INTERNAL AUDITOR

Department: Internal Audit

Duty Station: King Ceasor University, Main Campus (Ggaba Road, Kampala)

Reports To: Vice Chancellor

Engagement: Full-time Contract

Duration: 3 years, renewable upon satisfactory performance

Position Overview: The Internal Auditor will be responsible for overseeing and leading the internal audit department at King Ceasor University. The role requires a strategic leader with a deep understanding of Higher education operations, financial integrity and operational efficiency, financial controls, and risk management practices

Key Responsibilities:

1. Leadership & Department Management:

• Lead and manage the Internal Audit Department, providing direction, guidance, and mentorship to team members.
• Develop and maintain a robust internal audit strategy in line with the University’s overall business objectives and risk framework.
• Oversee the design and implementation of the internal audit plan, ensuring adequate coverage across all units, including financial, operational, compliance, and IT audits.

2. Audit Planning & Execution:

• Develop annual audit plans based on a thorough understanding of business risks, financial reporting, regulatory requirements, and internal controls.
• Coordinate audit engagements across all departments, ensuring audits are performed effectively, efficiently, and in compliance with University standards and regulatory guidelines
• Conduct risk-based audits, including assessing financial statements, internal control systems, operational processes, and compliance with regulations.
• Monitor execution of audit programmes including routine financial audit, performance audit, IT Audit and other special audits
• Work closely with various departments to gather necessary information, explain audit procedures, and provide feedback on audit findings.
• Examining correctness of payment requests, completeness of documentation and certifying requisitions or transactions for further processing
• Verifying receipts, matching and undertaking on line reconciliation of invoices and local purchase orders for goods and services procured prior to effecting payments
• Conducting internal audit engagements in line with audit procedures, compiling and documenting audit evidence and generating audit issues
• Appraising and evaluating the effectiveness of the risk management process

3. Reporting & Communication:

• Prepare comprehensive audit reports that summarize audit findings, risks, and recommendations for senior management, the Audit Committee, and other relevant stakeholders.
• Present findings and audit recommendations in a clear, concise, and actionable manner to senior leadership, highlighting key risks and control weaknesses.
• Work closely with senior management to develop and implement corrective actions in response to audit findings and ensure timely follow-up on open audit issues.

4. Compliance & Regulatory Oversight:

• Stay up to date with relevant regulatory requirements and ensure that the University’s management practices comply with applicable laws and standards.
• Assist in regulatory inspections and audits, ensuring that all necessary documentation and responses are prepared accurately and promptly.

5. Risk Management & Internal Control:

• Evaluate the effectiveness of internal controls across the University’s operations, identifying gaps and recommending improvements.
• Work closely with other risk management teams, Director Finance, and other unit heads to assess and mitigate key risks affecting the University.
• Develop and monitor key risk indicators (KRIs) to ensure proactive management of potential operational and financial risks.

6. Team Development & Training:

• Foster a high-performance culture by participating in recruiting, training, and developing a skilled internal audit team.
• Conduct regular performance reviews, providing constructive feedback and career development opportunities for audit staff.
• Promote continuous learning and development in the field of internal auditing and risk management

7. Advisory & Consulting Role:

• Provide advisory services to management on internal control matters, operational efficiency, and risk mitigation strategies.
• Collaborate with business units to help enhance operational effectiveness, internal control frameworks, and compliance practices.

Key Requirements:

1. Educational Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, B.com Accounting or Finance, or a related field.
• Professional certification such as Certified Internal Auditor (CIA), Certified Public Accountant (CPA), or Chartered Accountant (CA) is highly preferred.

2. Experience:

• At least 7-10 years of experience in internal auditing, with a minimum of 3-5 years in a managerial or leadership role, ideally within Higher Education or financial services industry.
• Extensive experience in auditing financial and operational controls, regulatory compliance, and risk management.
• Experience working in an audit firm is an added advantage. 
• Strong knowledge of University operations, and regulatory frameworks.
• Proven experience in leading complex audit engagements and managing audit teams.

3. Technical Skills:

• Proficiency in audit methodologies, risk assessment techniques, and audit tools.
• Advanced understanding of financial accounting and reporting standards (IFRS, GAAP).
• Strong knowledge of IT auditing, cyber security risks, and data analytics tools is a plus.
• Familiarity with enterprise risk management systems and internal audit management software

4. Soft Skills:

• Exceptional leadership and team management skills, with the ability to inspire and lead teams towards achieving audit objectives.
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, with the ability to interact with all levels of the University and external stakeholders.
• Strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills to assess complex issues and develop effective solutions.
• High level of integrity, professionalism, and ethical standards.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs):

1. Audit Completion Rate: Timely completion of audit projects according to the annual audit plan.

2. Quality of Audit Reports: Clarity, accuracy, and actionable nature of audit reports.

3. Corrective Actions Implementation: Timely resolution of audit issues and follow-up on management actions.

4. Risk Mitigation: Successful identification and mitigation of operational and financial risks.

5. Team Development: Growth and performance of the internal audit team, including skills development and retention

How to apply

Qualified and interested candidates are invited to submit a soft copy of their application documents and motivation letter to: hr@kcu.ac.ug with the subject line ‘‘Application for the Position of Internal Auditor, addressed to the Human Resource Manager, King Ceasor University, Plot 32, King Ceasor Road, Ggaba Road, Kampala, Uganda. Please provide a reliable 24-hour phone contact. Only short-listed candidates will be contacted for interviews.