Internal Audit Manager

Job Overview

The Internal Audit Manager for Malawi holds a vital senior position within Britam's Internal Audit team. This role is entrusted with leading, managing, and conducting independent, objective audit and consulting activities across Britam's Malawi operations. Reporting directly to the Director of Internal Audit, the manager evaluates the effectiveness of risk management, internal controls, and governance processes. The position ensures strict compliance with Malawian regulations while adhering closely to Group Internal Audit standards and international auditing frameworks (IIA IPPF).

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement a thorough, risk-focused annual internal audit plan tailored to the Malawi entity in partnership with the Director of Internal Audit.
• Monitor developments in the local financial services and insurance industries to update audit scopes and risk registers proactively.
• Align local audit objectives with broader Group Internal Audit strategies.
• Supervise the entire internal audit process from planning through reporting, ensuring compliance with international and group auditing standards.
• Conduct root cause analyses on identified control weaknesses and work collaboratively with business units to design effective corrective measures.
• Compile concise, high-impact audit reports and dashboards for executive leadership and the Audit Committee, offering clear audit opinions and actionable recommendations.
• Maintain a tracking system for all audit findings to guarantee timely remediation by management.
• Build and sustain trusted relationships with key leadership, including the Malawi CEO, Executive Committee, Board Audit Committee, and external auditors.
• Coordinate efforts with external auditors and regulators to streamline audit scope and improve audit efficiency and value.
• Promote adoption of data analytics tools such as IDEA or SQL and continuous auditing methodologies to enhance audit coverage.
• Manage the internal audit unit’s budget and administrative tasks under the Director’s guidance.

Reporting and Relationships

• Report to the Director of Internal Audit and be administratively accountable to the CEO.
• Collaborate closely with the Board Audit Committee and external auditors.
• Work cross-functionally with other departments as necessary.

Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Commerce, Finance, Accounting, Information Technology, or related discipline. An MBA is advantageous.
• Professional certifications such as CPA, ACCA, CIA, CISA, CFE, or equivalents are required.
• A minimum of 7 years audit experience within financial services, including at least 3 years in leadership or audit management roles.
• Strong analytical skills coupled with leadership capability and effective communication, with proven experience influencing senior management and board members.

Competencies

• Decision making and initiative: Responsible for achieving departmental goals and making informed decisions under limited information.
• Leadership and supervision: Guiding the department with strategic clarity, motivating staff, fostering development and empowerment.
• Persuasion and influence: Gaining consensus and promoting organisational strategies effectively at various levels.
• Strategic formulation: Creating and implementing departmental strategies aligned with organisational goals.
• Entrepreneurial thinking: Staying abreast of market trends and competitor activity to identify opportunities and manage financial performance.
• Planning and organisation: Setting clear objectives, managing resources, and monitoring outcomes.
• Additional competencies include networking, innovation, personal goal achievement, ethics, adaptability, analytical thinking, cost management, and staff development.

Additional Information

• Location: Blantyre, Southern Region, Malawi.
• Employment Type: Permanent full-time position.
• Work Shift: Day job.
• Accountable to Director Internal Audit and CEO administratively.