Chief Internal Auditor (FMG/AS 5)

Job Purpose

Reporting to the Permanent Secretary, the incumbent is responsible for planning, directing, coordinating and monitoring the auditing of the Ministry of Local Government and Community Development, its Authorities and Agencies, ensuring that internal policies and procedures are adhered to and that internal controls are adequate to maintain the integrity of the organization and its’ operations as it relates to the Financial Administration and Audit Act. 

Key Responsibilities

Management/Administrative: 

• Participates in the development of the Ministry’s Corporate Planning process; 
• Develops Operational Plan, Budget Work Plan for the Division in accordance with the organizational priorities determined for the period; 
• Issues guidelines and instructions to the Audit Teams and tailors all instructions to each programme or functional areas in the organization; 
• Ensures the provision of proper working environment for efficiency and confidentiality; 
• Review and revises the organizational audit policies and procedures in accordance with auditing standards; 
• Develops audit plans in consultation with audit team leaders to include the priority level of each assignment, time, schedule and the deployment of staff and performance and value for money audit; 
• Manages the work of several audit teams engaging in financial and non-financial audits with the Ministry, Local Authorities and portfolio entities. 

Technical/Professional: 

• Conducts site visits as necessary to monitor audit progress and provide guidance; 
• Reviews and signs-off on the working paper of audits undertaken by the Unit; 
• Manages and reviews the preparation and submission of all audit reports and findings for accuracy, soundness and compliance with internal audit standards; 
• Prepares and submits quarterly reports on activities and findings of the Audit Unit to the Ministry of Finance and the Public Service; 
• Attends Court, Public Accounts Committee sessions or other related meetings to present audit explanation through clarifications; 
• Facilitates/participates in the development and implementation of financial and/or non financial system for compliance with legislation, regulations and other guidelines; 
• Appraises and reviews reports addressing internal control processes employed to develop and implement new financial and non-financial systems and to comment on the implications of identified strengths and weaknesses observed in the conduct of routine and special audits; 
• Reports on the result of audits; 
• Designs and implements Risks Assessment procedures; 
• Provides assurance to management on the reliability of financial reporting and the degree of compliance with organizational policies, procedures and applicable laws and regulations; 
• Provides technical advice/recommendations and monitors the response to audit findings; 
• Follows-up Division Heads responses to audit reports to ensure that deficiencies are corrected, improved procedures are implemented and internal controls are being adhered to; 
• Ensures a smooth client interface with audit teams; 
• Administers the detailed orientation package to new members of the Internal Audit Department; 

Human Resource: 

• Monitors and evaluates the performance of direct reports, prepares performance appraisals and recommends and/or initiate corrective actions wherever necessary, to improve performance and/or established personal and/or organizational goals 
• Participates in the recruitment of staff for the Division and recommends transfers, promotion, termination and leave in accordance with established human resource policies and procedures; 
• Develops and implements in collaboration with the Human Resource Department, a programme of Succession Planning for the Division to facilitate continuity and the availability of required skills and competencies to meet the needs of the Division; 
• Provides leadership and guidance to direct reports through effective planning, delegation, communication, training mentoring and coaching; 
• Ensures the welfare and developmental needs of staff in the Division are clearly identified and addressed; 
• Establishes and maintains a system that fosters a culture of teamwork, employee empowerment and commitment to the Division’s and Organization’s goals;
• Performs any other related duties that may be assigned from time to time. 

Required Knowledge, Skills and Competencies

Core: 

• Excellent oral and written communication skills; 
• Excellent interpersonal and customer relations skills; 
• Excellent ethics/integrity is exercised in the performance of duties; 
• Proficiency in the use of relevant computer applications. 

Functional: 

• Excellent technical skills; 
• Good leadership skills; 
• Good use of technology; 
• Expert knowledge of accounting principles and practice; 
• Expert knowledge of auditing principles and techniques; 
• Working knowledge of laws, regulations and other instructions relevant to the Ministry;
• Working knowledge of the Microsoft Office Suite components; 
• Working knowledge of Government Accounting, sampling techniques and Application of computer assisted audit techniques. 

Minimum Required Qualification and Experience

• First Degree preferably in Accounts, Finance, Business Administration, Management or Economics. 

OR 

• ACCA Fundamentals plus over six (6) years auditing experience and relevant experience in the specialized area; 
• Successful completion of relevant Government auditing courses and Professional Audit training would be an asset.

Please note that only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.