The Head, Internal Control and Audit provide strategic leadership and independent assurance over the effectiveness of the bank's risk management, internal control, and governance processes
Responsibilities
Provide strategic leadership, direction, and oversight for the Internal Control and Internal Audit functions.
Develop and present the annual risk-based Internal Audit Plan and Internal Control review programme to the Board Audit Committee for approval and ensure execution within the approved schedule.
Provide independent and objective assurance on the adequacy, effectiveness, and efficiency of the bank's risk management, internal control, and corporate governance processes.
Design, implement, and periodically review the Internal Control and Audit Charter, policies, procedures, and methodologies in line with leading practice and regulatory expectations.
Oversee comprehensive audits of loan origination, underwriting, disbursement, collateral perfection, and loan recovery/delinquency management processes.
Ensure the bank's compliance with CBN Prudential Guidelines, BOFIA, AML/CFT/CPF requirements, IFRS/IAS, and other applicable regulatory directives.
Direct the evaluation of internal controls over financial reporting, treasury and investment operations, procurement, payroll, and other key operational and financial processes.
Lead the assessment of credit risk, operational risk, and asset quality, including review of non-performing loan portfolios and control weaknesses affecting the loan book.
Oversee IT general controls, cybersecurity, information security, system access management, and business continuity/disaster recovery arrangements.
Direct investigations into fraud, forgery, suspicious transactions, and significant control breaches, and ensure timely escalation and resolution.
Present quarterly (and as-required) Internal Audit and Internal Control reports to the Board Audit Committee, Board Risk Management Committee, and Executive Management.
Track and drive the implementation of audit recommendations and management action plans, escalating unresolved high-risk issues to the Board and Executive Management.
Serve as the primary liaison with the CBN, NDIC, external auditors, and other regulators/examiners during inspections, examinations, and audit engagements.
Requirements
Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Economics, Business Administration, or a related field; a Master's degree is an added advantage.
Relevant professional certification(s) such as ICAN, ACCA, CIA, CISA, CFE, or CRMA is required.
Minimum of seven (7) years of post-qualification experience in internal audit, internal control, risk management, or external audit, with at least three (3) years in a senior leadership/managerial capacity within a bank, microfinance institution, or other financial services organisation.
In-depth knowledge of CBN Guidelines/Circulars, Prudential Guidelines, BOFIA, AML/CFT/CPF Guidelines, IFRS/IAS, and Data Protection Regulations.
Strong working knowledge of the COSO Risk and Internal Control Framework and enterprise risk management principles.
Demonstrated experience engaging with the CBN, external auditors, and other regulators/examiners.
Strong leadership, people management, and team development skills, with the ability to build and lead a high-performing department.