PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) Nigeria has been operating in Nigeria since 1953 through its predecessor firms of Coopers & Lybrand and Price Waterhouse. We're one of the leading professional services firms in the country with offices in Lagos, Abuja and Port Harcourt, over 1000 staff and 31 resident partners.
At PwC, our people in audit and assurance focus on providing independent and objective assessments of financial statements, internal controls, and other assurable information enhancing the credibility and reliability of this information with a variety of stakeholders.
They evaluate compliance with regulations including assessing governance and risk management processes and related controls.
Those in internal audit at PwC help build, optimise and deliver end-to-end internal audit services to clients in all industries.
This includes IA function setup and transformation, co-sourcing, outsourcing and managed services, using AI and other risk technology and delivery models.
IA capabilities are combined with other industry and technical expertise, in areas like cyber, forensics and compliance, to address the full spectrum of risks.
This helps organisations to harness the power of IA to help the organisation protect value and navigate disruption, and obtain confidence to take risks to power growth.
As a Senior Associate, you play a critical role in evaluating and enhancing our client’s internal controls, risk management, and governance processes.
This position requires strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and the ability to collaborate with various stakeholders to ensure compliance with regulatory standards and operational efficiency.
The Senior Associate will work closely with internal audit leadership to execute internal audit plans, identify control weaknesses, and recommend improvements.
Key responsibilities
Audit Planning and Execution:
Develop comprehensive audit plans, including scope, objectives, and methodologies.
Conduct risk assessments to identify key areas of focus for internal audits.
Execute audit procedures, including testing and evaluating internal controls over financial and non-financial processes.
Ensure internal audits are conducted in accordance with applicable standards (e.g., IIA Standards).
Team Supervision and Development:
Lead and supervise a team of junior internal auditors, providing guidance and support throughout the audit process.
Review and evaluate the work of junior auditors for accuracy, completeness, and compliance with audit standards.
Mentor and train junior staff, fostering a culture of continuous learning and professional development.
Audit Reporting and Communication:
Prepare detailed internal audit reports that clearly communicate audit findings, risks, and recommendations.
Present audit findings to senior management and stakeholders, providing actionable insights and suggestions for improvement.
Follow up on audit recommendations to ensure timely and effective implementation of corrective actions.
Compliance and Risk Management:
Ensure all internal audits are conducted in compliance with relevant laws, regulations, and internal policies.
Identify and assess areas of significant business risk and develop strategies to mitigate these risks.
Stay updated on changes in regulatory requirements and industry best practices.
Stakeholder Engagement:
Collaborate with various departments and stakeholders to gather necessary information and understand business processes.
Build and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders to facilitate effective communication and cooperation during audits.
Provide advisory services to management on risk management, internal controls, and governance practices.
Qualifications
Education:
Professional certifications such as ICAN (Institute of Chartered Accountants in Nigeria), CIA (Certified Internal Auditor), or ACCA (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants) is a must.
Experience:
Minimum of 4 years of experience in internal or external audits.
Experience in Oil & Gas audit is preferred.
Proven track record of leading audit engagements.
Skills:
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to interpret complex financial data.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively present findings and recommendations.
Proficiency in audit software and tools, such as ACL, IDEA, or similar.
Strong understanding of internal control frameworks, risk management principles, and regulatory requirements.
Key Attributes
Attention to Detail:
Ability to meticulously review and analyze financial data, ensuring accuracy and completeness.
Leadership:
Capable of leading and motivating a team, fostering a collaborative and productive work environment.
Adaptability:
Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and manage multiple tasks simultaneously, while maintaining high standards of quality.
Integrity:
High ethical standards and professionalism, with a commitment to maintaining confidentiality and integrity in all audit activities.