Principal, Internal Audit - Nigeria at Cellulant

Role Overview

• The Principal Internal Audit will assist the Group Head of Internal Audit in providing assurance on the effectiveness of controls in place to address risks to the achievement of Cellulant’s strategic and operational objectives.
• In addition, the Principal Internal Audit has responsibility for performing audit engagements across the various functions and markets within Cellulant and ensuring that these are executed to achieve the objectives, timelines and value addition. 
• The Principal will be responsible for training and ensuring that the internal audit analysts are up to date with the knowledge and skills required as well as directly supervising, providing training, guidance and mentorship to the Internal Audit Analysts and ensuring that their work is up to the standards of the Group Internal Audit activities.
• The Principal will also work collaboratively with management and the senior leadership team to achieve the company mission and goals and drive the company towards growth and sustainability.

What You'll do

• Assist the Group Head of Internal Audit in preparation and implementation of the risk-based internal audit plan. 
• Assist in the development, maintenance, implementation and update/review of the audit charter, audit manual, relevant policies and other frameworks for the Internal Audit Function. 
• Develop, recommend, and implement internal audit programs that evaluate the adequacy and effectiveness of internal controls and test compliance with established policies and procedures. 
• Establish effective working relationships within the company and assist management in the understanding and application of and adherence to internal control, risk management, compliance and governance principles. 
• Plan, conduct, and review/ control audits, including financial, compliance, and operational audits 
• Lead the audit team in conducting audits through the review of physical and electronic records, evaluate the level of compliance with established control policies, processes, procedures, standards, laws and regulations in assigned functional areas/Channels, identify control weaknesses or process improvement opportunities and initiate workable solutions. 
• Identify internal controls issues and recommend risk mitigation measures in a timely manner to proactively prevent losses.
• Document and review work papers and audit procedures performed by the internal audit team. 
• Prepare draft observations/ findings reports and review all audit work papers prepared by audit staff to ensure quality control, uniformity, and adherence to generally accepted practices. 
• Prepare draft audit reports that clearly state the internal audit conclusions and recommendations that are backed by evidence and documented audit processes in working papers/ Audit program
• Conduct follow up audits to monitor management’s interventions as per the audit recommendations (both internal and external audit recommendations).
• Coordinate with the external audit team.
• Assist in the Implementation of the internal audit strategic initiatives relating to key responsibilities. 
• Review the back up (physical and electronic) of all internal audit materials for easy retrieval and reference.
• Carry out other responsibilities as may be directed by the Group Head of Internal Audit.

What we are looking for
Must have experience:

• Commercial orientation with a focus on service issues and customer experience impact
• Self-starter, entrepreneurial, passionate, and tech-savvy
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to prioritize and manage workload to meet deadlines and OKRs
• Patient, problem solver, ambitious, proactive/assertive, and dependable
• Technical aptitude with the ability to absorb technical information and apply business solutions
• Accuracy and detail-oriented
• Strong analytical skills and aptitude for math

Experience that will count in your favour:

• Experience in the fintech or payment industry.
• Previous experience in a leadership role within an internal audit function.
• Experience with cross-functional collaboration in a fast-paced environment.
• Familiarity with emerging technologies and their impact on internal controls and audit practices.
• Experience in conducting audits in a rapidly growing and evolving industry.
• Demonstrated ability to implement and manage change within an organization.

Qualifications

• Minimum of a University Degree, preferably in a Business-related discipline from a reputable and recognized institution.
• A certified Public Accountant (CPA), CIA/CISA will be an added advantage.
• Membership to relevant professional bodies e.g. ICPAK, IIA etc
•  A minimum of 8 years Internal Audit experience in high growth organizations
• Experience in the payments services sector will be an added advantage

Skills:

• Proven knowledge of auditing standards and procedures, laws, rules, and regulations
• High attention to detail and excellent analytical skills
• Ability to perform under pressure, handle heavy workloads, and meet stringent reporting deadlines 
• Must be able to demonstrate a broad technical knowledge and expertise covering conduct of business, corporate governance and regulatory risk and regulatory change matters.
• Proven track record of delivering enhancements to process efficiency. 
• Excellent communication skills, ability to communicate and influence at all levels within the company (both verbally and written) 
• Experience in working with data and data manipulation tools may also be required
• Ability to work as part of an effective dynamic team. 
• Ability to work unsupervised and maintain motivation.