Job Title – Head Internal Audit
Location -Kampala
No. of Direct – Reports Up to 3
Reporting to The Country Director and the Board Chair Budget
Responsibilities
(Y/N) Y
The Function
The Head Internal Audit and his/her team ensures organisational sustainability by reviewing, guiding and providing assurance on the effectiveness of management controls to address risks to the achievement of MS’s strategic and operational objectives. In addition the Internal Auditor has responsibility for management and oversight of the Anti-Fraud and Bribery Programme.
The role will work collaboratively with members of the senior leadership team to achieve the organization mission and goals. Together with members of the senior leadership team, the position is responsible for driving the organization towards growth and sustainability
The Role
To provide assurance on the effectiveness of controls in place to address risks to the achievement of MS’s strategic and operational objectives. In addition the Internal Auditor has responsibility for ensuring full implementation of the Anti-Fraud and Bribery Programme by all the Directorates, including training and all processes and registers, which he/she will achieve by working with the directors of other functions and in particular People and Culture.
Key Responsibilities
1. Oversee the planning and management of the organization’s audit and investigation functions, including assisting with development of strategic objectives and operational procedures.
2. Plan, coordinate, and oversee investigative activities to detect, deter, prevent, and eradicate fraud, waste, abuse, mismanagement and ethical misconduct.
3. Develop, recommend, and implement internal audit programs that evaluate the adequacy and effectiveness of internal controls and test compliance with established policies and procedures.
4. Plan, conduct, and control audits, including financial, compliance, and operational audits
5. Provide direction to and supervise assigned personnel.
6. Formulate and prepare audit reports that attest to the effectiveness of managerial controls over the organization’s assets and finances.
7. Oversee the preparation of audit reports and review all audit work papers prepared by audit staff to ensure quality control, uniformity, and adherence to generally accepted practices.
8. Evaluate internal accounting controls over the organization’s financial operations; and perform substantive tests of financial records, systems, programs, and projects within MS to ensure adherence with policy and laws
9. Review operational performance data (including numbers of client visits and other activity data) and compliance with each local entity’s SIP (Significant Involvement Policy).
10. Report on the value for money that the country program obtains, focusing on economy, efficiency, effectiveness and sustainability.
11. Develop and implement an organizational compliance program, to ensure adherence to MSI and donor standards.
12. Contribute proactively to the design of new processes and systems to ensure that appropriate controls are built in by design.
13. Manage the risk management process including maintaining the risk register, training and/or coaching management and staff as required to ensure due compliance with the risk register and risk management process, and tracking of all related actions
14. Reporting on risk, controls and internal audit reports to the Board of trustees
15. Support the Country director in her role as secretary to the Board.
16. Ensure that MS, through its Board and Senior management acts, in accordance with its constitutional documents in all instances and take minutes at all board meetings.
17. Oversee the Anti-Fraud and Bribery Program, including a) ensuring proper completion of: the fraud register, the conflicts of interest register, the gifts and entertainment registers and training those responsible as required; b) ensuring regular communications are sent out to all staff members reminding them of MS’s zero tolerance approach and their duty to report fraud, conflicts of interest and gifts and entertainment.
18. Oversee a regular training Program for all staff on the Anti-Fraud and Bribery Program to include an introduction by line managers during first week of joining followed by participation in a half day training within the first 4 months of starting.
Leadership
1. Provide leadership and guidance to the Internal Audit team in order to achieve the organization’s mission and strategic objectives.
2. Ensure all staff are aligned with the organization’s and MS values.
3. Proactively mentor and/or coach direct reports to critically assess opportunities to improve efficiency and maximize impact
4. Ensure that the structure of the team is fit for purpose and that all roles and responsibilities are relevant to the needs and demands of the organization, and that goals and strategies are clearly communicated to all team members.
5. Role model Marie Stopes core values, and demonstrate Marie Stopes behaviors at all times.
6. Represent Marie Stopes externally and internally in accordance with its values and policies and as may be delegated by the Country Director at any time
7. Perform any other duties that may be assigned by the Country Director
Experience
• A minimum of five years supervisory experience in business and/or an accounting field in a reputable organization or in the audit of large donor funded programmes.
• Strong internal audit experience; able to demonstrate an understanding of the approaches and objectives of a good internal audit function.
• Significant senior management experience (a mix of donor funded and private sector preferred)
• Excellent knowledge of financial management systems and reporting, especially donor contract requirements for budgeting and reporting.
• Ability to perform under pressure, handle heavy workloads, and meet stringent reporting deadlines
• Hands-on experience with electronic accounting systems; knowledge of SUN Systems and mobile money essential.
• Ability to communicate effectively at all levels; excellent verbal, written and presentation skills
• Proven leadership and management skills that motivate high performing teams and encourage innovation and creativity.
• Proven IT skills with the ability to analyse data for strategic purposes and decision making.
Qualifications and Training (essential/desirable)
• A Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited institution in Accounting, Business Administration or related field
• Qualified accountant with either ACA, ACCA, CIMA or CPA
Personal Attributes
• Pro choice
• Approachable with strong interpersonal & listening skills together with the ability to empower their team Strategic thinker, excellent analytical skills.
• Track record of delivering targets
• Strong results orientation.
• Self-motivated and a self-starter
• The highest levels of integrity, strong ethical attitude
• Excellent leadership and management aptitude leading diverse teams at a distance.
• Strong commitment to the goals and vision of the Marie Stopes
• Interest in public health, particularly sexual and reproductive health.
• Flexibility to operate in a changing environment.
• Able to communicate effectively (both written and oral) at all levels.
• IT literate
• Cross-functional team player.
MSI Behaviours and Values
Team Member Behaviours
Work as One MSI
• You contribute, use, and share accurate data and evidence to improve understanding, insight and decision-making across MSI, enabling us to maximise our ability to influence others.
• You share relevant knowledge, expertise and resources to strengthen teamwork and prevent duplication of effort.
• You actively work as part of a team, providing support and flexibility to colleagues, demonstrating fairness, understanding and respect for all people and cultures.
Show courage, authenticity and integrity
• You hold yourself accountable for the decisions you make and the behaviours you demonstrate.
• You are courageous in challenging others and taking appropriate managed risks.
Develop and grow
• You seek feedback to enable greater self-awareness and provide the same to others in a way which inspires them to be even more effective.
• You manage your career development including keeping your knowledge and skills up to date.
Deliver excellence, always
• You strive to consistently meet and exceed expectations, putting clients at the centre of everything, and implement smarter, more efficient ways of performing your role.
• You build and maintain effective long-term working relationships with all stakeholders, and are a true MSI ambassador.
Leadership (For Leaders only)
• You inspire individuals and teams, through situational leadership, providing clear direction.
• You seek and provide opportunities which motivate team members, helping to develop skills and potential whilst strengthening our talent and succession pipeline.
• You are aware of emerging developments in our sector, demonstrating strategic insight about our clients and business and encourage this in your team.
• You articulate a vision of the future which inspires and excites others.
MSI Values
• Mission driven: With unwavering commitment, we exist to empower women and men to have children by choice not chance.
• Client centred: We are passionate about our clients and dedicate our efforts to delivering agreed objectives to the highest possible quality.
• Accountable: We are accountable for our actions and take responsibility for everything we do to ensure long term sustainability and increased impact.
• Courageous: We recruit and nurture talented, passionate and brave people who have the courage to push boundaries, make tough decisions and challenge others in line with our mission.