Internal Control Manager

Location: Nigeria

Employment Type: Full-time

Directorate: Executive Office

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced Internal Control Manager to lead the design, implementation, monitoring, and continuous improvement of the organisation’s internal control framework.

The successful candidate will provide independent assurance on the effectiveness of operational, financial, and compliance controls across the organization and its subsidiaries. The role will work closely with business and functional leaders to identify and mitigate risks, strengthen governance, improve operational efficiency, enhance regulatory compliance, and promote a strong culture of accountability and control awareness.

Key Responsibilities

Internal Control Framework

Develop, implement, and maintain the organisation’s internal control framework across business units and subsidiaries.
Ensure internal control processes are aligned with business objectives, regulatory requirements, and governance standards.
Periodically review and enhance control frameworks to address emerging risks and changing business requirements.

Control Reviews & Compliance Monitoring

Lead periodic reviews of financial, operational, and compliance controls.
Evaluate the effectiveness of key controls and recommend corrective actions where deficiencies are identified.
Monitor compliance with organizational policies, regulatory requirements, delegated authority limits, and standard operating procedures.

Risk Assessment & Advisory

Conduct enterprise-wide risk and control assessments.
Advise management on control weaknesses and recommend practical risk mitigation measures.
Partner with business leaders to embed effective controls within operational processes.

Process Improvement & Governance

Identify opportunities to improve operational efficiency through stronger controls and process improvements.
Review new products, initiatives, and business processes to ensure appropriate controls are incorporated.
Promote sound governance practices across the organization.

Reporting & Management Information

Prepare and present periodic internal control reports to Executive Management and relevant Board Committees.
Develop dashboards and management information highlighting control performance, compliance trends, and key risk indicators.
Promptly escalate significant control deficiencies and emerging risks.

Audit Coordination & Issue Resolution

Coordinate management responses to Internal Audit, External Audit, and regulatory review findings.
Monitor the timely implementation of agreed audit recommendations.
Ensure recurring control issues are addressed effectively and appropriate preventive measures are implemented.

Team Leadership & Capability Development

Supervise, coach, and develop Internal Control Associates and Analysts.
Build internal control awareness through training and stakeholder engagement.
Promote a culture of accountability, ethical conduct, and continuous improvement.

Key Performance Indicators

Success in this role will be measured through:

Completion of the approved annual internal control plan.
Compliance with organizational policies and applicable regulatory requirements.
Timely resolution of identified control deficiencies.
Reduction in recurring control findings and high-risk exposures.
Timely implementation of agreed audit and regulatory recommendations.
Timeliness and quality of internal control reports and management dashboards.
Implementation of control enhancements and process improvement initiatives.
Effectiveness of stakeholder engagement and internal control advisory support.

Requirements

Minimum Qualification

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Economics, Business Administration, or a related discipline.

Professional Qualifications

Professional certification such as ACA, ACCA, CIA, CRMA, CISA, or an equivalent qualification is required.
A Master’s degree is an added advantage.

Experience

5–8 years of progressive experience in Internal Control, Internal Audit, Risk Management, Compliance, or External Audit.
At least 2 years’ experience in a supervisory or managerial capacity.
Experience within financial services, banking, investment management, or a diversified group structure is highly desirable.

Skills & Competencies

Strong knowledge of internal control frameworks, particularly COSO, enterprise risk management, and corporate governance.
Good understanding of regulatory requirements within the financial services industry.
Strong analytical, investigative, and problem-solving skills.
Excellent report writing, communication, and presentation skills.
Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Power BI, and relevant ERP systems.
Strong stakeholder management and influencing skills.
Demonstrated leadership and people management capability.
High level of integrity, professionalism, sound judgment, and attention to detail

What We Are Looking For

We are looking for a proactive and commercially aware control professional who can go beyond identifying control gaps to help the business develop practical, sustainable solutions. The successful candidate should be able to operate effectively with senior management, challenge constructively, and balance strong control discipline with the organisation’s business objectives.