Job Title: Head of Internal Audit

Department:  Internal Audit

Section / Unit: Internal Audit

Location / Workstation: Stabex International Ltd Headquarters, Nansana – Hoima Road, Kampala, Uganda

Reporting Relationships

Reports Functionally to:  Audit and Risk Committee

Reports Administratively to:  Head of Operations

Works Closely With:  Heads of Department, Line Managers, Finance Team, Operations Team, and External Auditors

Job Purpose

Reporting functionally to the Audit and Risk Committee and administratively to the Head of Operations, the Head of Internal Audit provides strategic leadership of the Internal Audit function and serves as the Company’s principal assurance officer on matters relating to governance, risk management, internal controls, compliance, and investigations.

The position is responsible for establishing and maintaining a risk-based internal audit framework that delivers independent assurance on the effectiveness of business processes, financial controls, operational systems, and regulatory compliance. The role also leads investigations into suspected fraud, misconduct, and policy violations, assesses emerging risks, and provides strategic advisory services to Management and the Audit and Risk Committee. Through proactive evaluation of risks and controls, the Head of Internal Audit supports sound decision-making, safeguards Company assets and reputation, promotes operational excellence, and contributes to the sustainable achievement of the Company’s strategic and business objectives.

The role requires regular field visits across company operations within Uganda.

Key Responsibilities / Duties / Task

A. Audit Planning and Execution

1. Develop and implement strategic and annual risk-based internal audit plans and budgets for the Internal Audit function.
2. Lead and oversee operational, financial, compliance, IT, and investigative audits in accordance with the Global Internal Audit Standards and Company policies.
3. Evaluate the adequacy, effectiveness, and efficiency of internal controls, governance processes, and operational systems.
4. Assess compliance with statutory requirements, regulatory obligations, Company policies, operational procedures, and industry standards, and recommend corrective actions.
5. Conduct independent reviews of business processes to identify control weaknesses, operational inefficiencies, fraud risks, revenue leakages, and opportunities for improvement.
6. Ensure all audit assignments are conducted with integrity, objectivity, independence, confidentiality, and professional due care.
7. Coordinate and support external auditors, regulators, and other assurance providers where required

B. Risk Management and Governance

1. Provide independent assurance on the effectiveness of the Company’s Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) framework.
2. Review and evaluate the adequacy of risk identification, assessment, mitigation, monitoring, and reporting processes across all business functions.
3. Maintain and periodically review the corporate risk register to ensure emerging and strategic risks are appropriately identified and managed.
4. Monitor key business risks and provide regular reports to Management and the Audit & Risk Committee on the Company’s risk profile.
5. Facilitate risk assessments for departments, projects, and strategic initiatives and provide recommendations on risk mitigation measures.
6. Promote a risk-aware culture throughout the organization through awareness programs, training, and advisory support.
7. Assess governance structures and decision-making processes to ensure alignment with corporate objectives and regulatory requirements.

Investigations, Fraud Risk Management and Compliance

1. Lead, coordinate, and conduct investigations into suspected fraud, misconduct, financial irregularities, policy violations, and other reported incidents.
2. Manage whistleblower reports and ensure allegations are investigated objectively, confidentially, and in accordance with Company policies.
3. Prepare investigation reports detailing findings, root causes, financial impact, and recommended corrective or disciplinary actions.
4. Assess fraud risks across the organization and recommend appropriate preventive, detective, and corrective controls.
5. Review fraud prevention and anti-corruption frameworks and recommend improvements to strengthen the control environment.
6. Support Management and relevant committees in implementing actions arising from investigations and compliance reviews.
7. Liaise with law enforcement agencies, legal counsel, regulators, and other stakeholders on investigation matters where necessary.

Assurance and Advisory Services

1. Provide independent and objective assurance regarding the effectiveness of governance, risk management, and internal control systems.
2. Advise Management on internal controls, operational efficiency, regulatory compliance, and best industry practices.
3. Provide advisory support during implementation of new systems, projects, operational processes, and business initiatives to ensure appropriate controls are embedded.
4. Review major business initiatives and provide recommendations to mitigate operational, financial, and compliance risks.
5. Support Management in strengthening business resilience, control effectiveness, and organizational performance.

Reporting, Monitoring and Follow-Up

1. Prepare and submit timely quarterly, annual, and special audit reports to Management and the Audit & Risk Committee.
2. Present audit, risk management, and investigation findings to Senior Management and the Audit & Risk Committee as required.
3. Monitor implementation of agreed audit recommendations and report on the status of corrective actions.
4. Track and report on key risk indicators, emerging risks, and control deficiencies requiring Management attention.
5. Maintain complete and accurate audit, risk, and investigation documentation in accordance with professional standards and Company requirements.

Continuous Improvement and Leadership

1. Lead, mentor, and develop the Internal Audit team in collaboration with the Human Resource Department.
2. Develop and enhance audit methodologies, risk assessment tools, investigation procedures, and reporting frameworks.
3. Promote strong internal controls, ethical conduct, compliance, and risk management practices throughout the organization.
4. Identify opportunities for operational efficiency improvements and enhanced governance across the business.
5. Keep abreast of emerging audit, risk management, compliance, and fraud investigation practices, regulatory developments, and trends within the FMCG, retail, and oil marketing sectors.

 Job Competencies

Academic Qualifications and Relevant Work Experience Required

• Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or related field from a recognized institution.
• Professional qualification in CPA(K), CPA(U), ACCA, or equivalent professional accounting qualification is mandatory.
• Minimum of six (6) years’ relevant working experience in Internal Audit, Finance, Risk Management, or Compliance, with at least three (3) years in a senior supervisory or management role.
• Proven experience in retail, FMCG, or multi-site operational environments is required.
• Experience working in an Oil Marketing Company (OMC) shall be an added advantage.

Professional Qualifications / Membership to Professional Bodies

• Must be a fully certified member of ICPAU, ICPAK, ACCA, or other recognized professional accounting body.
• Membership to the Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA).

Functional Skills

1. Strong knowledge and application of Global Internal Audit Standards.
2. Proficiency in Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems and computerized audit tools.
3. Excellent analytical, investigative, and data interpretation skills.
4. Strong report writing and presentation skills.
5. Sound understanding of risk management and internal control frameworks.
6. Ability to work under pressure and manage multiple assignments within strict timelines.
7. Strong understanding of operational processes within retail, FMCG, or petroleum industry environments.

Behavioral Competencies / Attributes

1. High level of integrity, professionalism, and confidentiality.
2. Strong analytical and critical thinking ability.
3. Excellent interpersonal and stakeholder management skills.
4. Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
5. Results-oriented and solution-focused mindset.
6. Strong leadership, coaching, and mentoring capabilities.
7. High attention to detail and accuracy.
8. Adaptability and willingness to travel frequently as required.

How to Apply