Africa Zone Internal Controls Lead at AB InBev

We are looking for a dynamic, highly motivated and enthusiastic person that is constantly looking to solve complex problems and improve compliance and the underlying business processes. Honesty and integrity are key qualities along with attention to detail and quality.  The individual must be able to lead the implementation of controls in the Zone and liaise with different functions to build strong relationships that enable implementation and compliance.  He / She must possess strong communication and influencing skills and be able to perform well in a pressurized working environment.

The candidate should be a change agent, whom, with the support of the Internal Controls Functions and NoCC Account to Report Director, has the ability to see the big picture and prioritize accordingly to achieve the most efficient outcome for the customer in the business.

Job purpose: The NoCC Internal Controls Lead is overall accountable for establishing and maintaining a strong control environment (MICS, SOX, DAG and Policies) within the NoCC and Zone through timely identification, monitoring and reporting of risk within the business.

Key roles and responsibilities:

Policies:

• Communicate new policies to BU’s;
• Provide support on policy compliance queries;
• Conduct training where required on existing or new policies; and
• Monitor compliance to applicable policies within the BU.

Delegation of Authority (DAG):

• Conduct function specific training on DAG requirements and the implementation thereof;
• Review Control Self Assessments for gaps/issues noted in compliance,
• Provide support on compliance queries; and
• Perform ad hoc reviews on MICS testing to ensure DAG requirements are adhered to.

Representation Letters:

• Maintain an accurate and up to date list of recipients for the quarterly Functional Representation letters;
• Monitor completion status and follow up on outstanding representation letters;
• Review, consolidate and present BU Representation letters to the Zone; and
• Track, monitor and assist business with the closing of issues (Functional and BU Representation letters).

Minimum Internal Control Standards (MICS) (not limited to):

• Reconcile and align results of Control Self Assessments (CSA) with the results from the independent assessment of IC team/GRM reviews/Forensics/External Audit issues;
• Provide training/guidance to control owners and controls executors on their understanding and execution of controls in accordance with the requirements of the MICS framework, aligned to local systems and processes;
• Provide support on the implementation of KPI/ data driven testing;
• Perform quality review of action logs for the application of adequate root cause analysis and risk quantification methodologies as required per the Global and/or Zone methodologies;
• Drive standardization of control instances aligned with Global methodology and targets;
• Collaborate with GRM and external auditors to incorporate any additional controls gaps identified into the existing internal controls testing procedures;
• Initiate and drive the alignment of controls to the global recommended locations;
• Present gaps and recommendations for improvement to all the relevant stakeholders, including global;
• Key point of contact to the business for internal control queries on MICS, DAG, SODs and Finance Control policies;
• Key contact for local external auditors: ensure alignment on timelines, scoping, progress, reporting of results, etc.;

Master Data:

• Ensure all Cognos company codes are accurately created in GRC;
• Ensure that the GRC Master data, Global PowerBi and the centrally maintained MICS Risk and Control Matrix (RACM) are accurate and up to date with all Zone and Global requirements;
• Review PowerBi Master data KPI’s and ensure targets are achieved quarterly;
• Ensure Not Applicable and Sox scoping files are completed and kept up to date; and
• Ensure controls are mapped to the correct location as accepted by the Control Owners.

Reporting:

• Develop regular routines with key stakeholders to provide status updates and/or keep abreast and support in any changes or challenges that impact controls;
• Report monthly to Functional management on the status of Internal Controls;
• Prepare Quarterly Zone Deep deck for Global reporting; and
• Assist with ad hoc reporting requests for Zone/Global.

Adhoc:

• Assists with ad hoc management request reviews and ad hoc Global/ Zone requests;
• Engage with other countries/zones and benchmark business processes governing controls in order to enhance methods, processes and systems that will improve effectiveness and compliance of business process that meet the organisational goals;
• Remains current with best practice and legislation to ensure the adequate analysis and review of a variety of applicable areas in the business.

Profile:

• Bachelors Degree/Honours (Finance/Audit preferred) or equivalent is a requirement; and
• Professional Qualification, i.e. CA(SA), CIA or equivalent will be beneficial.
• More than 5 years business control, internal control or audit experience.
• Experience in leading teams across different locations.
• Understanding of the principles and application of good corporate governance and internal controls, with specific knowledge of the Africa corporate governance environment.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Works effectively in a team environment and creates an environment which motivates the team.
• Strong time and project management skills.

Technical Knowledge:

• Computer literate with a good understanding of the utilisation of Microsoft Office.
• Good understanding control design and audit testing principles.
• Experience in the use, evaluation and implementation of data analytics.

Reports:

• Reports to (solid line): NoCC Account to Report Director
• Delivery accountability: NoCC ATR Director and Zone Control Director and Zone Control Manager
• NoCC Internal Controls Team: Internal Control Leads, Internal Control Analysts

Additional Information:

• Based in Johannesburg (65 Park Lane).
• Strong working relationship with Country Financial  Managers, BU Finance Directors, Global Internal Controls.
• Works closely with the Zone Internal Controls.
• May involve occasional travel throughout Africa.
• Band: VI-A