Head, Internal Control & Audit at a Financial Company (Microfinance Bank) - Westfield Consulting Limited

Westfield Consulting Limited - Our client, in the Financial Sector (Microfinance Bank), is recruiting qualified and passionate candidates to fill the position below:

Job Title: Head, Internal Control & Audit

Location: Ojodu Berger, Lagos 
Employment Type: Full-time

Job Summary

• 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.
• Ensure adequate coverage of surprise cash counts, vault checks, and physical verification of assets and collateral registers across the bank.
• Review and approve audit work papers and internal control review reports to ensure they meet professional quality standards prior to issuance.
• Build, lead, train, and develop a competent Internal Control and Audit team, ensuring appropriate staffing, succession planning, and continuous professional development.
• Ensure the effective operation of the bank's whistle-blowing policy and mechanism and oversee follow-up on reported concerns.
• Foster and promote a strong internal control culture, ethical conduct, and compliance awareness across all levels of the bank.
• Monitor adherence to credit approval limits, delegated authority structures, and service-level standards across business units.
• Prepare and manage the annual budget for the Internal Control and Audit Department, ensuring optimal use of resources.
• Keep abreast of emerging regulatory developments, industry trends, and best practices in internal audit and control, and advise the Board and Management accordingly.
• Represent the bank at relevant industry, professional, and regulatory forums on matters relating to internal control and audit.
• Perform any other duties as may be assigned by the Managing Director/CEO or the Board Audit Committee from time to time.

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.
• Excellent strategic thinking, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Outstanding report writing skills, with the ability to present complex findings clearly to the Board and Executive Management.
• Advanced proficiency in MS Office and audit/risk management software and databases.
• Unquestioned personal integrity, objectivity, and strong ethical values consistent with the bank's culture.
• Ability to work independently, exercise sound judgement, and manage multiple priorities under minimal supervision.

Salary
N250,000 monthly (gross).

Application Closing Date
Not Specified.

How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should send their current CV to: victor.allu@westfield-consulting.com using the Job Title as the subject of the mail.

Note: Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.