Job Purpose

The Internal Audit Manager will assist the Group Head of Internal Audit, East Africa in providing assurance on the effectiveness of controls in place to address risks to the achievement of Watu’s TZ strategic and operational objectives. In addition, he/she will oversee risk management programs executed by the second line of defense.

Key duties and Responsibilities

IA Function Management

• Establish internal audit (IA) audit charter including IA terms of reference and service delivery approach
• Lead and assess annual risk assessments to formulate risk-based audit plan
• Develop and implement a plan for professional and career development of IA staff
• Determine an adequate budget to support IA planned activities
• Deploy sufficient staff with appropriate competencies to achieve engagement objectives.
• Play a key role in annual audit planning process
• Coach staff to enhance competence and professional development
• Determine the appropriate continuing professional development necessary to keep staff effective at work
• Conduct effective performance appraisal of IA teams against key performance indicators.

Engagement Planning

• Evaluate the relevance and the prioritization or focus of the audit plan and its alignment with IA and organizational strategies
• Develop and document risk-based audit plans, objectives, scope, timing, and resource allocations
• Identify sources of potential engagements through risk framework
• Review audit engagement objectives and scope to ensure they address the risks identified 
• Review and approve audit engagement programs
• Revise audit plans based on business rollout plans for new technology applications.

Engagement Execution

• Verifying implementation and maintenance of the appropriate internal controls by the management 
• Reviewing the reliability and integrity of financial and operational information and the means used to identify, measure, classify and report such information.
• Reviewing the systems established by management to ensure compliance with policies, plans, procedures, laws, and regulations that could have a significant impact on operations and management reports and determining compliance.
• Providing an annual written assessment regarding the effectiveness of the system of internal controls, risk management and governance to the WATU TZ BARC Committee to enable the Board to report on the effectiveness of the system of internal controls, where applicable.
• Conducting a review of key financial reporting controls in identified financial systems and processes and providing a written assessment to the WATU TZ BARC Committee.
• Conducting ad hoc and special assignments as and when the need arises after formal consent has been obtained considering the approved annual audit plan; and
• Rendering advisory services if there is no possibility that independence and objectivity may be jeopardized in future audits 
• Review audit working papers to ensure that they sufficiently document information obtained, analysis made, and support conclusions
• Present and discuss risk-based audit engagement findings with process owners

Information Gathering and Analysis

• Review business insights and make recommendations for improvement
• Use insights and recommendations to enhance planning and delivery of work outputs
• Define areas of focus for data analysis in alignment with the objectives and priorities of the strategies and plans
• Conceptualize new data collection, analysis and interpretation techniques and data and information sources.

Enterprise Risk Management

• Assessing the adequacy of the combined assurance approach adopted by the organization, which includes the adequacy of risks covered by the different assurance providers and the reliability of the assurance provided. 

Key performance indicators (KPIs)

1. Satisfactory achievement of approved audit plans at ≥85% completion of fieldwork; with 70% of reports issued relating to these projects at year-end
2. Timeous reporting to the BARC on a quarterly basis 
3. Potential operational efficiencies/process improvement/cost savings generated from implementing internal audit and/or risk mitigation recommendations
4. Significance of audit findings /risk mitigation recommendations
5. Operationalized updated and robust companywide compliance calendars
6. Robust risk management programs including departmental risk register and risk champions networks.
7. Effective utilization of resources and cost management
8. Certifications obtained /number of training hours per year.
9. Adhering to IIA Code of Ethics and Watu TZ Code of conduct and value.

Qualifications:

1. Education level: Minimum of a University degree, preferably in a business-related discipline from a reputable and recognized institution
2. Certifications:  

CPA.

CIA/CISA will be an added advantage.

3.  Experience: 5+ years of experience of internal or external audit with a reputable organization, 2 of which should have been in an audit committee reporting capacity.

Technical skills:

• Proven knowledge of accounting and auditing standards, laws, rules, and regulations, risk management frameworks, procedures, and practices
• High attention to detail and excellent analytical skills
• Must be able to demonstrate a broad technical knowledge and expertise covering the conduct of business, corporate governance and regulatory risk and regulatory change matters.
• Proven track record of delivering enhancements to process efficiency 
• Excellent communication skills, ability to communicate and influence at all levels of the organization (both verbal and written) 
• Experience in working with data and data manipulation tools is also required.

Behavioral skills: 

They must demonstrate the following values:

• Customer Focus – deliver and maintain a high level of customer service with both our internal and external customers.
• Ownership – treat Watu as your own company and make decisions that would benefit us all aligned with our company values – with a clear focus of delivering on the agreed KPIs.
• Respect – display respect and maintain respectful relationships within our Watu teams and our customers and partners.
• Integrity – operate openly and transparently with our teams, customers, and partners – Act with Integrity.
• Empowerment – Learn and grow with Watu. 
• Ability to perform under pressure, handle heavy workloads, and meet stringent reporting deadlines. 
• Ability to work as part of an effective dynamic team. 
• Ability to work unsupervised and maintain motivation. 
• Maintain the highest standards of professionalism and independence in the execution of duties with the highest level of integrity and quality.
• Maintain a neat and professional appearance.
• Ability to handle sensitive company information and maintain confidentiality.

People & Leadership Skills

• Participate in mid-year performance appraisals, annual performance appraisals and monthly 1-1s as per Watu performance management cycle. 
• Work together to create an environment that fosters teamwork and cooperation.
• Attend training sessions offered to continuously improve skills and knowledge.
• Be proactive and self-motivated to achieve set Key Performance Indicators (KPIs).
• Recommend new ways of working to continuously improve efficiency, productivity and enhance both our internal and external customer experience.
• Keep updated on any changes in policies, schedules, and product knowledge to the team.
• Attend and participate in team meetings.

WHAT WE OFFER:

• Be a part of an international, dynamic and driven team that has set their aspirations high and work hard to achieve those
• Opportunities to learn and grow together with us
• Competitive compensation package 
• Health benefits

Do you see yourself being part of the WATU team? Then please apply with your CV and a cover letter, we are looking forward to working with you!

**Please be cautious, this vacancy does not require individuals to pay for job opportunities**