Career – Head of Internal Audit

HEAD OF INTERNAL AUDIT
Location: Techiman, Bono East Region of Ghana| Industry: Agro-processing & Manufacturing

A leading multi-subsidiary group operating in Ghana’s agro-processing and manufacturing sector is seeking a highly experienced, ethical, and results-driven Head of Internal Audit to spearhead its internal control and risk management functions. This is a strategic and high-impact leadership role, offering the successful candidate the opportunity to influence financial, operational, and regulatory performance across the Group.

The ideal candidate will be responsible for planning and executing financial, operational, system, and process audits, as well as evaluating risk management practices across the organization and its outsourced functions (if applicable). The role involves assessing the adequacy and effectiveness of internal controls over financial reporting, regulatory compliance, and core business operations.

The successful applicant will provide independent and objective evaluations of the Group’s control environment and offer actionable recommendations to strengthen control effectiveness and operational efficiency. In addition, the role will involve leading and developing the Internal Audit team to ensure optimal use of resources in an economic, efficient, and effective manner.

A. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Internal Audit Head:
1. Define and implement Audit objectives and strategies in line with Company strategies and in consultation with Executive Management.
2. Define and document a risk-based audit handbook which includes audit methodologies to standardize an approach to audit reporting within the Group.
3. Develop and manage a flexible annual audit plan using appropriate risk-based methodology, including any risks or control concerns identified by management, and submit that plan to the CEO and relevant audit committee for review and approval.
4. Implement the annual audit plan, as approved, including, as appropriate, any special tasks or projects requested by management and the audit committee; and report periodically on the status and results of the audit plan and the adequacy of resources allotted to the function.
5. Assess the adequacy and effectiveness of internal control and risk management processes established by management and report on same.
6. Undertake review of systems of internal controls maintained by the companies to safeguard financial and physical assets and make recommendations to correct any weaknesses.
7. Review the effectiveness of controls to prevent or detect fraud. Consider where fraud risk is present within the business and respond appropriately by auditing the controls of that area of operation, evaluating the potential for the occurrence of fraud and how the organization manages fraud risk through risk assessment, and audit planning.
8. Carry out special audits and investigations as may be required by the audit committee and/ or management in case fraudulent activity is suspected.
9. Undertake financial, operational, administrative and information technology audits, for GNL and Affiliates’ programs and projects.
10. Ensure development of risk measurement and methodology frameworks to help achieve effective risk management and control.
11. Carry out annual assessment of each company’s overall risk management strategy and its key elements including identification of risk, setting risk tolerance levels, continuous assessment and measurement of risk, among others.
12. Ensure each company builds capacity to identify, capture, measure, monitor, manage and control various risks (including market risk, credit risk, foreign currency risk, and sovereign risk) that the businesses are exposed to.
13. Provide independent and objective assurance on risk management procedures and risk controls put in place by management.
14. Assessments of the company’s risk management program, particularly as they relate to regulatory compliance.
15. Evaluate and assess significant new services, processes, operations, and controls.
16. Liaise with the external auditors as appropriate, for the purpose of providing optimal audit coverage of the companies.
17. Evaluate each company’s adherence to established regulations and standards at all business levels to reduce the risk of fines, penalties, litigations and reputational damage to the business.
18. Ensure timely rendition of audit reports to the Audit Committee, CEO and Senior Management.
19. Maintain good relationships with audit clients, external auditors, regulators and other relevant stakeholders.
20. Lead the Internal Audit team and embed performance management within the Internal Audit function.
21. Collaborate effectively with internal and external assurance providers.
22. Consolidate and report to the CEO, Audit Committee and Senior Management on key control weaknesses within the Group.
23. Undertaking such other activities is deemed to be in conformity with the Institute of Internal Auditors standards for the professional practice of internal auditing.
24. Follow up on the implementation of external audit recommendations.
25. Follow up on the implementation of internal audit recommendations using healthy dialogue and continuous monitoring of the control environment.
26. Regular interaction with business heads to keep abreast of changes in strategy, new initiatives and products.
27. Build capacity and develop the required skills and resources to ensure effective audit and risk management within the Group.

B. KEY SUCCESS FACTORS
1. Senior management support.
2. Functional Board/Audit Committee.
3. Organization Culture and acceptance.
4. Adequate well-trained and competent Internal Audit staff.
• Achieve 100% audit plan execution.
• Accurate & Timely submission of Audit reports.
• Reduction in operational losses.
• Regulatory compliance.
• Satisfactory ratings from the audit clients and the business.
• Good communication, interpersonal and organizational skills.
• Emotional intelligence.

C. ACADEMIC/PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATION AND EXPERIENCE
1. Bachelor’s degree in accounting, Finance, Business Administration or related subject.
2. Must be in possession of an internationally recognized Professional Accounting Qualifications (ACCA, ICA, CIA, CPA, ACA, CIPFA, CIMA or its equivalent).
3. Thorough understanding of International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) and various regional statutory requirements and their application.
4. Good understanding of International Standards for the Professional Practice of Internal Auditing.
5. Knowledge of accounting packages or ERP such as SAP, Oracle, SAGE, Sun, Microsoft Dynamics NAV, Pastel, QuickBooks etc.
6. Membership with the Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA).
7. Minimum of 7 years’ work experience in an audit firm and four (4) years relevant experience as an Internal and Risk Auditor.
8. Good understanding of the role of an Internal Auditor.
9. Excellent knowledge of risk-based audit approach/methodology.
10. Good knowledge of Shea and its derivatives, Agribusiness and FMCG industries.
11. Skills, Competencies and Behaviour
12. Strong communication, presentation, interpersonal and organizational skills.
13. Demonstrate flexibility and follow through on commitment.
14. Ability to maintain high standards of integrity and emotional intelligence; establish straightforward, productive relationships; treat individuals with fairness and respect, demonstrating sensitivity for ethnic, cultural and gender differences.
15. Ability to project and uphold Independence of mind.
16. Ability to implement performance management systems, giving candid performance feedback, rewarding desirable behaviour and providing support to professional development efforts linked to strategic objectives.
17. Proficiency in computer applications such as word processing, database, spreadsheets, accounting packages, email, internet and the workflow process.
18. Risk management and audit processes.
19. General fraud prevention strategies.
20. Initiative and self-drive for high quality performance.
21. Ability to work as a team player.
22. Problem solving and analysis.
23. Attention to detail.

D. APPLICATION PROCESS
JS Morlu Ghana is managing this recruitment on behalf of our client. Interested applicants should send their CV and cover letter to hr.internalaudit@jsmorlu.com by April 30, 2025.