Head - Internal Control, Audit, Compliance & Risk Management (Banking) at a Licensed Fintech-driven Microfinance Bank - Veridion Advisory Partners

Veridion Advisory Partners - Our client is a licensed fintech-driven microfinance bank positioned to redefine digital financial inclusion through technology-enabled lending, payments, and savings solutions. As a startup institution entering a critical growth phase, the organization is building a scalable digital banking model designed to serve individuals, SMEs, and underserved markets through secure, data-driven financial services aligned with CBN regulatory standards.

To establish a world-class financial foundation and institutional governance structure from inception, our client seeks an exceptional executive to fill the position below:

Job Title: Head - Internal Control, Audit, Compliance & Risk Management (Banking)

Location: Lagos
Employment Type: Full-time

Job Description

• The Head, Internal Control, Audit, Compliance & Risk Management will be responsible for establishing and leading the Bank’s entire governance, risk, control, audit, and compliance framework from inception.
• This is a board-facing and regulatory-critical role, providing independent assurance on the effectiveness of internal controls, risk management, and compliance with CBN guidelines and financial services regulations.
• The successful candidate will act as the Bank’s risk and control architect, ensuring the institution operates with zero tolerance for control failure, regulatory breaches, or financial leakages, while supporting sustainable growth.

Responsibilities
Enterprise Risk Management (ERM):

• Design and implement the Bank’s Enterprise Risk Management framework in line with global standards (COSO, ISO 31000).
• Identify, assess, monitor, and report strategic, operational, financial, credit, liquidity, and technology risks.
• Develop and maintain the Bank’s risk register and risk appetite framework.
• Conduct enterprise-wide risk assessments and scenario analysis.

Internal Control Framework:

• Establish robust internal control systems and maker-checker frameworks across all operations.
• Design control mechanisms to prevent fraud, revenue leakages, and operational losses.
• Conduct periodic control reviews and continuous monitoring.
• Drive control automation within digital banking processes.

Internal Audit Function:

• Build and lead the Bank’s internal audit function from scratch.
• Develop and execute a risk-based audit plan covering all business units.
• Conduct audits across financial, operational, IT, and compliance areas.
• Report audit findings and recommendations directly to the Board / Audit Committee.
• Track remediation of audit issues and ensure closure within timelines.

Compliance & Regulatory Management:

• Ensure full compliance with CBN regulations, NDIC requirements, and other statutory guidelines.
• Develop and implement compliance policies, procedures, and monitoring frameworks.
• Liaise with regulators and coordinate regulatory examinations and reporting.
• Monitor regulatory changes and ensure timely implementation.

Fraud Risk & Investigations:

• Develop and implement fraud risk management frameworks.
• Lead investigations into fraud, irregularities, and control breaches.
• Implement preventive and detective controls across all channels.
• Promote a strong anti-fraud culture within the Bank.

Policy Development & Governance:

• Develop and maintain policies, SOPs, and governance frameworks across the Bank.
• Ensure proper documentation of processes and controls.
• Support the establishment of Board governance structures and reporting frameworks.

Technology & Digital Risk Oversight:

• Assess risks related to digital banking platforms, cybersecurity, and IT systems.
• Collaborate with Technology teams to ensure secure and compliant system architecture.
• Implement controls around data protection, access management, and system integrity.

Reporting & Stakeholder Management:

• Provide periodic reports to Executive Management and the Board on risk, audit, and compliance status.
• Present risk insights and recommendations for strategic decision-making.
• Act as a key advisor on risk exposure and control effectiveness.

Department Setup & Leadership:

• Build and structure the Risk, Audit, Compliance, and Internal Control functions from the ground up.
• Recruit, train, and lead a high-performing team.
• Establish frameworks, tools, dashboards, and reporting systems.
• Embed a risk-aware and compliance-driven culture across the organization.

Requirements
Education:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting, Finance, Economics, or related discipline.
• MBA or relevant postgraduate qualification is an advantage.
• Professional certifications such as ACA, ACCA, CIA, CISA, CRISC, or equivalent are required.

Experience:

• Minimum of 15 years experience in banking, fintech, or financial services.
• At least 7 years in senior leadership roles within Risk, Audit, Compliance, or Internal Control.
• Proven experience in building and implementing risk and control frameworks.
• Strong experience in regulatory compliance and engagement with regulators.
• Experience in digital banking or fintech environments is highly desirable.

Skills:

• Strong expertise in Enterprise Risk Management, Internal Audit, and Internal Control frameworks.
• Deep knowledge of CBN regulations, NDIC requirements, and microfinance banking operations.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with high attention to detail.
• Ability to identify and mitigate financial, operational, and technology risks.
• Strong understanding of fraud risk management and investigation processes.
• Excellent reporting, presentation, and stakeholder management skills.
• High level of integrity, professionalism, and ethical standards.
• Ability to operate effectively in a startup and high-growth environment.

Other Requirements:

• Strong entrepreneurial mindset with the ability to build structures from inception.
• Ability to develop policies, frameworks, and governance systems from scratch.
• Strong leadership presence with the ability to engage Executive Management and the Board.
• Commitment to high ethical standards, governance, and regulatory excellence.

Salary
N1,500,000 - N2,500,000 monthly.

Application Closing Date
30th March, 2026.

How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should send their CV to: info.veridionadvisorypartners@gmail.com using “Head, Internal Control, Audit, Compliance & Risk Management (Banking)” as the subject of the mail.