Risk and Internal Control Officer at UPDC Plc

Key Accountability / Key Performance Indicators
Risk Management:

• Conduct comprehensive enterprise-wide risk assessments covering project development, sales, leasing, property management, hotel operations, and facility services, while monitoring key risk indicators to identify potential threats and emerging risks, and provide periodic reports to Management and the Board.
• Analyse market trends, regulatory updates, and macroeconomic factors affecting real estate investments, facility management, and hospitality operations to inform strategic decision-making.
• Stay abreast of developments in the real estate, facility management, and hospitality sectors to bring an informed perspective to the risk management and compliance process.
• Maintain and periodically update the corporate risk register, documenting risk ratings, mitigation strategies, and implementation progress.
• Collaborate with business unit heads to embed risk awareness and controls in daily operations.

Internal Control:

• Review and assess the adequacy and effectiveness of internal controls and risk management frameworks across all departments and operational units.
• Identify control weaknesses, process inefficiencies, or compliance breaches; recommend practical solutions and ensure timely implementation of corrective actions.
• Conduct daily and periodic reviews of key financial, operational, and administrative transactions to detect control lapses or irregularities.
• Follow up on the implementation of risk mitigation and audit recommendations.

Compliance & Governance:

• Ensure company-wide compliance with relevant laws, regulations, internal policies, and industry standards; escalate breaches or non-compliance promptly to Management.
• Support the development and enforcement of risk and compliance policies, procedures, and controls.
• Promote a culture of risk awareness by organizing workshops and capacity-building sessions for employees on internal controls and compliance practices.

Reporting:

• Prepare and present periodic risk management and internal control reports to Senior Management, the Audit Committee, and relevant stakeholders.
• Track the implementation status of mitigation and control improvement plans and report progress periodically.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field.
• Professional certification such as ACA, ACCA, CIA, CRMA, CISA, or CRM is an added advantage.
• 3–5 years’ experience in risk management, internal control, internal audit, or compliance, preferably in real estate, facility management, or hospitality.
• Strong knowledge of risk management frameworks.
• Familiarity with relevant laws, regulations, and corporate governance principles.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and ERP systems.

Preferred Skills:

• Ability to identify, evaluate, and prioritize risks across operational, financial, and compliance areas.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Capable of conducting control testing and root cause analysis of control failures.
• Excellent communication and report writing abilities.
• High ethical standards and integrity.
• Attention to detail and ability to identify control gaps.
• Strong organizational and time management skills.
• Ability to recommend practical, risk-based solutions to control weaknesses.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively with cross-functional teams.