Background The African University of Science & Technology is a private, Pan-African, coeducational, research university located in Abuja, Nigeria. The mission of AUST is to advance knowledge and educate students in science, technology, and other areas of scholarship that will best serve the African continent in the 21st century. AUST is dedicated to providing its students with an education that combines rigorous academic study and the excitement of discovery with the support and intellectual stimulation of a diverse international and diaspora community. It is owned by NMI.
The Nelson Mandela Institution for Knowledge Building and the Advancement of Science and Technology (NMI) is a Non-profit Organisation established in 2004 to promote excellence in science and engineering and their applications to foster development in Sub-Saharan Africa. Our major initiative is establishing African Institutes of Science and Technology as centers of academic excellence across the African continent.
These Institutions, African University of Science and Technology (AUST) and Nelson Mandela Institution (NMI) have both received grant from the African Capacity Building Foundation (ACBF) in the amount totaling US$3.6million towards the cost of the program, Support to Capacity Initiative of AUST in Science and Technology and intends to apply part of the proceeds of the grant to cover remunerations to Internal Auditors employed for the two Institutions.
Objectives The Internal Auditor will, in accordance with the two institutions' financial regulations, provide, independent, objective assurance and advisory services designed to add value and improve the operations of both institutions. The Internal Auditor will provide all levels of management with periodic, independent and objective appraisals and audits of financial, accounting, operational, administrative and other activities, including identifying possible means of improving accountability, efficiency of operations and economy in the use of resources, internally and externally.
Duties and Responsibilities
- Developing and managing a flexible annual audit plan using appropriate risk-based methodology, including any risks or control concerns identified by management, and submitting that plan to the audit committee for review and approval.
- Implementing the annual audit plan, as approved, including, as appropriate, any special tasks or projects requested by management and the audit committee; and, reporting periodically on the status and results of the annual audit plan as well as the adequacy of the division's resources.
- Conducting or contributing to comprehensive audits/reviews that evaluate and report on the soundness and adequacy of policies, procedures and financial, operational programs.
- Determining whether AUST and NMI's risk management, control, and governance processes, as designed and represented by management, is adequate and functioning. Assessing the adequacy and effectiveness of such processes for controlling their activities and managing their risks.
- Assigning and supervising financial, operational, administrative and information technology audits.
- Assigning and supervising the reviewing of systems of internal controls maintained by the institutions to safeguard their financial and physical assets and making recommendations to correct any weaknesses;
- Providing advisory services, beyond internal auditing assurance services, to assist management in meeting its objectives; and, maintaining a quality assurance program which assures the operation of internal auditing activities.
- Evaluating and assessing significant new or changing services, processes, operations, and controls relating to their development and implementation.
- Liaising with the external auditors as appropriate, for the purpose of providing optimal audit coverage to the institutions. Reporting to management on significant issues related to the processes for controlling the activities, including potential improvements to those processes.
- Undertaking such other activities deemed to be in conformity with the Institute of Internal Auditors standards for the professional practice of internal auditing.
- Perform other duties as required.
Qualifications/Experience/Selection Criteria (including skills, knowledge):
- Masters Degree or equivalent in Finance, Business and/or Internationally recognized Professional Accounting Qualifications (CA, CPA, ACA)
- At least 5-6 years of relevant experience in the profession.
- Substantial experience in auditing and risk assessment work in internal auditing of a well established company/institution or in external audit environments in an international institution or firm. International exposure would be a plus.
- Ability to clearly communicate, write, present and defend audit findings and recommendations.
- Established reputation for integrity, good judgment, fairness and discretion in dealing with top management, staff and external parties
- Capacity to influence and endear confidence upon Auditors.
- Ability to work in a team.
Duty Station: Abuja, Nigeria
Duration of Contract: Three years. The first will be a probation year at the successful completion of which the contract would be renewed and extended for at least two more years.
Salary: Competitive and Negotiable. Method of Applications: Applicants are required to submit their Application Letter, Resume and scanned copies of credentials to austacbf-recruitment@aust.edu.ng. Only successful candidates at the screening stage shall be invited for interviews.
Via: African University of Science & Technology, Abuja (AUST)