Head of Internal Audit

Overview

About the job:

Kent is looking for The Head of Internal Audit who is responsible for leading the internal audit function and providing independent, objective assurance on the effectiveness of the company’s governance, risk management, and internal control processes. The role will focus on mitigating enterprise risks, ensuring regulatory compliance, and enhancing the overall risk management framework. The Head of Internal Audit will report to the Chairman of the Audit and Risk Committee, and work closely with senior leadership to safeguard the integrity of the company’s operations and financial health.

Skills and Responsibilities:
Responsibilities:
Develop and Lead the Internal Audit Function:

• Establish and implement a risk-based internal audit plan that addresses the company’s key risks, including financial, operational, compliance, and IT risks.
• Ensure the internal audit function is aligned with industry best practices and regulatory requirements.
• Shape, build and then provide leadership and mentorship to the internal audit team, ensuring high standards of performance and professional development

Enterprise Risk Mitigation:

• Assess and monitor the company’s enterprise risks, including compliance, cybersecurity, operational, financial, and geopolitical risks, and make recommendations for their mitigation.
• Ensure that internal controls are designed and operating effectively to mitigate key enterprise risks, including those identified in the company’s risk appetite statement.
• Conduct audits to evaluate the effectiveness of the company’s risk management framework and internal controls.

Compliance and Regulatory Oversight:

• In conjunction with the company’s legal & compliance team, ensure that the company complies with relevant regulatory frameworks, such as anti-bribery and corruption laws, GDPR, and other global regulations.
• Oversee audits related to financial compliance, anti-corruption, anti-fraud, data protection, and ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) reporting.
• Monitor adherence to company policies and procedures and recommend improvements where necessary.

Cybersecurity and IT Risk Management:

• Work closely with the IT department and cybersecurity teams to assess the effectiveness of cybersecurity controls and data protection strategies.
• Ensure regular audits are conducted on the company’s cybersecurity measures, identifying vulnerabilities and making recommendations to mitigate cyber threats.

Financial and Operational Audits:

• Conduct audits of financial controls and operational processes to ensure accuracy, efficiency, and compliance.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of financial controls and internal controls.

Reporting and Communication:

• Regularly report to the Chairman of the Audit and Risk Committee on the effectiveness of internal controls, audit findings, and recommendations for improvement.
• Present audit results to the Board and senior management, providing actionable insights for enhancing risk management and internal controls.
• Facilitate communication and coordination between the internal audit function, the Audit and Risk Committee, and external auditors.

Crisis Management and Special Investigations:

• With support from the company’s legal & compliance team, lead investigations into fraud, corruption, or compliance breaches, ensuring that thorough and impartial audits are conducted.
• Support crisis management efforts by providing internal control assessments and auditing contingency planning efforts, including those related to geopolitical risks or health crises (e.g., pandemics).

In addition to the responsibilities listed herein, the successful candidate may be required to perform other ad-hoc tasks as needed or directed by management. These tasks will be within the reasonable scope of the employee’s skills, capabilities, and role within the organization. The intent of this provision is to allow for flexibility and adaptability in meeting the dynamic needs of the organization, ensuring that operational requirements can be met efficiently. All such tasks will be assigned considering the employee’s current workload and with respect to their professional development.

Your knowledge/skills, education, and experience:
Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or related field. A master’s degree or MBA is preferred.
• Professional certifications such as CIA (Certified Internal Auditor), CPA (Certified Public Accountant), or CISA (Certified Information Systems Auditor).

Experience:

• Minimum ten years of relevant experience in internal audit, risk management, or governance, with at least five years in a leadership role.
• Strong experience in managing enterprise risks, including compliance, cybersecurity, operational, and financial risks.
• Experience in working within a multinational or complex corporate environment, with exposure to the challenges of global operations and regulatory requirements.

Skills and Competencies:

• Strong knowledge of internal auditing standards and best practices.
• Exceptional analytical and problem-solving skills, with a deep understanding of risk management frameworks.
• Proven ability to lead and develop high-performing teams.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills, with experience reporting to senior management and boards.
• Ability to handle sensitive information with discretion and maintain confidentiality.

Personal Attributes:

• High level of integrity, professionalism, and objectivity.
• Proactive and forward-thinking, with a strategic mindset focused on continuous improvement.
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to influence and drive change.

HSSEQ:

The Employee shall observe the Health, Safety, Sustainability, Environment and Quality rules of the Company; it’s clients and the governing authorities of the host country.

Details about the role:

Location: Open to location
Relocation required: No
Travel required: When necessary
Contract type: Permanent
Experience level: 10+ years