Manager - Internal Audit

Job Description:

Job Description

Manager - Internal Audit (East Africa Region)

Position Title

Manager - Internal Audit

Location

East Africa Regional Office – Kampala - Uganda

Reporting To

Head of Internal Audit

Direct Reports

Senior Internal Auditors, Internal Auditors, Audit Analysts (as applicable)

Job Purpose

To support the Head of Internal Audit in delivering a comprehensive risk-based internal audit program across the East African operations. The role is responsible for planning, executing, and reporting on operational, financial, compliance, and IT audits to evaluate the adequacy and effectiveness of internal controls, risk management processes, and governance practices.

The incumbent will work closely with business leaders to identify control weaknesses, improve operational efficiency, mitigate risks, and ensure compliance with company policies and regulatory requirements.

Key Responsibilities

1. Audit Planning & Execution

• Develop audit scopes, objectives, work programs, and testing procedures.
• Lead and supervise internal audit assignments across regional operations.
• Conduct risk assessments and identify areas requiring audit focus.
• Ensure audits are completed within approved timelines and budgets.
• Maintain compliance with Internal Audit Charter and audit methodology.

2. Operational Audits

Conduct audits covering:

Manufacturing Operations

• Production controls and process efficiency.
• Raw material consumption and yield analysis.
• Inventory controls and stock management.
• Quality assurance and quality control procedures.
• Plant maintenance and asset utilization.

Supply Chain & Logistics

• Procurement processes and vendor management.
• Warehousing controls.
• Distribution operations.
• Fleet and transportation management.
• Inventory reconciliation and stock loss management.

Sales & Commercial Operations

• Distributor management controls.
• Trade promotion and rebate programs.
• Route-to-market effectiveness.
• Sales incentive schemes.
• Credit management and receivables controls.
• Revenue assurance reviews.

3. Financial Audits & Internal Controls

• Assess effectiveness of financial controls and accounting processes.
• Verify compliance with accounting policies and IFRS requirements.
• Review cash management practices and treasury controls.
• Test key controls over revenue, procurement, inventory, and fixed assets.
• Recommend improvements to strengthen the internal control environment.

4. Compliance & Regulatory Audits

• Assess compliance with company policies and procedures.
• Review compliance with statutory and regulatory requirements across East African markets.
• Monitor adherence to tax, labor, environmental, and industry regulations.
• Support governance and ethics compliance initiatives.

5. Fraud Risk Management & Investigations

• Identify fraud vulnerabilities and recommend control enhancements.
• Participate in fraud investigations and special reviews.
• Conduct root cause analysis of control failures.
• Support whistleblower investigations and ethics-related reviews.
• Monitor implementation of fraud prevention measures.

6. Audit Reporting & Follow-Up

• Prepare clear and concise audit reports.
• Present audit findings and recommendations to management.
• Track implementation of agreed corrective actions.
• Follow up on outstanding audit issues and verify closure.
• Provide periodic status reports to the Head of Internal Audit.

7. Risk Management

• Support Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) initiatives.
• Evaluate adequacy of risk mitigation controls.
• Monitor emerging operational and business risks.
• Assist management in strengthening risk awareness and control culture.

8. Data Analytics & Continuous Auditing

• Utilize audit analytics tools to improve audit effectiveness.
• Analyze large data sets to identify anomalies, trends, and control weaknesses.
• Support continuous auditing and monitoring programs.
• Recommend automation opportunities to strengthen controls.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Audit plan completion rate.
• Timely issuance of audit reports.
• Closure rate of audit findings.
• Reduction in repeat audit observations.
• Quality and impact of audit recommendations.
• Number of control improvements implemented.
• Fraud loss reduction and issue resolution effectiveness.
• Stakeholder satisfaction ratings.

Education & Professional Qualifications

Essential

• Bachelor's Degree in Accounting, Finance, Commerce, Business Administration, Economics, or related discipline.

Professional Certifications

One or more of the following:

• CIA (Certified Internal Auditor)
• CPA
• ACCA
• CMA

Preferred

• MBA or Master's Degree in Finance, Risk Management, or Business Administration.

Experience

Essential

• 7-10 years of experience in Internal Audit, Risk, Compliance, Finance, or External Audit.
• Minimum 3 years in a supervisory or managerial audit role.
• Experience within FMCG, Manufacturing, Consumer Goods, Retail, or Distribution sectors.
• Hands-on experience in operational and financial audits.

Preferred

• Experience working across multiple East African countries.
• Exposure to multinational FMCG operations.
• Auditing experience in manufacturing plants and distribution networks.
• Experience with ERP systems such as SAP HANA S/4, Oracle, Microsoft Dynamics, or ERP Next.

Technical Competencies

• Risk-Based Internal Auditing
• Internal Control Evaluation
• Operational Auditing
• Financial Auditing
• Fraud Risk Assessment
• Compliance Auditing
• Inventory & Supply Chain Controls
• Data Analytics
• ERP Controls Review
• Report Writing & Presentation

Behavioral Competencies

• Analytical Thinking
• Attention to Detail
• Integrity & Professional Ethics
• Leadership & Team Management
• Influencing Skills
• Problem Solving
• Stakeholder Management
• Business Acumen
• Communication & Presentation Skills
• Results Orientation

Travel Requirements

• 25% to 40% travel across East African operations, factories, warehouses, distributors, and branch locations. ( Rwanda & Uganda )

Ideal Candidate Profile

A proactive and commercially aware Internal Audit professional with strong FMCG experience, capable of leading audits across manufacturing, supply chain, sales, and finance functions. The successful candidate will combine technical audit expertise with practical business insight to strengthen controls, improve operational efficiency, and support organizational growth across the East African region.