Head of Internal Audit at Kenya Airways

Job Purpose:

The overall purpose of this role is to formulate and deliver the strategic audit objectives by championing best practice in governance, objectively assessing the adequacy of governance and management of existing risks and shaping responses to emerging risks and proposed developments.

Key Responsibilities'

Strategic

• Support the sustainable achievement of the organization’s strategic objectives by giving an objective and evidence-based opinion to the Board on all aspects of governance, risk management and internal controls.
• Develop and implement a risk-based audit framework / methodology to assess, report on, and strengthen controls within the Group’s strategic, operational, and financial activities in line with policies, procedures, and regulations.

Operational excellence

• Plan, organize, direct, and execute a comprehensive program of internal auditing activities and projects for the Group designed to strengthen controls, improve operational efficiency, and ensure compliance with applicable policies and regulations.
• Review and appraise the adequacy and effectiveness of internal control of all systems in the Group companies periodically.
• Assess the Group’s corporate governance processes and practices in the accomplishment of corporate goals and objectives.
• Assess the adequacy of established policies and procedures and review the systems established to ensure compliance with these policies, procedures, statutory requirements, and regulations which could have a significant impact on operations.
• Review operations to ascertain whether results are consistent with the organizations’ established objectives and goals and whether the operations are being carried out as planned.
• Facilitate identification of business improvement opportunities and optimization of resource utilization.
• Develop and implement an effective Internal Audit Charter, policies, and procedures to guide on the execution of duties in accordance with professional standards and the code of ethics.
• Develop annual risk-based audit plans and oversee their execution. This entails periodic reporting to the Audit & Risk Committee on matters relating to governance, internal controls, risks management processes etc.
• Champion continuous improvement of Internal Audit processes through various initiatives, including automation.
• Conduct investigations of cases reported on the whistleblowing platform.
• Prepare and manage the internal audit budget in an effective and efficient manner.
• Ensure that the Internal Audit function is adequately resourced in terms of staffing and systems.

Reporting

• Develop, manage, and refine qualitative and quantitative risk reporting to ensure it meets the needs of the Board and Management to support effective decision making.
• Build internal audit capacity and capability equipped with modern skills and tools to provide high quality reports.
• Improve the internal customer perception through independent feedback and interviews.
• Appraise the relevance, reliability and integrity of management, financial and operating data and reports.
• Facilitate regular communication with the Group’s Audit Committee and Executive Management on the audit findings.

Relationship Management

• Facilitate meetings with External Auditors to maximize knowledge sharing and avoid duplication of effort.
• Work collaboratively with other departments such as Security and Legal, Risk & Compliance.
• Meet with regulatory bodies when required to maximize knowledge sharing and enhance efficiency and compliance.
• Engage with other functional heads across the organisation on matters that relate to internal controls, risk, and governance.

People Management

• Provide leadership to staff, coach, mentor and develop a high performing team that delivers high value and prudent cost management
• Work with the Chief People Officer and CEO to translate business strategy into specific annual departmental objectives and KPIs, break them down to individual performance goals and cascade and track them on a regular basis
• Facilitate regular communication and exchange of information in the function to implement changes and improvements effectively.
• ·cope training needs and ensure staff are trained regularly enabling them to achieve the operational and financial metrics within their areas of responsibility and succeed in their roles
• Manage staff attendance, leave scheduling and disciplinary issues as per the outlined policies and procedures

Knowledge, Skills and experience:

• Minimum Qualifications - Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or business-related field or Bachelor’s degree in Management Information Systems from a recognised university.
• Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and / or Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA).
• MBA is desirable
• At least ten years of financial, operational, or compliance audit experience at a public accounting firm, or in an internal audit department, five of which must have been in a senior/ leadership role.

Other skills (desirable):

• Understanding of internal auditing standards, COSO, and risk assessment practices.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office applications.
• Commitment to excellence and continual improvement.
• Excellent verbal, written and interpersonal communication skills.
• Flexibility and willingness to work on a variety of projects while prioritizing effectively.
• Strong analytic and problem-solving capabilities and the ability to identify solutions and recommendations that effectively address business and control needs.
• Strong understanding of accounting principles, control procedures and audit techniques.
• Fundamental understanding of the International Standards on Auditing.
• Knowledge of International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS).
• Ability to multi-task effectively, responding to changing business priorities and deadlines.
• Ability to work collaboratively with team members across multiple divisions and departments.
• Proven record of meeting commitments and achieving goals.
• Ability to work independently under general supervision with considerable latitude for initiative and independent judgment.
• Commitment to excellence and continual improvement.
• Project management skills.