Internal Auditor

THE CHILDREN'S AUTHORITY OF TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO JOB DESCRIPTION - INTERNAL AUDITOR _____________________________________________________________ Job Title: Internal Auditor Department: Internal Audit Reports to: Chairman, Board of Management and Director Direct Reports: Audit Associate, Audit Assistant ________________________________________________________________ JOB SUMMARY The Internal Auditor is responsible for analysing the operational activities, procedures and processes of the Children's Authority to ensure that its strategic objectives are being met. The incumbent recommends solutions to organisational problems, ensures compliance with policies, and advises the Board, management and other employees within the Authority on how they could execute their tasks more effectively.  The Internal Auditor executes the Audit Plan and provides timely reports to the Board of Management on the Authority's compliance with statutory requirements. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES Directs a comprehensive audit programme that includes the conduct of performance, financial and compliance audits. Evaluates the Children's Authority internal controls, processes, policies and mechanisms to ensure that they are adequate, effective and in compliance with regulatory principles, industry standards and corporate guidelines. Conducts risk assessment surveys to identify loopholes and areas requiring management intervention to prevent fraud, misappropriation, misuse and wastage; and ensuring that the strategic objectives of the Children's Authority are achieved economically, efficiently and effectively. Prepares and implements an Annual Internal Audit Plan based on risk assessment surveys; including the tasks, assignments and timelines for completion of each task, and the main activities, personnel to be employed, and the reporting results of the audit. Establishes a system for monitoring, gathering, and analysing various types of financial information and documents to ensure that the Authority's operations and employees are compliant with government and corporate regulations. Serves as quality control for the Authority's financial processes and assists the Authority to increase the accuracy of its financial data and avoid any legal or monetary problems. Serves as the organization's chief audit executive and performs advanced level professional internal auditing work as a key component of the corporate governance structure. Works closely with the Finance Manager and the Facilities, Administration and HSSE Manager to establish an effective record-keeping system that supports the internal audit function. Directs the audit staff in the planning, organizing, directing and monitoring of internal audit operations. Oversees the overall performance of audit procedures, including directing audit staff in conducting interviews, reviewing documents, developing and administering surveys, developing criteria, reviewing and analyzing evidence, identifying, defining, developing and documenting audit issues and recommendations, composing summary memos and preparing working papers. Represents Internal Audit at management and Board meetings and with external agencies and organisations. Provides professional advice, and presents regular reports to the Chairman, Board of Management and the Director on the operational activities of the Internal Audit Department. Builds, maintains and develops effective relationships and collaboration with relevant agencies and organisations; ensuring that best practices are maintained. Develops and conducts comprehensive induction, on-going training programmes and regular professional development opportunities for the internal audit staff to ensure that they are well-prepared to manage any situation that may arise in the discharge of their duties. Supervises, coaches and mentors the staff of the Internal Audit Department including scheduled performance reviews and implementation of personal improvement plans. Represents the Authority in an official capacity, as required. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE A recognised professional qualification in the field of accounting or financial management such as CIMA (Chartered Institute of Management Accountants); ACCA (Association of Certified Chartered Accountants); CIPFA (Public Finance Accountant) or Certified Internal Auditor A post-graduate certification in Finance, Management, Administration and/or Project Planning and Management would be an asset. A minimum of five (5) years' experience working in any of the areas of auditing, accounting or financial management with at least three (3) years at a managerial level. Any other equivalent combination of training and experience will be considered. REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES Highly confidential. Demonstrated leadership and management abilities. Strong organisational skills. Extensive knowledge of, and skill in, applying internal auditing and accounting principles and practices, and management principles and best practices. Knowledge of management information systems, terminology, concepts and practices. Considerable skill in conducting quality control reviews of audit work products. Demonstrated ability to collect and analyse complex data, evaluate information and systems, and draw logical conclusions. Excellent project planning, management and implementation skills. Sound knowledge of government financial regulations, accounting and reporting requirements. Demonstrated competence in the establishment and monitoring of qualitative and quantitative standards. Must be able to obtain, analyze and evaluate a variety of information; organize, interpret and present it in a meaningful oral or written form for varied audiences. Ability to read and interpret technical and financial documents. Ability to provide solid analysis leading to sound decision-making. Ability to identify, investigate, research and offer solutions to address complaints, problems and issues affecting the efficient and effective operations of an organisation. Demonstrable interest in children, their needs and rights. Demonstrated competence in administrative management tools, techniques and systems. Ability to work with professionals in various fields toward a single goal. Proven skills to quickly evaluate complex issues, identify multiple options for resolution, and recommend an appropriate course of action. Excellent customer service orientation. Ability to build trust, credibility and effective working relationships with all levels of staff within the organization, and with external stakeholders. Must demonstrate tact, diplomacy, mature judgement and creative problem-solving skills. Knowledge of the laws relevant to accounting and financial management. Excellent interpersonal and communications skills (oral and written). Excellent presentation skills. Competent in accounting and audit software Competent in computer usage and the Microsoft Office Suite of programmes (including Word, Excel and Power Point) Interested persons are asked to adopt the following guidelines when submitting an application: Kindly submit your Resume and Cover Letter in one (1) document in either a word or pdf file. Applications are to be titled as the Candidate's name, i.e. First Name and Last Name. Clearly identify the position applied for in the Cover Letter and Subject of the email. Hard copies of applications will be accepted, however soft copies are preferred. Please apply via one (1) advertising medium only. Only shortlisted Candidates will be contacted. *******************************