Head of Internal Audit & Portfolio Assurance

About the role

HrmOffice Limited is looking for a Head of Internal Audit and Portfolio Assurance based in Lagos, Nigeria. The role sets up and leads the internal audit function, reviews the financial and compliance position of portfolio companies and reports to executive management and the Audit Committee or Board.

Key responsibilities

• Design the audit charter, operating model, annual audit plan and reporting calendar; define the department's structure, headcount and skills needs and take part in hiring the team
• Select and implement audit tools, working paper standards and reporting templates
• Review periodic management accounts, annual financial statements and investor reports from portfolio companies
• Carry out risk-based audits and spot checks on revenue, cash, procurement, payroll, related-party dealings and use of funds
• Verify compliance with investment agreements, covenants, budgets and agreed KPIs, and assess the quality of external auditors' work and management letters
• Evaluate internal controls, check compliance with Nigerian tax, regulatory and statutory requirements, and investigate irregularities and lead special reviews
• Report findings, risk ratings and recommendations to management and the Audit Committee or Board, track remediation to closure, and support the investment team with financial review input for due diligence, valuation and exit

Required profile

• Degree in Accounting, Finance or a related field
• Professional qualification: ICAN, ACCA, ACA (or equivalent); CIA, CFE or CISA is an advantage
• 8-10 years' post-qualification experience, including at least 5 years in a leadership role in audit
• Proven experience building or restructuring an audit or assurance function, and auditing or reviewing multiple entities across more than one sector
• Desirable: exposure to energy, media, waste management, technology or other SME and mid-market sectors, and experience with investor reporting, covenant monitoring or portfolio monitoring

Required skills

• Strong working knowledge of IFRS, ISA and Nigerian regulatory requirements (FRC, CAMA, tax)
• Independence, integrity and sound judgement under pressure; ability to challenge founders and senior management firmly and diplomatically
• Clear, concise report writing and presentation to board level; strong leadership, coaching and team-building skills
• Commercial mindset and willingness to travel to portfolio sites
• Desirable: familiarity with data analytics and continuous auditing tools

Performance expectations

• Within 12 months: develop and approve the Internal Audit Charter and annual risk-based audit plan
• Establish an operational Internal Audit Department with staffing and methodologies
• Complete risk-prioritized reviews of portfolio companies and introduce standardized financial assurance reporting
• Set up a remediation tracking system and give management and the Board timely insights into key risks