Internal Audit and Financial Risk Management Director  

The Internal Audit and Financial Risk Management Director provide leadership and direction on the strategic implementation of a program of risk-based internal auditing. It directs the overall operations of the internal audit office.

The position reports functionally to the Chairman of the Audit and Risk Management Committee (ARMC) and administratively (day-to-day operations) to the President. It is responsible for maintaining an internal audit function that provides the ARMC/Board of Trustees (BoT) and management with an ongoing assessment of the University’s risk management and internal control systems and recommending corrective action as needed (in the “provider of assurance” role). It also participates in policy and system initiatives that management may undertake to promote integrity and efficient use of resources where there is no conflict with the assurance role (in the “provider of consulting services” role).

Main Duties and Responsibilities

1. Internal Audit Department operations:

• Ensures the relevance of the Internal Audit function by keeping the Internal Audit Charter updated, orienting stakeholders on its role and value to the University, and obtaining the resources necessary for the achievement of its objectives and programs.
• Provides a systematic and disciplined approach to an effective risk management plan and governance process.
• Develops policies/programs that encourage employees and external partners to report suspected fraud and other improprieties without fear of retribution.
• Liaises with external auditors on activities and plans to ensure appropriate coverage and optimum use of resources.
• Establishes the tracking mechanism for internal audit recommendations and communicates to management and the ARMC whether corrective action has been effectively implemented and any risk(s) arising from delays in taking such corrective action.

1. Office Management

• Sets long-term vision and direction of the Office and determines its operational goals in alignment with the University's goals.
• Assesses and evaluates the Office's processes, policies, procedures, programs, and initiatives for continuous improvement and alignment with the overall University directions and systems.
• Monitors the achievement of the Office’s metrics and goals regularly.
• Leads the preparation of the Office’s budget and allocates resources based on its strategies.
• Ensures the fiscal integrity and management of operations within the approved budget, optimizing resource utilization, and contributing to the positive financial position of the University.
• Oversees the development of systems, tools, and methodologies to effectively implement office processes efficiently.
• Oversees the development, review, and if necessary, updating of Office policies, provides inputs that would affect University policies, and ensures the compliance of all stakeholders.
• Develops and nurtures relationships with various stakeholders.
• Manages the performance of employees in the Office by setting standards/targets, monitoring and evaluating performance, and providing development opportunities.
• Represents the University in internal and external events.

III. Performs other work-related tasks as may be required by the immediate supervisor and authorized representative

​​​​​​Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Incident Management: Ability to coordinate responses to incident reports, minimizing negative impacts and restoring service as quickly as possible; ability to manage tickets and records, take minutes and documentation, and keep matters confidential
• Knowledge of various processes: accounting practices, audit, and financial management, risk management etc.
• Planning: Ability to effectively plan and coordinate the delivery of required outcomes, according to importance and urgency; keen to details
• Communication Skills: Ability to communicate tactfully and sensitively with all types of personalities and predispositions, utilizing different media directed at different audiences/stakeholders
• Coordination Skills: Ability to proactively coordinate, mediate, and manage actions in relation to different work teams
• Data Analysis: Ability to organize and analyze data, prepare summaries and reports, maintain databases, and keep files secure.
• Documenting/Recording Information — Ability to implement and direct the proper entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form
• Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards —Ability to use relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
• Management: Ability to take direct responsibility for the full range of management functions of the office, including leading and motivating staff
• Organization and Prioritization of Work: Ability to effectively plan and coordinate the delivery of required outcomes, according to importance and urgency; and with attention to detail. Ability to prioritize work in a particular period given that all tasks in the office are important and urgent
• Project Management: Ability to provide project guidelines, updates, and implementation at an operational and strategic level, across the organization; e.g. Unit Heads, Senior Management, and the Audit Committee, and with external parties, such as external auditor
• Results-driven: the ability to deliver performance expectations with minimal supervision and resources
• Presentation skills: ability to produce executive-level presentation
• Service Orientation: Actively find ways to help people; ability to relate with clients, well-pleasing, warm, patient, and respectful in dealing with people; ability to lead and manage relationships to ensure desired objectives and outcomes are achieved
• Team Effectiveness: Ability to work individually or as part of a team with colleagues from a wide range of professional backgrounds and contribute to the development of a team culture
• Technological Savvy: Ability to utilize information technology and computer and internet systems to accomplish tasks. Comfortable with exploring new technologies

Education and Experience Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting
• Professional qualification as a Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Certified Internal Auditor (CIE) or its equivalent
• At least 10 years of experience in a senior management role in public accounting, internal audit, or controllership