JOB DESCRIPTION

UNIT:Chief Executive’s Office

JOB TITLE:Internal Auditor

RESPONSIBLE TO:Chief Executive / Finance & Governance Sub Committee of the Trustees

PURPOSE:

To carry out an independent appraisal of the effectiveness of the policies, procedures and standards by which the Practical Action’s financial, physical and information resources are managed. To add value by acting as a facilitator in business risk management and carrying out value for money reviews, thereby assisting the management and the trustees of Practical Action in the effective discharge of their responsibilities.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

RISK

  1. To work with Trustees and Management to ensure an effective system is maintained to identify and analyse and report on all the major risks the charity faces on a four monthly basis.
  2. To continually review the effectiveness of Practical Action’s risk management and governance processes, identifying key controls that need to be continually reported on through the risk profile and assisting Management in identifying and dealing with any gaps or weaknesses in existing controls.
  3. To monitor and report to Trustees on Management’s actions to address and mitigate risks identified.

AUDIT:

  1. To plan, organise and carry out a schedule of internal audits across all the offices of Practical Action, the frequency and content of which to be based on a continual analysis of risk.
  2. To ensure that audits cover the effectiveness of all relevant policies, procedures and standards by which the Practical Action’s financial, physical and information resources are managed as well as the accuracy, timeliness and relevance of the financial and other information that is provided for management.
  3. To sample test accounting transactions and reconciliations of Practical Action and its Partners during audit visits.
  4. To provide an independent risk assessment of each office as part of the internal audit process, justifying the assessment.
  5. To report on the value for money Practical Action obtains in all its activities with special regard to economy, efficiency and effectiveness.
  6. To provide a report for Management and Trustees on each audit, grading risks / recommendations in order of importance, obtaining and incorporating management’s responses.
  7. To undertake follow ups on each internal audit 6 months after completion and to report to Management and the Trustees on actions taken to address the recommendations made.

COORDINATION:

  1. To co-ordinate work with other assurance providers in Practical Action, such as Quality Assurance, in order to ensure a comprehensive assurance framework for the organisation.
  2. To coordinate internal audit coverage with the external auditors and ensure that each party is not only aware of the other’s work but also well briefed on areas of concern.
  3. To keep the fraud register

SPECIAL INVESTIGATIONS:

  1. To conduct any reviews or tasks requested by the Trustees, the Finance and Governance Committee, the Chief Executive or the Finance Director, provided such reviews and tasks do not comprise the independence or objectivity of the internal audit function.

OTHER:

  1. To work at all times in compliance with the IIA’s Standards for the professional practice in internal auditing.
  2. To network with other INGO auditors to bring in best practice
  3. The post does not have line management responsibilities

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE :

Essential

  • A recognised professional qualification (e.g. IIA, ACA, CIMA) which implies a thorough knowledge of the principles, procedures and practices of accounting and financial records and transactionsand experience of using accounts systems.
  • At least five years experience (post qualification)
  • Tenacity and independence of thought and judgement.
  • A thorough knowledge of audit procedures, including planning, techniques, tests and sampling methods involved in conducting audits.
  • Demonstrable skill and experience in gathering, analysing and evaluating facts
  • Demonstrable skill and experience in preparing concise oral and written reports.
  • Substantial experience in establishing effective working relationships within organisations.
  • An ability to access processes and systems and where appropriate, positively challenge the status quo and explore options and recommend improvements
  • An ability to maintain current knowledge of developments related to business matters of interest to internal audit, particularly legislation changes and developments as they affect Practical Action, and new auditing techniques and practices.
  • An understanding of and a commitment to Practical Action’s mission and work.
  • Willingness and ability to travel overseas on a regular basis to Practical Action’s offices and areas of operation

Desirable:

  • Experience of audit or other finance functions within an international NGO or similar organisation.
  • Spanish language skills
  • Knowledge of Sun Accounts

BEHAVIOURAL COMPETENCIES

Self motivation

Takes responsibility to ensure commitments are met. Achieves objectives despite problems and frustrations. Is aware of strengths and limitations.

Initiative

Able to respond effectively to the unexpected. Is biased towards taking action, having identified current or future problems or opportunities.

Conceptual thinking

Sees the big picture rather than narrow focus of own specialism. Makes connections that are not readily apparent. Questions assumptions. Able to generate new ideas and approaches.

Impact

Demonstrates good listening skills. Presents view in convincing way. Aware of different perspectives, feelings and concerns. Ability to win others over to own way of thinking.

Influencing

Identifies key people in decision process. Is able to deploy a range of approaches, and can select the appropriate style for a situation. Has a robust network of contacts. Works for win-win in resolving differences.

Planning and Organising:

Is able to prioritise effectively. Is able to build alternative actions into plans. Reviews priorities. Is able to gather and deploy resources effectively.

Drive for results:

Seeks better ways of doing things, improves on status quo, creates energy and enthusiasm. Willing to take ownership to exceed expectations

Decision making:

Takes timely decisions. Knows when to consult and when to proceed. Follows through on implementation. Communicates decision.

Managing Relationships - Seeks to understand people’s underlying issues and motives that drive behaviour. Is sensitive to cultural differences. Responds appropriately to different situations.