Head of Internal Audit – Banking

About the role

Our client is a fast‑growing microfinance bank that takes deposits and operates in the financial services sector. They seek a Head of Internal Audit to deliver independent, risk‑based assurance and advisory services that protect and enhance organisational value, improve governance, risk management and internal controls, and foster a culture of accountability and continuous improvement.

Key responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership to the Internal Audit function, aligning audit activities with the bank’s strategic objectives, risk appetite and regulatory expectations.
• Develop and execute a dynamic, risk‑based audit strategy and annual audit plan based on enterprise‑wide risk assessments.
• Deliver independent assurance to the Board Audit Committee on governance, risk management and internal control effectiveness.
• Oversee high‑quality audits across operational, financial, compliance and information systems areas.
• Lead information systems audit and technology risk assurance, ensuring timely, insightful audit reports.
• Maintain a Quality Assurance and Improvement Program to conform with Global Internal Audit Standards.
• Monitor implementation of audit recommendations and report on corrective actions, control maturity and key risk exposures.
• Build and sustain a high‑performing internal audit team, promoting continuous improvement and professional excellence.

Required profile

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Business or related field; Master’s degree is an advantage.
• Professional qualifications such as CPA(K), ACCA, CIA, CFE or CISA.
• Minimum 10 years of internal/external audit experience, with at least 5 years in senior management within financial services.
• Strong understanding of banking regulatory requirements and statutory compliance.
• Proven leadership, analytical, investigative and decision‑making abilities.

Required skills

• Proficiency with data analytics tools.
• Experience using audit management systems.