Head of Internal Audit

This opportunity is only for candidates willing to relocate to DRC, Africa.

Job Title: Head – Internal Audit

Location: Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Africa

Industry: Diversified Group (Multi-business operations across Africa)

Education

- Indian Chartered Accountant (CA) / CPA / ACCA (Mandatory) - CIA (Certified Internal Auditor) preferred

Role Overview

The Head – Internal Audit will lead and strengthen the Group’s internal audit function across multiple business verticals. The role will be responsible for establishing a robust risk-based audit framework, strengthening governance, ensuring regulatory compliance, and enhancing internal control effectiveness across all operating entities.

This is a strategic leadership role requiring strong business acumen, hands-on operational exposure, and experience managing complex, multi-location environments.

Key Responsibilities

1. Audit Strategy & Leadership

- Develop and implement a comprehensive, risk-based internal audit strategy aligned with the Group’s business objectives. - Establish annual audit plans for multiple business units across geographies. - Present audit plans, findings, and risk assessments to the Audit Committee and senior leadership. - Build and lead a high-performing internal audit team across locations.

2. Risk Management & Internal Controls

- Design and implement enterprise-wide risk assessment frameworks. - Evaluate adequacy and effectiveness of internal controls, governance processes, and risk mitigation mechanisms. - Ensure strong financial, operational, and compliance controls across businesses. - Recommend improvements in processes, systems, and control environments.

3. Compliance & Governance

- Ensure compliance with local regulatory requirements within DRC and other operating African countries. - Strengthen corporate governance practices across subsidiaries. - Liaise with external auditors and regulatory authorities where required.

4. Operational & Business Audits

- Conduct financial, operational, forensic, and process audits. - Identify cost optimization opportunities and operational efficiencies. - Investigate fraud, misconduct, and whistleblower complaints when required.

5. Reporting & Stakeholder Management

- Provide periodic reports to the Board and Audit Committee. - Partner with Business Heads and Functional Leaders to drive corrective action plans. - Track closure of audit observations and ensure timely remediation.

Experience

- 15+ years of progressive experience in Internal Audit, Risk, and Compliance. - Experience leading Internal Audit in large conglomerates / diversified groups. - Exposure to multi-country African operations is highly preferred. - Strong understanding of IFRS, internal controls, governance frameworks, and risk management.

Leadership Competencies

- Strong strategic and analytical mindset - High integrity and independent judgment - Ability to operate in emerging markets / complex regulatory environments - Excellent stakeholder management and board-level communication skills - Willingness to be based in DRC (expatriate role, if applicable)