & Experience

• Minimum of 10 years’ experience in internal audit, internal controls, risk, or compliance, with 3–5 years at manager level.
• Experience working with donor-funded development organisations, INGOs or corporate organisations in Nigeria.
• Demonstrated delivery of annual audit plans, organisation-wide risk assessments, and reporting to Audit/A&C Committees.
• Hands-on design and rollout of controls across procurement, grants, cash management, payroll, fixed assets, inventory, and field operations.
• Use of data analytics to detect anomalies and improve control effectiveness.
• Conducted investigations with discreet, well-documented case handling.
• Willingness and ability to travel periodically to Warri, Port Harcourt, and field locations.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Knowledge and understanding of Niger Delta region.