Senior Manager, Internal Audit

The position reports directly to the Group Internal Auditor (GIA) and is responsible for assisting in the formulation and execution of internal audit strategies across the Hibiscus Group. The Senior Manager works closely with the GIA to develop departmental strategies to address new audit requests, changes in business direction, or evolving resource requirements, and to translate these strategies into actionable audit plans with clear timelines and deliverables. The role also assists the GIA in monitoring the progress of audits under the approved audit plan to ensure effective execution, timely completion, and prompt adjustments where necessary.In addition, the position supports the GIA in responding to ad hoc requests or directives from the Audit and Risk Management Committee (ARMC).KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES

• Audit Strategy, Planning and Resources
• Support the GIA in determining the appropriate audit strategy for each audit assignment and translate this direction into clear audit approaches that address current and emerging challenges identified during audits, management discussions, or ARMC feedback.
• Translate the GIA's direction into a detailed audit scope and timeline. Plan and coordinate with stakeholders, establish timelines for team members, and implement methods to monitor progress to ensure timely completion in line with the approved annual audit plan, while upholding evidence-based and fact-driven assurance.
• Discuss and plan audit strategies to manage sensitive situations prior to the commencement of audits. Work closely with the GIA to ensure auditors act professionally in all circumstances, safeguarding the credibility and independence of the Internal Audit function through fair, objective, and well-substantiated audit work.
• Audit Implementation / Execution
• Assist the GIA in managing audit teams to ensure audit objectives are achieved, audit scopes are fully covered, and assignments are delivered in a timely and cost-effective manner.
• Provide closer supervision to team members who require additional guidance in order to maintain audit quality and discipline, and ensure that audit findings are accurate and free from factual errors.
• Allocate and guide audit resources effectively, identify and leverage expertise from other departments when specialized knowledge is required to strengthen audit work, and motivate the audit team to deliver quality outcomes within agreed timelines.
• Review audit working papers to ensure they are properly organized, cross-referenced, and aligned with the reported findings.
• Closely monitor the progress of audit assignments and review the accuracy and completeness of audit findings to ensure all facts and supporting evidence are properly validated prior to inclusion in the audit report.
• Audit Closure and Exit Meeting
• Review audit working papers and draft findings prior to the exit meeting to ensure accuracy, completeness, and adequate supporting evidence.
• Discuss key audit issues with the GIA for validation and ensure that audit work produced by the team meets the required quality and professional standards before submission for the GIA's review.
• Support the GIA during audit exit meetings by ensuring that all findings are evidence-based and well substantiated, and by clearly presenting audit issues and responding to management's queries where necessary.
• Guide and support team members in managing discussions with management in a professional manner and provide clarification on audit issues where required to ensure fair and constructive resolution.
• Audit Reporting
• Support the GIA in communicating the required audit reporting structure, style, and expectations to the audit team, and provide guidance to ensure consistent and accurate preparation of audit reports.
• Work closely with the GIA to review draft audit reports, discuss improvements to structure and presentation, and refine the narrative to ensure that findings, risks, and recommendations are clearly communicated and easily understood by Management, the ARMC, and the Board.
• Post-Audit Activities
• Ensure audit working papers and supporting evidence are properly organized and maintained.
• Monitor and follow up on the implementation of corrective actions, highlighting delays or non-compliance issues where necessary.
• Provide feedback and guidance to audit staff following each assignment to strengthen their understanding, improve report quality, and enhance overall audit competency.
• Identify recurring audit or team issues, capture lessons learned and propose process improvements to enhance the effectiveness and quality of future audits.
• Investigations and Special Reviews
• Understand the expectations of the Investigation Committee (IC) through guidance from the GIA or direct communication where required. Maintain clear coordination among the IC, GIA, and the investigation team to ensure investigations are conducted smoothly and in accordance with required standards.
• Conduct investigations and special reviews under the guidance of the GIA to address suspected irregularities, potential fraud, and other governance-related matters.
• Ensure investigations are performed with professionalism, confidentiality, and independence to uphold Hibiscus values of integrity, transparency, and accountability.
• Provide recommendations arising from investigations to strengthen governance and reduce risk exposure.
• Support for Ad Hoc Projects
• Support ad hoc assignments as directed, including preliminary reviews of potential fraud or irregularities, cost recovery assessments, risk assessments for new or existing projects or operational activities, and other special reviews requested by Management or the Board.
• Leadership and Team Development
• Provide leadership, guidance, and coaching to direct reports to develop their technical capabilities and professional competencies.
• Maintain a firm yet supportive leadership approach to ensure accountability, discipline, and morale within the team.
• Foster a culture of continuous learning, professional integrity, and high performance within the Internal Audit team.
  
  

REQUIREMENTS AND QUALIFICATIONS

• Qualification and Education:
• Possess a Bachelor's degree in Finance, Business Administration, Engineering, Project Management, or a related discipline from a recognized university.
• Professional certifications such as Certified Internal Auditor (CIA), Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA), Certified Public Accountant (CPA), or equivalent are preferred.
• For candidates with engineering backgrounds, preferred disciplines include Petroleum Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or Electrical and Instrumentation Engineering. Relevant professional qualifications in engineering, project management, or asset integrity will be an added advantage.
• A Master's degree in a related discipline will be considered an advantage.
• Work Experience:
• At least 15 years of relevant professional experience, including substantial exposure to auditing, internal audit, risk management, assurance functions, contracting and procurement, or engineering and project management roles within complex operational and project environments.
• Demonstrated experience in leading audit engagements, supervising audit teams, reviewing audit deliverables, and communicating key findings and recommendations to senior management.
• Exposure to the oil and gas or energy sector is highly desirable.
• Skills and Knowledge:
• In-depth knowledge of auditing standards, internal control frameworks, risk management, and corporate governance principles.
• Strong familiarity with oil and gas industry standards, regulatory requirements, and operational frameworks relevant to upstream exploration and production activities.
• Strong business acumen, with a sound understanding of oil and gas operations and regulatory requirements.
• Excellent leadership and people management skills, with a proven ability to guide and motivate a team.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to exercise sound judgment, remain open-minded, and consider constructive input and recommendations from team members.
• Strong communication and report-writing skills, particularly for senior management and Board-level reporting.
• High level of commitment to ethical standards, integrity, independence, professional objectivity, trustworthiness, and effective time management.
• Training and Certification:
• Relevant engineering or technical certifications related to oil and gas operations, asset integrity, or project management are preferred and will be considered a strong advantage.