Assistant Internal Audit Manager

Role & responsibilities

1. Internal Audit & Risk Management

Audit Planning & Execution

• Experience in Risk Management and preparation of Risk Based audit plan
• Review of business, operational and functional areas across Retail, real Estate and Manufacturing sector to identify risks, provide risk mitigation plans, work with business teams to implement the controls.
• Execute risk-based internal audits for retail stores, warehouses, distribution centres, and head office functions.
• Perform store audits covering cash handling, POS controls, inventory management, discounts, promotions, and shrinkage.

Inventory & Loss Prevention Controls

• Supervise cycle counts, stock verifications, and surprise audits at stores and warehouses.
• Analyze shrinkage, pilferage, expiries, damages, and slow-moving inventory, and provide recommendations to improve the controls and governance.
• Review loss prevention controls, CCTV usage, access controls, and store compliance.

2. Operational Audits & Compliance Reviews

• Perform operational audits such as procurement-to-pay, order-to-cash, and inventory management, sales management (pricing, promotions, markdowns, and loyalty programs), Supply Chain and Logistics, etc.
• Ensure adherence to internal and operational efficiency while performing audit reviews.
• Review of compliance requirements such as tax, legal, and regulatory requirements, and support management relevant to FMCG, retail, Real Estate and Manufacturing sector to implement controls
• Ensure compliance with internal SOPs, delegation of authority, and retail policies.
• Evaluate IT and POS system controls, including user access and master data changes.
• Review & evaluate the adequacy of controls in new system implementation, projects or newly set up business units
• Review and test internal financial controls (IFC) and report on operating effectiveness.
• Supervise the quality of out-sourced audit firms for delivery of agreed audit plan and ensure issues are closed to address the identified controls gaps.
• Monitor implementation of audit recommendations and highlight risk areas for management review.
• Design and implement an audit compliance /action tracking mechanism for mitigation of identified risks in the audit reports. Provide update to Senior management about the open audit actions.
• Support management to implement the required controls to mitigate the risk via required SOPs, automated controls, governance, etc.

3. Data Analytics & Automation

• Use Excel, Power BI, or other analytical tools to identify anomalies, trends, and potential risk indicators.
• Support implementation of automated audit tests and dashboards for continuous control monitoring.
• Assist in digitization of audit workpapers and development of data-driven audit methodologies.

4. Coordination & Reporting

• Collaborate with finance, operations, and compliance teams to ensure audit readiness and consistency in control practices.
• Prepare and submit audit reports, dashboards, and compliance updates to senior management - highlighting operational gaps, financial risks, and control weaknesses.
• Rate audit observations based on impact and likelihood.
• Follow up on corrective actions and validate implementation at stores and warehouses.

1. Stakeholders management

• Build and maintain strong working relationship with all internal and external stakeholders.
• Maintain regular follow-ups related to projects and task allotted with Head of Audit and senior management
• Work closely with business and functional heads, Operations team, supply chain, IT, finance teams, etc.
• Support external audits and internal investigations, including fraud and revenue leakage cases.

2. Leadership & Development

• Foster a culture of professional scepticism, innovation, and ethical conduct within the team.

3. Self-Development

• Develop oneself through organizational initiatives like coaching, training, continuous feedback sessions and learn from interactions at the management level about the strategic intent desired by them.
• Champion a culture of integrity, compliance, and continuous improvement across the organization
• Dedicate time learning new methodologies for Risk, Compliance and digitisation to improve overall governance and effectiveness of controls and efficiency of operations.

Preferred candidate profile

Technical

• Working knowledge of international audit techniques and Standards

Competencies

• Working knowledge in the Internal and External audit domains including financials, operational, processes, risk assessment, compliance, etc.
• Internal Audit functioning, regulation and control in Procurement, Back Office operations, Food/Grocery Retail, real Estate, manufacturing sector
• Knowledge of Reporting Tools like Power BI, Tableau, etc. for management reporting
• Experienced in audit of SAP ERP or other ERP systems like Axpert and procurement tools
• Knowledge of Accounting standards, Financial Reporting and Compliance requirements

Behavioural

• Analytical mindset and problem-solving skill

Competencies

• Must be self-directed and able to work independently.
• Ability to see the big picture with high attention to critical details
• Excellent consultative, interpersonal, communication and presentation skills.
• Good governance and control perspective Strong willed and able to influence
• Ability to champion continuous change and consult with versatility

Qualification

• CA, CPA, CA (Inter) or MBA Finance or equivalent education

Work Experience

• 5 years and above experience in internal audit, financial & operational audit, compliance, and risk management roles in large & multi location companies preferably in Africa continent
• Proven experience in independently executing Internal Audits, Assurance, Risk management and Compliance related work.