JOB PURPOSE
The Senior Auditor (Level 7) provides leadership and technical expertise in the planning, execution, and reporting of audits conducted under the Quality Management System (QMS) of the Jamaica Customs Agency (JCA). The incumbent leads the team ensuring compliance with ISO 9001:2025 standards, internal policies, and international best practices in auditing. The role ensures the effective functioning of the QMS within the Agency’s Internal Audit Division and supports continuous improvement across all business processes by:
- Managing the Quality Management System of the Internal Audit function within the Jamaica Customs Agency.
- Planning and execution of comprehensive internal audits of the Agency’s Quality Management System. To evaluate and determine the adequacy of internal control, helping ensure efficient and effective operating procedures are in place and strategic objectives are being achieved in keeping with the adopted ISO 9001:2015 standard.
- Determining that the Jamaica Customs Agency operations are in accordance with the Customs Act and Regulations, GCT Act, Staff Orders, the World Trade Organization (WTO) guidelines, International Standards Organization (ISO) and all other national and other international procedures that govern customs operations.
- Ensuring that accounting procedures are in accordance with the provisions of the Financial Instructions for Executive Agencies (FIEA), Financial Administration and Audit (FAA) Act, other relevant laws, rules and regulations governing Customs Administration and inter-agency functions executed as well as directives issued from time to time by the Ministry of Finance and Public Service.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Technical/Professional Responsibilities
Leadership & Team Oversight
- Provide leadership, direction, and supervision to the team of ISO Auditors, ensuring effective allocation of audit assignments and delivery of high-quality outputs.
- Mentor and build capacity within the team, promoting continuous learning and professional development.
- Foster a culture of collaboration, ethical conduct, and objectivity in line with JCA values and international audit standards.
- Lead the audit team in continuous monitoring of the Agency’s QMS and promote compliance through effective audit processes and adherence to approved Standard Operating Procedures SOP’s.
Audit Planning & Execution
- Lead the development of the annual and risk-based QMS audit plans, in alignment with the Agency’s strategic and operational priorities.
- Manage and participate in planning, execution, and follow-up of internal QMS audits in accordance with ISO 9001:2025 and ISO 19011 audit guidelines.
- Ensure audits are conducted with integrity, independence, and a solutions-focused approach.
- Review and validate audit findings, ensuring accuracy, completeness, and relevance before submission to the Director.
- Assists in planning and conducting the audit of the Agency’s Quality Management System.
- Participate in the compliance programme working with process owners throughout the Agency to perform design and operating effectiveness tests.
Quality Assurance & Reporting
- Prepare and present high-level audit reports with actionable recommendations to management and oversight committees.
- Monitor implementation of corrective and preventive actions, ensuring timely closure of nonconformities.
- Maintain audit documentation and records in compliance with ISO standards and internal protocols.
- Drive continuous improvement by identifying systemic weaknesses and proposing enhancements to processes, controls, and the QMS framework.
- Prepares reports summarizing audit findings, reviews them with management and makes recommendations to solve issues and problems. Identifies trends from audit results and works with process owners to develop solutions. Actively participates in the preparation of audit reports for senior management and the Audit Committee.
Strategic & Advisory Role
- Provide expert advice to management on quality assurance, risk mitigation, and process optimization.
- Participate in the review and update of policies, procedures, and work instructions to ensure alignment with ISO standards and organizational objectives.
- Support the Agency’s ISO certification, surveillance, and recertification processes.
- Serve as liaison with external auditors and regulatory bodies in matters relating to the QMS.
Research & Evaluation
- Examine and evaluates transactions and business processes, and identifies opportunities for enhancing compliance, internal controls and process efficiency and communicates results at all levels throughout the organization.
- Participate in Agency-wide risk assessment activities and ongoing development of the comprehensive audit plan.
- Assist in the evaluation of policies and procedures making recommendations to help ensure that process flow, accuracy and documentation of accounting records are improved and that there is compliance with laws and regulations.
- Keep abreast of professional standards, and government regulations. Informs management of changes and provides recommendations for implementation.
