The Key Purpose of this role is overseeing, managing, and enhancing the internal control framework and processes within an organization. This involves strategic collaboration on the planning, policy development, risk assessment, and collaboration with various departments to ensure compliance and operational efficiency.

Key Responsibilities:

• Collaborate with the Operational and Internal Control Leadership on the strategic goals of the function.
• Drive the execution of the strategic vision for the internal controls function in alignment with organizational goals and industry best practices.
• Provide leadership and guidance to the Internal Control specialists, ensuring effective collaboration and optimal performance.
• Implement and maintain a robust Internal Control Framework (MICS), Delegation of Authority (DAG) and Policies that encompass all critical business processes, systems, and functions.
• Establish and implement methodologies to drive consistency and continuous compliance monitoring across the different functions within Africa Internal Controls and the broader global Internal controls community.
• Lead and manage strategic projects that are vital to achieving the organization’s overall objectives and vision

• Conduct regular enterprise-wide risk assessments to identify and prioritize potential risks associated with internal controls and business processes.
• Develop and implement risk mitigation strategies to minimize identified risks and enhance the overall control environment.
• Oversee and coordinate internal audit activities to evaluate the effectiveness of internal controls and compliance with, control requirement, DAG, policies and procedures.
• Review audit findings and recommendations, working with stakeholders to implement corrective actions and improvements.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to identify opportunities for enhancing processes, controls, and operational efficiencies.
• Drive initiatives to optimize the internal control processes by leveraging data and benchmarking business/industry best practice to improve the effectiveness and compliance of business processes that meet the organizational goals.
• Key point of contact to the business for internal control queries on MICS, DAG, SODs and Finance Control policies.
• Key contact for local external auditors: ensure alignment on timelines, scoping, progress, reporting of results, etc.
• Communicate effectively with senior management, audit committees, and stakeholders regarding internal controls status, audit results, and recommended actions.
• Prepare and present periodic reports on internal control assessments, compliance, and performance to Functional and BU leadership.
• Effectively drive the combined assurance objective by collaborating with GRM and external auditors to optimize improvement opportunities.

Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Relevant certifications such as Certified Internal Auditor (CIA), Chartered Accountant (CA), or similar are beneficial.
• Previous experience in internal controls, auditing, risk management, or compliance (typically 5+ years) is preferred.
• Strong leadership skill with prior experience in managing high performing teams.
• Previous experience in Sarbanes Oxley (SOx).
• Proficient in using software and tools (SAP, PowerBi, SQL) for data analysis and documentation.

Key Competencies and Attributes:

• Strong understanding of internal control frameworks, risk assessment methodologies, and regulatory requirements.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, with attention to detail.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills to collaborate with cross-functional teams.
• Strong organizational and time management skills; able to work effectively in a fast-paced environment with conflicting priorities and deadlines
• Exposure to Fast Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) sector preferred in the areas of manufacturing, distribution and finance would be advantageous.

Additional information:

• Band : VI