Internal Audit Manager

Job Summary

Position: Internal Audit Manager

Organization: Sydani Group

Reports To:  GMP

Contract Type: Full time

Location:  Abuja

Job Description

Sydani Group is seeking an experienced and detail oriented Internal Audit Manager to lead the firm's internal audit function and strengthen its governance, risk management, and control frameworks. The successful candidate will be responsible for designing and executing a risk-based internal audit plan, evaluating the adequacy and effectiveness of internal controls across the organization's operations and project engagements, and providing independent, objective assurance to the Management team and the board on risk exposures. This role requires a strategic thinker who can translate audit findings into actionable recommendations, foster a culture of accountability and compliance, and collaborate closely with cross-functional teams to safeguard the integrity of Sydani Group's operations as it continues to scale its impact across Africa's development and consulting landscape.

Job Responsibilities

• Lead the review of financial, operational, and program activities across the organization to ensure compliance with contract terms, donor rules, and regulations.

• Plan, design, and oversee the execution of Sydani's field audits, ensuring compliance with policies and complete documentation relating to project-specific requirements.

• Develop and implement a risk-based internal audit strategy and annual audit plan for the organization.

• Identify, assess, and mitigate risks related to operational, financial, and programmatic activities, and escalate significant risk exposures to senior management.

• Lead the assessment of internal control systems across the organization and drive the implementation of recommendations.

• Supervise, mentor, and build the capacity of internal audit staff, allocating audit assignments and reviewing their work for quality and completeness.

• Review the organization's financial statements for accuracy, completeness, and compliance with accounting standards, and present audit findings to senior management and/or the Board/Audit Committee.

• Coordinate with finance personnel, external auditors, regulators, and tax officials in evaluating figures, accounts, and statements; oversee the verification of documents and account details for audit purposes.

• Evaluate compliance of financial, IT, HR, Communication, Procurement, and other business processes with federal regulations and audit standards, and drive corrective action where gaps are found.

• Strengthen internal control systems to ensure compliance with policies, plans, procedures, laws, regulations, contracts, and ethical business conduct.

• Lead and coordinate field and other priority activities (investigations, risk management, audit support, program support, etc.) on a timely and need basis.

• Serve as the primary liaison with donor compliance/audit teams and manage relationships with external auditors and regulatory bodies.

• Prepare and present periodic audit reports, risk assessments, and management letters to leadership.

• Other assignments from the line manager/senior management.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree (First or second-class upper) in accounting, finance, economics, business administration, or a related field.

• Minimum of six (6) to eight (8) years of progressive professional experience in audit, accounting, or finance, including at least three (3) years in a supervisory or managerial capacity.

• Professional certification in accounting or auditing required, e.g., ICAN, ACCA, CIA, CISA; possession of more than one certification is an advantage.

• Demonstrated experience with the audit/internal control requirements and processes of major donors such as USAID, BMGF, US-CDC, and GAVI is required.

• Prior experience managing or leading an internal audit function, preferably within the international development, financial services, or management consulting space.

Job Competencies

• Strong technical knowledge of internal audit theory, standards, procedures, and techniques, with the ability to design and lead risk-based audit programs.

• Demonstrated leadership, team management, and staff development skills.

• Strong strategic thinking, problem-solving, and analytical skills.

• Excellent knowledge of MS Excel and accounting software (e.g., QuickBooks, Sage).

• Strong knowledge of bookkeeping and accounting/financial reporting standards.

• Excellent report-writing and presentation skills, including experience presenting to senior management or governance bodies.

• High attention to detail and sound professional judgment.

• Excellent stakeholder management, negotiation, and communication skills.

• Excellent time management and multi-tasking skills, with the ability to manage multiple audit engagements simultaneously.

• High level of integrity, independence, and reliability.

• Ability to work with minimal supervision and lead teams under pressure in a fast-paced environment.

Job Disclaimer

1) Safeguarding Commitment

Sydani Group is committed to safeguarding the dignity, rights, and well-being of all individuals we engage with, including adults, women, children, partners, and communities. We have a zero-tolerance approach to all forms of abuse, exploitation, harassment, and neglect. All applicants are expected to uphold our safeguarding standards and contribute to a safe and respectful environment.

2) Whistleblowing Policy

Sydani Group is committed to the highest standards of integrity and accountability. We encourage employees, partners, and applicants to report any concerns related to misconduct, including fraud, corruption, or unethical behaviour. Reports can be made through confidential channels on www.sydani.org homepage and investigated in line with our whistleblowing policy.