Internal Control Officer at Wellspring College

Job Purpose

The Internal Control Officer is responsible for establishing, monitoring, and improving the College’s internal control systems to ensure operational efficiency, financial integrity, compliance with policies, and safeguarding of assets. The job holder will collaborate with stakeholders in identifying control deficiencies, and then provide recommendations to management for enhancing internal control, minimizing risks, and promoting a culture of accountability and integrity.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement internal control frameworks and procedures to ensure compliance across all departments.
• Conduct periodic audits (academic, administrative, and financial processes).
• Conduct risk assessments and internal control reviews to identify gaps, areas of potential risk, fraud, or non-compliance, and recommend corrective actions.
• Monitor compliance with school policies, regulations, and standard operating procedures.
• Review financial transactions to ensure accuracy, transparency, and accountability.
• Ensure proper documentation and record-keeping across departments and units.
• Investigate incidents, irregularities, or policy breaches and submit reports.
• Support management in risk assessment and mitigation strategies.
• Train staff on internal control practices and compliance requirements.
• Conduct investigations into suspected fraud, misconduct, or irregularities, and recommend appropriate actions.
• Stay abreast of changes in regulations, laws and industry standards related to internal controls and risk management.
• Analyze data and trends to identify emerging risks and areas for improvement in internal control processes.
• Liaise with external auditors, regulators, and other stakeholders during audits and inspections.
• Prepare periodic internal control and audit reports for the Board.

Key Competencies (Person specification)

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• High level of integrity and professionalism
• High ethical standards and confidentiality
• Attention to detail
• Excellent reporting and documentation skills
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to work independently and objectively
• Sound judgment and decision-making ability
• Willingness to enforce policies tactfully but firmly

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or related field
• Professional certification (e.g., ACA, ACCA, CIA) is an added advantage
• Minimum of 5–8 years’ experience in internal audit, control or risk management roles, preferably in an educational institution.
• Strong knowledge of internal control frameworks and audit processes
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (especially Excel)

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Level of compliance with internal policies
• Reduction in control breaches and irregularities
• Timeliness and quality of audit reports
• Effectiveness of risk mitigation strategies
• Improvement in operational efficiency