Head of Internal Audit

About the role

Adexen was mandated by a leading diversified industrial group to recruit an experienced Head of Internal Audit. The position is based in Lagos, Nigeria, and provides strategic leadership to the Internal Audit function, ensuring the effectiveness of governance, risk management and internal control systems across the organisation.

Key responsibilities

• Develop and implement a risk-based internal audit strategy aligned with the Group's objectives, and lead the function in line with international auditing standards and best practice.
• Review governance, risk management and internal control frameworks, advise Executive Management and Board Committees on key risks and control weaknesses, and set audit policies, procedures and reporting standards.
• Plan and run annual and multi-year audit plans covering operational, financial, compliance, technical and IT activities, and lead complex audits across business units and locations.
• Evaluate internal controls, monitor the implementation of audit recommendations and corrective action plans, and report findings to senior management and Board Committees.
• Assess enterprise-wide risk exposures, ensure compliance with regulations and corporate policies, and support continuous improvement of risk management.
• Lead investigations into suspected fraud, misconduct and financial irregularities, and produce forensic reports for executive and legal review.
• Lead, mentor and develop the Internal Audit team, manage resources and budgets, and promote a culture of ethics, transparency and accountability.

Required profile

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration or a related discipline; MBA or postgraduate qualification is an advantage.
• Professional certification such as CIA, ACCA, CPA, CISA or equivalent.
• At least 15 years of relevant professional experience, including at least 5 years in a senior leadership position.
• Strong experience in large industrial, manufacturing, infrastructure, mining, energy or diversified group environments.
• Ability to engage effectively with Board members, Executive Committees and senior management.

Required skills

• In-depth knowledge of internal audit standards, corporate governance and risk management frameworks.
• Understanding of IFRS, financial controls, compliance and regulatory environments.
• Experience of operational, financial, compliance and forensic audits.
• Knowledge of ERP systems and audit automation tools.