Internal Control & Compliance Officer

About the role

A microfinance bank in Obanikoro, Lagos, is looking for an experienced Internal Control & Compliance Officer to strengthen its internal control environment, regulatory compliance framework, risk management and operational governance. The role covers internal control reviews, compliance monitoring, risk and fraud investigation, and reporting, and reports to the Head of Risk or Managing Director.

Key responsibilities

• Develop, implement and review internal control procedures, conduct surprise reviews of branches and departments, and follow up on audit findings and corrective actions.
• Monitor compliance with policies, delegated authority limits, regulatory requirements and circulars, and support regulatory examinations and audits.
• Identify, assess and report operational, financial, compliance and fraud risks; investigate suspected fraud and misconduct and recommend preventive actions.
• Review microfinance operations such as KYC, cash and teller operations, savings and deposits, loan processing, credit documentation and exception accounts.
• Support AML/CFT and KYC compliance, including reviewing onboarding documents and escalating suspicious activity.
• Perform transaction testing, write detailed reports and present findings to management.
• Help develop internal policies and SOPs, promote a compliance culture and train staff on controls, fraud prevention and AML/CFT.

Required profile

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Banking, Economics, Business Administration or a related field.
• 3-5 years of experience in internal control, internal audit, compliance, risk management or a similar role.
• Previous experience in a microfinance bank, commercial bank, financial institution, fintech or other regulated financial services organisation is highly preferred.
• Relevant certifications such as ACA, ACCA, CIA, CISA, CRISC or ACAMS are an added advantage.

Required skills

• Knowledge of internal control, internal audit, risk management, fraud prevention, KYC, AML/CFT and regulatory compliance in Nigeria.
• Transaction review, audit and investigation skills, and strong report writing.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, especially Excel and PowerPoint.
• Experience with core banking applications is an added advantage.