Internal Audit Manager

INTERNAL AUDIT MANAGER

Department: Internal Control

Reporting to: Board of Directors

Number of positions: 1

Job summary:

Responsible for planning, executing and overseeing audit activities (financial, operational, compliance, IT) within the Bank. The role ensures that the institution has effective internal controls, risk management, governance, and compliance with applicable laws, regulations, industry best practices, and internal policies. The incumbent will lead the audit team, liaise with senior management and the audit committee, and contribute to enhancing the control environment and operational efficiency.

I. KEY ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES 

• Develop and implement an annual risk-based audit plan covering branches, departments, support functions, IT systems, and high-risk areas;
• Lead audit engagements from planning to reporting: define audit scope, objectives, methodology; supervise audit fieldwork, review audit work-papers; compile and present audit reports with findings, recommendations and management responses;
• Evaluate the adequacy and effectiveness of internal controls, governance and risk management processes; identify control weaknesses, inefficiencies, non-compliance and areas for cost/operational improvement;
• Monitor implementation of audit recommendations and perform follow-up reviews to ensure agreed actions are taken;
• Manage and coach the audit team, assign engagements, monitor progress, review work, develop capacity, and ensure quality of work;
• Liaise with senior management, business unit heads, external auditors and regulators; present findings and advice, support the audit committee or equivalent oversight body;
• Ensure audit activities are aligned with regulatory requirements (e.g., central bank/financial sector regulation in Rwanda), industry standards (e.g., International Standards on Auditing (ISA) where applicable), and internal policies/procedures;
• Promote continuous improvement of audit methods and techniques (including use of data analytics, IT audit tools), update audit manuals and templates accordingly;
• Prepare periodic management reports on audit results, key audit issues, trends, emerging risks, and status of corrective actions;
• Contribute to the strategic direction of the internal audit function and ensure alignment with the institution’s objectives, culture and risk appetite;
• Perform any other task assigned by the supervisor;

II. REQUIRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE 

• Holder of a bachelor’s/master’s degree in Accounting or Finance.
• Professional certification such as Certified Public Accountant (CPA) is a must.
• Minimum of 4 years of significant audit experience in either external audit firm and/or internal audit function, preferably in a financial institution
• Prior experience in a supervisory or managerial role leading audit engagements or managing a team;
• Understanding of financial services (micro-finance/ banking/financial institutions) operations, risks, and regulatory environment is highly desirable;
• Familiarity with relevant accounting standards such as IFRS, Internal auditing standards (ISA), risk and internal control frameworks;
• Proficiency in audit software, data analytics tools, Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint).
• Working knowledge of Finance and Accounting Policies and Procedures preferred with the ability to quickly assimilate specific finance policy knowledge
• Strong analytical skills include the ability to spot, assess and address risk, materiality and interdependencies and translate it into impact analysis for the financial reporting and recommendations for improvement
• Strong communication skills presenting internal control and risk matters in an understandable way across various forums and levels of the organization with the right level of detail.
• Knowledge of sound internal control principles and demonstrated ability to provide solutions to control issues
• Strong oral and written communication skills, including sound presentational skills
• Strong presentation skills with the ability to present and interact with various levels of management
• Adaptable to working in a fast paced, ever-changing environment
• Striving for continuous improvement and optimization
• Ability to work both individually, and within a team environment, build strong relationships and maintain rapport with cross-functional business units, Internal Control teams and with external consultants
• Ability to manage projects, with attention to detail on multiple concurrent tasks, while meeting various deadlines
• Fluency in English and Kinyarwanda