Head of Audit and Control

Responsibilities:

• Develop and implement a comprehensive risk-based annual audit plan for approval by the Board Audit Committee.
• Conduct operational, financial, compliance, information systems, and branch audits in accordance with approved audit plans and professional auditing standards.
• Evaluate the adequacy and effectiveness of the Bank's internal control systems, governance framework, and risk management processes.
• Review the Bank's financial and operational activities to ensure compliance with CBN regulations, NDIC guidelines, internal policies, and statutory requirements.
• Assess the effectiveness of internal controls over credit administration, treasury operations, finance, information technology, operations, and customer service functions.
• Identify control weaknesses, operational inefficiencies, fraud risks, and policy breaches, and recommend practical corrective actions.
• Conduct special investigations into suspected fraud, financial irregularities, operational losses, and regulatory breaches where required.
• Monitor the implementation of audit recommendations and provide periodic status reports to Executive Management and the Board Audit Committee.
• Prepare and present clear, objective, and timely audit reports highlighting findings, risk exposures, and recommendations for improvement.
• Liaise with external auditors, regulatory examiners, and other stakeholders during statutory audits and regulatory examinations.
• Review new products, business initiatives, policies, and operational processes to ensure appropriate controls are established before implementation.
• Promote a strong internal control and compliance culture by providing advisory support and training to business units.
• Supervise, mentor, and develop members of the Internal Audit team to ensure high performance and professional growth.
• Maintain the independence and integrity of the Internal Audit function in line with corporate governance principles and professional standards.
• Perform any other responsibilities assigned by the Board Audit Committee in accordance with applicable laws and regulations.

Requirements:

• Bachelor's Degree in Accounting, Banking & Finance, Economics, Business Administration, or a related discipline.
• Mandatory: MCIB certification.
• Minimum of 5 years' post-qualification experience, with at least 4 years in the financial services industry and 2 years in a management or supervisory role, in line with CBN competency requirements for Key Management Staff of Microfinance Banks.
• Strong knowledge of internal auditing standards, enterprise risk management, corporate governance, internal controls, and banking operations.
• Sound understanding of the CBN Regulatory and Supervisory Guidelines for Microfinance Banks, Prudential Guidelines, AML/CFT requirements, and applicable financial sector regulations.
• Excellent analytical, investigative, report-writing, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• High level of integrity, objectivity, confidentiality, and professional ethics.
• Ability to work independently and provide unbiased assurance to Executive Management and the Board.
• Professional certifications such as ACA, ACCA, CIA, CISA, ACIB, CAMS, CRISC, or other relevant professional qualifications will be an added advantage.