Chief Internal Auditor

Our client is a leading power distribution company in Nigeria, committed to providing efficient and reliable electricity services to its extensive franchise area. Recognized for its innovation and excellence, they have previously topped industry performance lists and maintain strategic technical partnerships with global leaders in the power industry, to enhance its operational capabilities. The organization values a systematic and disciplined approach to evaluating financials, processes, and controls to ensure sustainable growth and service delivery.

As the Chief Internal Auditor (CIA), you will lead the internal audit function, providing independent and objective assurance to the Board of Directors and Management. You will bring a high level of professionalism to the evaluation of the client's financial, operational, and compliance controls. Reporting directly to the Board of Directors, the CIA serves as a trusted business partner, driving continuous improvement in organizational processes, risk management, and governance frameworks.

Key Responsibilities

• Strategic Leadership: Develop and implement an annual risk-based internal audit plan that aligns with the client’s strategic objectives and risk profile.

• Risk Assessment: Lead the identification and assessment of organizational risks across financial, operational, and compliance domains to establish appropriate audit scopes.

• Audit Execution: Oversee the conduct of internal assessments, including Test of Design (TOD) and Test of Effectiveness (TOE) for operational processes such as asset management and financial reporting.

• Board Reporting: Prepare and present comprehensive audit reports, observations, and value-add recommendations directly to the Board of Directors and senior management.

• Compliance & Frameworks: Maintain a deep understanding of internal policies, auditing frameworks, and current developments in accounting and regulatory standards.

• Continuous Monitoring: Manage a tracking system for audit records, observations, and action plans, performing periodic follow-ups to ensure management action plans are implemented effectively.

• Collaboration: Act as a liaison with external auditors and technical partners to coordinate consolidated financial statement audits and process reviews.

• Special Projects: Coordinate and carry out ad-hoc project work or investigations as directed by the Board or executive management.

Person Specification

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or Business Administration.

• Experience: A minimum of 15+ years of progressive experience in auditing, with significant experience in a leadership role within an internal audit, risk, or external audit firm. Professional experience with a Big 4 firm is highly desirable.

• Certifications: Professional certification is required (e.g., Certified Internal Auditor (CIA), Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA), ACA, ACCA, or Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE)).

• Technical Skills: Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office (specifically Excel data analysis), analytics software, and data visualization tools.

• Location: The role is primarily resident in Ibadan, though candidates should be prepared for potential engagement in Lagos as required.

• Interpersonal: Exceptional communication skills with the ability to convey complex information confidently to various audiences.

Competency Framework

Competency Expectations

Analytical

Thinks through complex issues in a logical and critical manner to draw sound conclusions.

Decisive

Able to select appropriate options quickly among alternatives in a fast-paced environment.

Communication

Articulates ideas and audit concepts effectively, both verbally and in written reports.

Resourceful

Manages resources efficiently and thinks out-of-the-box to resolve day-to-day problems.

Honesty & Integrity

Maintains the highest level of job integrity and works with professional confidence.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

Key Performance Indicator

Target (Annual/Monthly)

Audit Plan Completion

90% - 100% of the approved annual audit plan completed.

Recommendation Implementation

95% of agreed audit recommendations implemented on time.

Quality of Findings

80% or higher rating on the quality and impact of audit observations.

Risk Coverage

100% of high-risk business units undergoing annual risk assessments.

Reporting Timeliness

Monthly reports submitted by the 10th day of the following month.

The remuneration is competitive, along with other benefits.

The submission deadline is April 30, 2026. Interviews are on a rolling basis to this date. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Further assessments will be required.