Head of Internal Internal Audit (Micofinance)

Role Overview

This role focuses on examining internal controls, risk management systems, and compliance with both company policies and external regulations. On a day-to-day basis, the auditor reviews financial records, branch operations, and credit processes to detect gaps and recommend improvements. The position is essential for helping the organisation maintain operational integrity, reduce fraud exposure, and ensure all processes run accurately and efficiently.

Key Responsibilities

• Create and carry out the annual audit plan by identifying high-risk areas and allocating resources accordingly.
• Perform audits covering operations, finances, and compliance across departments and branch locations.
• Scrutinise financial statements, loan documents, and credit approvals to verify accuracy and adherence to lending standards.
• Assess the design and effectiveness of internal controls, then suggest concrete corrective actions.
• Prepare clear audit reports that outline findings, root causes, and risk ratings, and present them to senior management.
• Track whether management has implemented previous audit recommendations and report on progress.
• Investigate irregularities, potential fraud, or policy breaches, and recommend stronger preventive measures.
• Monitor branches for compliance with credit policies, operational procedures, and regulatory requirements.

Requirements & Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, or a closely related field.
• Professional certification such as CPA, ACCA, or CIA (either completed or actively in progress).
• At least eight years of auditing experience, ideally in audit assurance, tax consultancy, financial advisory, or business consulting.
• Minimum of three years in a senior management or team-lead role within audit.
• Proven work experience in a microfinance institution or a Tier III bank is mandatory.
• Solid understanding of credit operations, lending processes, and internal control frameworks.
• Experience in fraud detection, risk management, and compliance auditing is strongly preferred.
• Excellent analytical, report-writing, and presentation skills, combined with high integrity and the ability to handle confidential information.
• Proficiency with audit tools, accounting systems, and Microsoft Office applications.
• Willingness to travel to branches as required.