Head of Internal Control

Responsibilities:

• Design, implement, and monitor internal control policies and procedures in line with CBN guidelines for microfinance banks.
• Identify, assess, and manage operational, credit, financial, and compliance risks.
• Ensure adequate segregation of duties across all functions, especially cash handling, loan processing, and reconciliations.

Regulatory Compliance:

• Ensure full compliance with CBN regulations and other applicable laws.
• Monitor adherence to internal policies, operational manuals, and regulatory limits.
• Prepare and submit internal control reports required by regulators and management.

Audit & Control:

• Conduct regular branch and head office control reviews.
• Review loan documentation, disbursement processes, and recovery activities to ensure compliance.
• Investigate fraud cases, control breaches, and irregularities and recommend corrective actions.
• Follow up on internal and external audit findings to ensure timely resolution.

Financial & Operational Controls:

• Review daily transactions, cash management processes, and reconciliations.
• Monitor expense controls, revenue assurance, and asset safeguarding.
• Ensure proper authorisation limits are observed at all levels.

Reporting & Advisory:

• Prepare periodic internal control, risk, and compliance reports for management and the Board.
• Advise management on control weaknesses and process improvements.
• Support external auditors and regulatory examiners during audits and inspections.
• Leadership & Capacity Building
• Supervise and mentor internal control officers and branch control staff.
• Promote a strong compliance and risk culture across the bank.
• Conduct staff sensitisation on internal controls, ethics, and fraud prevention.

Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, banking, business administration, or a related discipline.
• Professional qualifications such as ICAN, ACCA, CPA, CIA, or CISA are strongly preferred.
• A minimum of 5–10 years of experience in internal control, audit, or risk management, preferably within a microfinance or deposit-money bank.
• Strong knowledge of CBN microfinance bank regulations and banking operations.

Skills & Competencies:

• Strong understanding of microfinance operations and credit processes
• High level of integrity and independence
• Strong analytical, investigative, and reporting skills
• Attention to detail and sound judgment
• Excellent leadership and communication skills