Senior Internal Auditor at Open Access Consulting

Job Summary 

• Our client is seeking an experienced and highly analytical Senior Internal Auditor to provide independent assurance on the effectiveness of internal controls, risk management, governance processes, and operational compliance across its multi-location agricultural and palm oil processing operations.
• The ideal candidate must possess a minimum of 7–10 years’ hands-on experience in internal audit, risk management, compliance, or financial controls within agriculture, manufacturing, production, or other large operational businesses.
• The role requires a detail-oriented professional with strong investigative, analytical, and reporting skills who can identify control weaknesses, improve operational efficiency, and ensure compliance with company policies and regulatory requirements.

Responsibilities

• The Senior Internal Auditor will be responsible for planning and executing risk-based audits across the company’s farming, processing, finance, procurement, inventory, and administrative functions.
• The role will evaluate internal controls, identify operational and financial risks, recommend corrective actions, and monitor the implementation of audit recommendations to strengthen governance and improve business performance.

Internal Audit & Risk Management:

• Develop and implement annual risk-based internal audit plans across all business operations.
• Conduct operational, financial, compliance, and investigative audits across farm locations, processing facilities, and corporate offices.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of internal controls, governance processes, and risk management frameworks.
• Identify control weaknesses, operational inefficiencies, and areas of financial exposure, recommending practical improvements.
• Monitor implementation of audit recommendations and report on corrective actions.

Compliance & Internal Controls:

• Ensure compliance with company policies, internal procedures, statutory regulations, and industry best practices.
• Review procurement, inventory management, payroll, asset utilization, and revenue processes for compliance and control effectiveness.
• Assess adherence to delegated authorities, approval limits, and financial policies.
• Support the development and continuous improvement of internal control systems across all business units.
• Investigate suspected fraud, financial irregularities, and policy violations where necessary.

Operational Audit:

• Conduct regular audits of plantation, livestock, feed mill, processing, warehouse, and distribution operations.
• Verify inventory records, biological assets, production outputs, and fixed assets through periodic physical inspections.
• Review production processes, resource utilization, and operational efficiency to identify improvement opportunities.
• Assess stock management procedures and safeguard against losses, waste, and theft.
• Evaluate compliance with operational policies and standard operating procedures.

Reporting & Advisory:

• Prepare detailed audit reports highlighting findings, risk ratings, recommendations, and management action plans.
• Present audit findings and recommendations to senior management.
• Provide advisory support to management on internal controls, risk mitigation, and process improvements.
• Maintain proper audit documentation in accordance with professional auditing standards.
• Liaise with external auditors and regulatory bodies when required.

Required Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor’s Degree or HND in Accounting, Finance, Economics, Business Administration, or a related discipline.
• Professional certification such as ACA, ACCA, CIA, CISA, or equivalent is highly desirable.
• 7–10 years’ experience in internal audit, external audit, risk management, compliance, or internal controls.
• Experience within agriculture, manufacturing, production, FMCG, or other multi-site operational environments is highly preferred.
• Strong knowledge of internal auditing standards, risk assessment, corporate governance, and internal control frameworks.
• Excellent analytical, investigative, report writing, and communication skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications and accounting or ERP systems.
• High level of integrity, objectivity, confidentiality, and professional judgment.