Internal Control Manager at IFS International Facilities Services

 Purpose of the Role

• To provide independent oversight regarding legislative and regulatory compliance in offices and on site and the effectiveness of and adherence to Group internal controls.

Key Responsibilities

Audit Planning and Execution

• Engage line management to define the legislative and regulatory compliance framework and determine current business processes and documents.
• Develop an appropriate audit assessment programme to evaluate the compliance in each functional area.
• Identify best practices together with risks and internal controls already implemented.
• Facilitate the confirmation of compliance checklists per functional area.
• Evaluate the adequacy of controls and the extent of compliance in each functional area.
• Recommend the most appropriate controls (where non-existent), aligned to organisational policies and procedures, and agree the steps to be taken to attain appropriate compliance levels.
• Assist the Head of Risk and Compliance in preparing an annual risk-based internal audit plan.
• Conduct a risk assessment of assigned audit/functional areas within required timelines.
• Participate in the determination of the scope and approach of the audits in conjunction with the Head of Risk and Compliance.
• Conduct audits in accordance with the Annual Audit Plan and Audit Methodology including on-site audits for sites across Africa (including, but not limited to South Africa, Botswana, Zambia, Namibia and Tanzania)
• Conduct audit testing of specified processes to test the adequacy of the design and operational effectiveness of controls.
• Ensure test results are documented on audit working papers.
• Evaluate the test results and make recommendations to correct unsatisfactory conditions.
• Follow up on queries raised by the Head of Risk and Compliance upon reviews of working papers and conclude on audit test results.
• Validate audit issues identified through discussion with management and a review of mitigating controls.

Follow-up Audit Execution

• Determine line managers’ compliance with recommendations and progress in implementing corrective measures. Physically verify compliance and submit a report.

Ad Hoc Auditing and Investigation

• Conduct requested ad hoc audits and investigations under the supervision of the Head of Risk and Compliance.

Reporting

• Record deviations from the established processes.
• Compile findings, root causes, potential effects, recommendations and line mangers commitment (what, when, how) for consideration by the Head of Risk and Compliance.
• Engage line management in discussion about the audit findings and request management responses.

Systems Improvement

• Advise management on systems and processes requiring improvement.
• Follow up on audit findings to ensure adequacy and timeliness of corrections.
• Advise management on systems and processes requiring improvement.
• Follow up on audit findings to ensure adequacy and timeliness of corrections.
• Raise awareness regarding internal audit and risk management and the importance of a sound control environment within the Group.

Ad Hoc Functions

• Co-ordination of the audit plan with regional auditors, ensuring adequate coverage across all sites.
• Evaluate information security and associated risk exposures.
• Evaluate regulatory compliance programmes. § Evaluate the Group’s business continuity readiness.
• Perform special audit-related projects as assigned.
• Facilitate enterprise‑wide risk assessments and maintain the Group Risk Register.
• Identify strategic, operational, financial, and compliance risks, and ensure risk owners implement appropriate mitigation measures.
• Work with operations, QHSSE, finance, and HR teams to identify project‑level and site‑level risks.
• Monitor and update risk controls, ensuring alignment with ISO‑based methodologies and organisational requirements.
• Provide training and tools to operational teams on risk identification and reporting.

Information and Data Management

• Ensure data is captured accurately and regularly onto the information system/schedules to enable access to reliable data and reporting for trend analysis and decision making.
• Share relevant data with management teams to enable reliable business decision making.

Effective Teamwork and Self-Management

• Take ownership and accountability for tasks and activities and demonstrate effective self-management in terms of planning and prioritising, and self-development.
• Follow through to ensure that quality and productivity standards of work are consistently and accurately maintained.
• Inform relevant parties in the event of tasks or deadlines not met, the potential risks thereof and provide appropriate resolution. § Manage colleagues’ expectations and communicate appropriately.
• Demonstrate willingness to help others and “go the extra mile” to meet team targets and objectives.

Qualifications and Experience

• Must be a Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) § SAP experience would be advantageous
• Experience in remote operations, mining services, or multi‑site environments is an advantage
• At least 3 years’ experience in self-managed auditing activities