Head, Internal Audit

Our client is a multinational oil and gas trading group with a presence in Africa, Asia, and the Middle East. With over a decade of expertise in petroleum product trading and marine logistics, they have established themselves as industry leaders. The company provides a world-class working environment and a competitive remuneration package designed to attract and retain top talent in the sector. We are seeking an experienced Head, Internal Audit & Risk to provides independent, objective assurance and consulting services designed to add value and improve the organization's operations. The role is responsible for leading the audit and risk management functions, developing frameworks to evaluate the adequacy of internal controls, and ensuring effective risk identification, assessment, and mitigation across all business areas.

The position also supports governance and compliance, enhancing the company's ability to achieve its strategic and operational objectives responsibly.

The Head, Internal Audit & Risk is responsible for developing, implementing, and maintaining a strong internal control and enterprise risk management framework to safeguard company assets, ensure accurate financial reporting, and promote operational efficiency. The role oversees risk identification, assessment, mitigation, and monitoring across all business units, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements and corporate governance standards.

The role holder will report directly to the Board & Indirectly to Chief Executive Officer, role is based in Lagos, Nigeria.

Key Responsibilities: Internal Audit

Develop and execute a comprehensive, risk-based annual audit plan covering financial, operational, trading, and IT processes.

Conduct internal audits in line with international standards (IIA Standards) to assess adequacy and effectiveness of internal controls.

Evaluate reliability and integrity of financial and operational information.

Review the efficiency of operations, safeguarding of company assets, and compliance with policies, laws, and regulations.

Perform special investigations into suspected frauds, irregularities, or policy breaches and recommend corrective actions.

Monitor implementation of audit recommendations and corrective measures across all departments.

Prepare and present detailed audit reports with actionable findings and improvement opportunities to management and the Board Audit Committee.

Collaborate with external auditors and regulators to ensure alignment of audit activities and reporting.

Risk Management

Design, implement, and maintain an Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) framework consistent with ISO 31000 standards.

Identify, assess, and monitor operational, financial, strategic, market, and compliance risks across business units.

Maintain and regularly update the company's risk register.

Facilitate risk workshops with business units and guide the development of mitigation and contingency plans.

Perform scenario analysis, risk modelling, and stress testing for key risk areas such as credit, FX exposure, product pricing, and supply chain risks.

Ensure integration of risk management practices into business planning and decision-making.

Prepare quarterly and annual risk reports for executive management and the Board Audit & Risk Committee.

 

Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or related field (Master's degree preferred).

Professional certifications such as ACA, ACCA, CIA, or CRMA are mandatory.

Minimum of 10 years' relevant experience, with at least 5 years in a leadership role within internal audit or risk management.

Strong knowledge of IIA standards, ISO 31000, and Nigerian corporate governance codes.

Excellent analytical, leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills.

Competitive remuneration.