Job Title:
Head of Internal Audit // 90k & Full Benefits
Head of Internal Audit // 90k & Full Benefits
My client, a leading life insurance company has expanded rapidly in Ireland over the past number of years. This company has its own A- S&P rating and has ambitious plans for the future and in turn are hoping to recruit an ambitious Auditor who has proven experience before Audit Committees.
They currently have a vacancy for a Head of Internal Audit.
Applicants must:
- Be educated to degree level with accounting and / or internal audit qualification – Minimum of 5 Years PQE
- Have previous audit / process analysis experience, preferably within the finance sector in Life Insurance / regulatory environment
- Thorough knowledge of the principles, procedures and practices of accounting (including IFRS) and auditing
- Experience of business processes and procedures and the internal controls thereof. Experience of IT systems, including the audit and use of IT systems including databases and the use of Business Intelligence tools.
The role will involve:
- Leading the Internal Audit function including establishment and maintenance of the relevant constitutional documents including the Audit Charter, Audit Committee Terms of Reference, including effective reporting to the Audit Committee for purposes of approval.
- Setting the strategic and operational objectives of the internal audit department and monitoring and reporting achievement of these to the Audit Committee.
- Design of Internal Audit Plans (including seeking of approval from Audit Committee), management of the delivery of internal audit reviews and planning and managing the execution of audits. Management of more junior staff members.
- Presentation and submission of other internal audit documents to Audit Committee and Board for review, comment and approval e.g. new governance policies, feedback questionnaires (from auditees), Internal Audit progress reports.
- Forming assurance opinions on key systems of internal control including forming an opinion of the overall internal control framework at year end. Submission of annual opinion to the CFO to inform the statement of internal control for the annual accounts / report.
- To work effectively with, and add value to Risk and Compliance functions. For example, in the creation and establishment of core policies and procedures relating to Anti-Fraud and Fraud response.
- Provide support and consultancy for the other organisational units on internal control, risk and governance matters by evaluating the effectiveness and efficiency of controls, by promoting continuous improvement and by contributing to the awareness of the internal control culture among all staff.
- Evaluate the effectiveness and contribute to the improvement of risk management processes and evaluate the potential for the occurrence of fraud and manage fraud risk.
- Make appropriate recommendations for improving the governance structures and processes.
- To advise on the improvement of operational policy and procedures in all areas of the organisation.
- To effectively liaise with Group Internal Audit on implementation of group policies relating to internal audit, risk management and governance . Also, in relation to the securing of any specialist resource required for internal audit delivery.
- To act as a first point of contact for internal and external whistle-blowers.
- To act as the main / central contact point for the external audit function.
- Lead / manage specific investigations relating to impropriety, fraud, misconduct where these are flagged by whistleblowers or other internal / external sources.
- Preparation of reports for the Regulators where this is required / specifically requested.
- Attendance and input at the company’s Risk Committee.
- Performance of secretarial duties for the Audit Committee.
Critical Competencies:
- Ability to gather, analyse and evaluate facts, and prepare and present concise oral and written reports
- Ability to identify and assess business and financial risk
- Advanced problem solving skills
- Ability to build rapport with a wide range of staff (in terms of seniority and functional expertise)
- Ability to communicate clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing, with all levels of staff.
- Project management skills with the ability to scope the dimensions and complexity of a potential project and to achieve timely completion.
- Ability to persuade and influence others to achieve tasks required and gain acceptance and implementation of recommendations.
Please submit your most recent and relevant CV to Michelle Nolan in Lex Consultancy for full details on this role.
