Chief Internal Auditor (FMG/AS 4)

Job Purpose

Under the general direction of the Permanent Secretary, the Chief Internal Auditor plans, directs, co-ordinates and monitors the operations of the Internal Audit Division. The incumbent continually assesses internal controls, processes employed to develop and implement new financial and non-financial systems and to comment on the implications of identified strengths and weaknesses observed in the conduct of routine and special audits. 

Key Responsibilities

Management/Administration: 

• Participates in the Ministry’s Strategic Planning process by preparing and monitoring the Division’s Operational Plan and Budget, ensuring that the work of the Division is carried out according to plan and agreed targets; 
• Facilitates the development of Operational and Work Plans and Programmes for the Division, ensuring staff members are effectively utilized and productivity is maximized; 
• Oversees the work of Audit Teams engaged in financial and non-financial audits with the Ministry, its Departments and Agencies; 
• Manages and provides leadership, coaching and mentorship to members of the Division;
• Co-ordinates the work of the Division by assigning work to staff; 
• Ensures the efficient, effective and economical utilization of assets and other resources in the Division; 
• Prepares and submits reports, position papers and other documents, as required; 
• Attends meetings and represents the Ministry at conferences, seminars and other fora, as required. 

Technical/Professional: 

• Develops Annual Audit Plan, to include the priority level of each assignment, time schedules and the deployment of staff; 
• Reviews and approves the audit objectives, scope and audit programmes for assigned audit projects; 
• Directs the performance of audit procedures, including identifying and defining issues and recommendations, developing criteria, reviewing and analyzing relevant information, evaluating evidence, documenting business processes and procedures, and completing audit documentation; 
• Reports risk management issues and internal controls deficiencies identified and reported directly to the Audit Committee and provides recommendations for improving the Organisation's operations, in terms of both efficient and effective performance; 
• Conducts site visits, as necessary, to monitor audit progress and/or provide guidance and on the job training; 
• Manages the preparation and submission of final Audit Reports based on findings, recommendations and/or other relevant comments. Presents these Reports to the Audit Committee and Permanent Secretary, identifying areas requiring attention, as well as ensuring implementation of any actions agreed; 
• Maintains a working relationship with Internal Auditors based in the Departments and Agencies with reporting relationships to the Ministry. This is to ensure that they have all the information and support, as needed (special attention must be paid to those Departments and Agencies which do not have resident Internal Auditors). 
• Co-ordinates the distribution and management of feedback to queries, follow-up procedures and audit results; 
• Schedules and chairs exit meetings to discuss audit findings with the respective Heads of Divisions/Agencies; 
• Performs special investigations and assignments, as instructed; 
• Facilitates and participates in the development and implementation of financial and/or non-financial systems within the Ministry and its respective Departments and Agencies. 

Human Resource Management: 

• Develops and manages the performance of the Division and its staff, including transferring skills, motivating staff through coaching and mentoring, arranging for training, setting performance targets, monitoring performance, providing feedback to staff and initiating corrective action, where necessary, to improve performance; 
• Promotes the building of institutional knowledge for the Division by ensuring that established systems and procedures are documented and disseminated. 

Required Knowledge, Skills and Competencies

Functional/Technical: 

• Expert knowledge of current auditing principles, standards and techniques (for example, sampling techniques, VFM/Operational Auditing, Risk Assessments) 
• Expert knowledge of accounting principles, procedures, standards and practices
• Sound knowledge of the general operations of the machinery of the Government of Jamaica, especially the Financial Administration and Audit (FAA) Act 
• Proficiency in use of Microsoft Office Suite and other relevant computer applications and systems 

Core: 

• Excellent oral and written communication skills 
• Strategic Vision 
• Analytical thinking 
• Excellent problem solving and decision-making skills 
• Teamwork and co-operation 
• Excellent leadership and people management skills 
• Excellent interpersonal skills 

Minimum Required Qualification and Experience

• First Degree preferably in Accounts, Finance, Business Administration, Management or Economics; 

OR

• ACCA Fundamentals or equivalent, plus over five (5) years’ auditing experience and relevant experience in the specialized field. 
• Successful completion of relevant Government Auditing courses and professional audit training would be an asset. 

Special Conditions Associated with the Job

• There can be high pressure when deadlines are to be met; 
• Travelling within Jamaica is expected. 

Please note that only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.