The position

The Aga Khan Agency for Habitat Pakistan invites applications for the Head of Internal Audit. The position will be responsible for implementing a strategy for conducting internal audits throughout AKAH Pakistan to ensure effective internal control, identify shortfalls and gaps in processes, assess the efficacy of the organization’s risk management efforts, ensure that the organization complies with all relevant laws, ensure safeguards, and investigate fraud.

The Head of Internal Audit reports directly to the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors at AKAH, Pakistan, with administrative oversight from the CEO of AKAH Pakistan.

The role of the position encompasses the following responsibilities:
Develop a risk-based internal audit plan annually for Audit Committee review and approval.
Oversee the implementation of the approved plan, ensure proper resourcing, and adjust the plan as needed in response to changes in organizational risks, operations, programs, systems, and controls. Keep senior management and the Audit Committee apprised of any changes to the internal audit plan.
Implement and monitor internal audit policies, procedures, and guidelines and report to the Audit Committee.
Supervise or conduct follow-up reviews to determine the implementation of previous audit recommendations and corrective actions to improve efficiency.
Perform organization-wide risk assessments to identify significant risks or exposure related to internal controls or compliance with donor policies, AKAH's policies and procedures, the Government of Pakistan's regulatory requirements, operations efficiency, and programmatic and financial reporting accuracy.
Remain current on audit and local regulatory oversight trends and develop a risk-based approach incorporated into the annual audit plan.
Develop, monitor, and assess governance, risk, and compliance control systems to prevent or deal with legislative or regulatory compliance violations.
Support the enforcement of compliance regulations in all aspects, provide guidance, and facilitate staff development in support.
Facilitate external audits, as directed by the Audit Committee and senior management, to ensure the audit work remains within the prescribed guidelines.
Coordinate and assist with the preparation of Audit Committee materials. Participate in Audit Committee meetings as and when scheduled.
Consult and correspond with department heads and managers on quality improvement perspectives, review audit findings, and recommend quality improvements to bring efficiency and effectiveness in financial and management controls.
Work with the senior leadership team to embed the compliance systems into daily practice, including consulting compliance responsibilities, communicating any matters identified through detailed reports and advice, and informing any emerging external factors such as changes to laws or other compliance obligations.
Ensure that non-compliance complaints are handled effectively, and that root cause analysis is carried out.
Liaise with different AKDN agencies' internal audit leads to ensure updates regarding laws, regulations, legal requirements, etc.
Assist the management in investigating fraud cases and report to the Audit Committee concerns about any actual, potential, and perceived improprieties in financial or other matters.
Conduct audits and reviews of the organization’s financial, operational, and compliance processes with recommendations for improvements to processes and controls.
Recommend organization-wide training based on gaps identified to ensure adherence to AKAH's practices, policies and the best practices worldwide.
Stay well-informed of emerging trends and successful internal audit practices, specifically in the non-profit sector.
Prepare reports for the Board, senior management, and external regulatory bodies as appropriate.
Perform any other task or assignment the Audit Committee or the CEO gives.

The requirements

A bachelor's degree in a related field. A masters degree is a plus.
12 to 15 years of related work experience with at least four years in a lead Internal Audit role or equivalent and would have ideally worked with a top audit firm in Pakistan or abroad.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:
CPA, CIA, CISA, ACCA, or equivalent qualification.
Comprehensive understanding of COSO, GAAP, and GAAS.
A strong understanding of organizational business processes, risk assessment, and data analysis trends.
Prior experience in organizing, planning, managing, supervising audit functions, and conducting financial reporting.
In-depth knowledge of local financial regulations. Including those related to donor funding or affecting the non-profit sector.
Must have excellent organizational, communication, and presentation skills.
Excellent problem-solving skills (i.e., conceptual and analytical thinking). Ability to promote the value of internal audit within the organization.
Should be proficient in using MS Office, accounting software, and databases.

The position will be based either in Islamabad/ Karachi based on the selection of the candidate. The role will however require extensive travel across AKAH Pakistan's programme areas.

Sector

Social Development

About the Agency

A new agency, the Aga Khan Agency for the Habitat (AKAH), works to ensure that people live in physical settings that are as safe as possible from the effects of natural disasters, that residents who do live in such high risk areas are able to cope with disasters in terms of preparedness and response, and that these settings provide access to social and financial services that lead to greater opportunities and a better quality of life. The new agency merges the activities of the Aga Khan Planning and Building Services, with its prize-winning water and sanitation programmes and low-cost habitat products, such as smoke-free stoves; the humanitarian arm of AKDN, FOCUS, which promotes disaster mitigation and resiliency and intervenes after disasters; the AKDN’s Disaster Risk Management Initiative, which focuses on disaster preparedness in remote areas; and the environment- and habitat-related activities of the Aga Khan Foundation, including the Prince Sadruddin Fund for the Environment and the Foundation’s highly regarded rural support programmes.

Region

South Asia

Location

Pakistan

Salary

Salary and package to attract the best candidate

Job Expires

16-Sep-2024

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