Job Description
Key Responsibilities
Audit Planning and Execution:
- Develop and execute a comprehensive annual audit plan based on risk assessments and project priorities
- Develop and manage the audit schedule and timeline for the project.
- Oversee the execution of internal audits, external audits, and compliance audits for all project activities.
- Lead and perform audits across operational, financial, inventory, and compliance areas, ensuring adherence to internal controls and policies
- Carry out the audit process to review all payments and transactions in the central and cluster offices
- Review audit results and ensure corrective action plans are implemented as needed.
Financial Compliance and Risk Management:
- Ensure project financial activities comply with USAID regulations, KNCV Nigeria's financial policies, and applicable Nigerian laws.
- Evaluate the effectiveness of internal controls and identify areas of improvement or potential risks
- Identify financial risks and design internal control systems to mitigate risks of fraud, mismanagement, and inefficiencies.
- Ensure the organization’s operations comply with applicable laws, industry standards, and internal policies
- Monitor compliance with financial regulations, tax obligations, and corporate governance standards.
- Ensure accuracy and integrity of financial reporting and analysis for the project.
Reporting
- Prepare detailed audit reports and present findings and recommendations to senior management and the audit committee
- Provide audit findings and recommendations to management and ensure corrective measures are taken.
- Monitor the implementation of all external audit recommendations and follow up on corrective actions using the developed audit tracker.
- Ensure timely submission of audit reports to management and other relevant stakeholders.
Capacity Building and Training:
- Provide training and guidance to the project team and sub-recipients on financial compliance, internal controls, and audit processes.
- Build and manage the internal audit team, providing direction, coaching, and development.
- Foster a strong ethical culture and internal awareness of controls and audit readiness across departments.
- Identify inefficiencies and recommend enhancements in processes, systems, and workflows.
- Stay up to date with industry’s best practices, regulatory changes, and emerging risks relevant to the NGO donor funding sector
Collaboration and Coordination:
- Work closely with the finance team to ensure proper documentation, accurate financial records, and transparent financial processes.
- Coordinate with external auditors, USAID, and other partners during audit reviews and inspections.
- Liaise with the Director of Finance and Operations and the Project Director to address audit findings and implement corrective actions.
Skills and Qualifications
- A Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field.
- Professional certifications such as ACA or ACCA is a must.
- A Master's degree in Finance, Accounting, or Business Administration is desirable.
- A minimum of 7 years of experience in audit management, with at least 4 years in a supervisory role, preferably in USAID-funded projects or international development projects.
- Strong understanding of financial regulations, audit procedures, and internal control systems.
- Experience in managing audits for large-scale projects, especially in the health or development sector, is preferred.
- Proven experience in managing relationships with external auditors and stakeholders.
- Experience with USAID financial and audit regulations is highly desirable.
- Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
- Excellent attention to detail and ability to work with complex financial data.
- Ability to lead audit teams and collaborate effectively with other departments and partners.
- Strong verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to prepare detailed reports and presentations.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, accounting software, and financial reporting tools.
- High ethical standards and the ability to maintain confidentiality.
- Strong leadership abilities and a proactive approach to identifying and solving financial challenges.
- Ability to work in a fast-paced environment, handle multiple priorities, and meet deadlines.