- Researche laws, regulations, Agency policy and standards governing government accounting practices and procedures.
Management/Supervisory Responsibilities
- Undertakes human resource management functions for all reports including professional and career development, leave monitoring and approval; coaching and mentoring, and performance appraisals.
- Performs any other job related duties as assigned by the Director.
- In collaboration with the Audit Committee, ensures that a practice inspection or other external review of the internal audit function is conducted at least every 3 years, by a qualified, independent external review team, and that the results of this external assessment are communicated to the Audit Committee.
Customer Service Responsibilities
- Maintains customer service principles, standards and measurements;
- Identifies and incorporates the interests and needs of customers in business process design;
- Ensures critical success factors are identified and meets expectations;
- Prepares quarterly and/or annually Customer Service reports in accordance with established standards.
Other Responsibilities
- Performs all other duties and functions as may be required from time to time.
REQUIRED COMPETENCIES
Core
- Demonstrates excellent oral and written communication skills, including the ability to deliver clear, well-structured reports and impactful presentations to diverse audiences.
- Applies advanced analytical and problem-solving skills to identify root causes, evaluate alternatives, and recommend evidence-based solutions within agreed timelines.
- Builds and maintains strong stakeholder relationships by applying effective interpersonal, customer service, and negotiation skills to achieve win–win outcomes.
- Plans, organizes, and prioritizes work efficiently, ensuring the timely completion of assignments and the effective coordination of team activities.
- Exhibits high standards of quality assurance and review, consistently producing accurate, error-free, and compliance-driven outputs.
- Maintains strict confidentiality and professional integrity, upholding ethical standards and sound judgment in handling sensitive information.
- Demonstrates strong interviewing and investigative skills, using structured techniques to gather reliable information and make informed decisions.
- Exercises effective leadership and team management abilities, motivating staff, coordinating workstreams, and fostering a culture of collaboration and accountability.
- Uses sound judgment and decision-making skills to resolve complex issues, balancing risk with organizational objectives.
- Influences and engages stakeholders across all levels of the Agency, leveraging professional credibility to build consensus and drive change.
- Displays excellent human relations skills, promoting teamwork, resolving conflicts constructively, and sustaining a positive and professional work environment.
- Demonstrates a commitment to continuous professional development, adapting to evolving organizational needs and industry best practices.
Technical
- Advanced IT skills in relation to the Microsoft Office Suite Applications
- Comprehensive knowledge of current auditing and accounting principles, practices, standards and techniques.
- Working knowledge of the Customs Act and Regulations and Customs Administration.
- Comprehensive knowledge of the Financial Instructions to Executive Agencies (FIEA) and Staff Orders.
- The Financial Administration and Audit Act Instructions (FAA Act) and other relevant accounting legislations.
- Working knowledge of the International Professional Practices Framework (IPPF)
- Working knowledge of any automated working paper software.
- Proficiency in the use of relevant computer applications.
MINIMUM REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
- First degree preferably in Accounts, Finance, Business Administration, Public Administration or Management. ACCA Level 2.
- Successful completion of any internationally recognized auditing certification; CIA, CGAP, CRMA or PECB would be an asset.
- At least five (5) years relevant experience in an auditing/accounting environment, with two (2) years in a supervisory or lead auditor role.
- Certification as a Lead Auditor in ISO 9001 (mandatory)
- Specialized knowledge of customs administration and operations would be advantageous.
- Training in Quality Management Systems, Risk Management, and/or Internal Auditing Standards would be an asset.
- Experience in a regulatory or public-sector environment is desirable.
SPECIAL CONDITIONS ASSOCIATED WITH THE JOB
- Work will be conducted in an office outfitted with standard office equipment and specialized software. The environment is fast paced with on-going interactions with critical stakeholders and meeting tight deadlines which will result in high degrees of pressure, on occasions. May be required to travel locally and overseas to attend conferences, seminars and meetings.
- Normal office environment
- Some exposure to natural elements and hazardous material on outdoor assignments.
- Extensive travelling required (>70%) on a regular basis in normal execution of duties island wide.
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted by HRMD
