Senior Manager, Internal Audit at American International Group, Inc. (AIG)

About the role

What you need to know:

This position is responsible for providing objective assurance on the AIG Insurance internal control environment by carrying out audits in line with the approved audit plan.

Audit activities involve preparation and implementation of the Company’s annual audit plan, assessing risks, recommending process and control improvements, and giving insights and control themes to influence the organization’s control environment, thus maximizing earnings and return on assets within acceptable levels of risk.

Responsibilities:

Audit Planning

• In conjunction with the Group Head, Internal Audit, develop and implement the annual audit plan by ensuring all identified risk areas are covered and resources are appropriately allocated.
• Assess and advice on the internal control systems and risk in all Operational areas including review of the suitability and reliability of management information systems.
• Oversee and provide quality control of internal audits and ensure goals are met and professional standards maintained.
• Coordinate audit activities together with Enterprise Risk and Compliance departments including risk assessment and audit findings tracking and provide input to the management committee.

Audit Management & Execution

• Develop audit tests and evaluation programs, execute the audit assignments, ensuring quality and report on the audit results under the direction of the Group Head, Internal Audit.
• Lead audits of specific target areas identified from the overall risk assessment in consultation with the Group Head, Internal Audit to ensure a quality audit approach, achievement of set audit objectives and completion within agreed schedule.
• Guide/undertake consulting activities, as may be requested, in accordance with professional standards and provide sound advice on policies, procedures, risks and controls.
• Deliver accurate, timely and commercially relevant audit reports.
• Provide advice and effective challenge to internal stakeholders regarding the implications on the control environment on business strategic objectives.
• Undertake follow up of actions, and provide timely status updates, on closure of internal audit recommendations.
• Track and monitor other audit issues raised through External Auditors Management Letter, IRA and any other assurance providers.
• Undertake to assist in investigation of cases of internal and external fraud, as requested.

Internal Business Processes

• Strong collaboration with other lines of defence to provide integrated assurance.
• Review procedures, processes and records to ensure they are in line with Company objectives and appraise policies and plans of activities, departments and functions under audit review.
• Manage and align assignment resources, efforts and goals; identify and remove barriers in order to achieve optimal results.
• Oversight over audit assignments and plans, schedule and review of work-papers.
• In collaboration with the Group Head of Audit, prepare reports for the Board Audit Committee highlighting key weaknesses/risk areas.
• Liaise with external auditors and other regulatory monitoring agencies and track recommendations to improve controls, promote growth and ensure compliance with the law, financial legislation and regulatory framework.

Customer Relations

• Strong relationships and communications with Senior management to ensure concerns are addressed and expectations met.
• A unified view of risks and compliance to drive informed decisions.
• Liaise with departmental heads to ensure audit findings and recommendations are fully accepted and implemented.

Learning & Development

• Quality of leadership experienced throughout the unit and how effectively that translates into a conducive work environment and employee satisfaction and retention.
• Adequacy of personal and staff competence development to effectively carry out the department’s responsibilities.
• Review regularly performance of staff against agreed objectives.
• Provide ongoing coaching and feedback to direct reports.
• Identify development and training needs and develop plans to satisfy areas identified.

Qualifications

• Degree in Finance or related field.
• Master’s degree in a business-related discipline will be an added advantage.
• CPA (K)/ ACCA qualifications
• CIA qualification and member of The Institute of Internal Auditors Kenya (IIA)
• Professional certifications in COP, CISA, CFSA, CFE will be an added advantage

Experience

• At least 10 years’ experience of auditing or enterprise risk management in an external audit/ Insurance environment.
• Good working knowledge of the TeamMate audit software and Data Analytics tools.
• Proven ability to perform well under pressure and regularly meet strict deadlines a fast-paced environment.

Skills/Competencies

• Risk Management: Ability to anticipate and mitigate risk by developing appropriate Risk Management recommendations.
• Audit Standards & Legislation: Excellent knowledge of International Accounting and Audit Standards, and Legislations. Excellent knowledge of International Accounting and Audit Standards, and Legislations.
• Compliance & Regulatory Framework: Excellent understanding of the regulatory issues, reporting and operational requirement as provided by IRA, CMA, KRA etc.
• Conceptual and Analytical Skills: Strong analytical, planning and organization skills. Ability to quickly grasp and understand systems and keen to detail.
• Technology Skills: Knowledge of computerized Internal Audit Techniques, Computerized accounting and financial systems, Insurance applications, spreadsheets and other data analytical tools
• Results Oriented:  Strives to achieve results, enjoys measuring others, being measured, and being judged on performance standards and those of the team.
• Negotiation Skills: Must be a good negotiator, particularly in changing behaviour and work practices but always Win/Win.
• Communication & Interpersonal Skills: Excellent oral and report-writing skills, ability to work with, lead and build motivated teams.
• Leadership Skills, Team Building and ability to train, develop and mentor staff.