Regional Internal Auditor at CHEP

The objective of this position is to administer and execute risk and compliance controls implemented in CHEP SSA. This position is key to ensuring that the controls in place are consistent with the objectives to stay on course towards reaching its goals and achieving its mission by minimizing risk.

The position requires sound financial, internal audit, administrative and analytical skills. The tasks cover a wide range of activities, and over and above the technical skills, the individual must have the ability to deal with numerous activities simultaneously and meet conflicting deadlines.

Good communication skills and assertiveness are essential, as the position requires interaction with management and staff on a cross-functional basis. Since this individual is the most senior financial person in the area, a sound understanding of financial systems and disciplines are essential.

Major/Key Accountabilities :

Service Centre Audits

• Responsible for conducting audits at service centers by:
•         Performing internal audit functions, in line with required audit programme and timetable.
•         Providing written feedback on outcome of internal audits to finance management, and operations, if relevant.
•         Investigating, and where necessary, addressing all areas of concern highlighted from the audit.
•         Verifying compliance with company policies, procedures and authorities.
•         Maintaining independence and objectivity, with aim of safeguarding the company’s assets.
•         Providing input into areas of risk and improvements to internal audit programme.
•         Ensuring that all service centre audits for the region are completed timeously as per the audit plan and submission dates.
•         Ensuring that all service centre audits are conducted at the highest standard of quality, independence and objectivity.
•         Ensuring that all findings are documented, actioned and followed up timeously with management.

        Forensic Investigations:

• Adhoc Requests will be assigned by the Manager Risk and Internal audit to conduct a forensic investigation on any irregularities identified at the service centres. This could take the form of:
• Analyzing all aspects of the service center activities i.e. Issues, returns, scrapping, stock variances etc.
• Present the findings of the investigations to the Manager Risk and Internal audit
• Offer solutions to problems identified whereby reducing CHEP exposure to any possible fraudulent activity.
• Offer assistance in implementing recommended changes

 Ad-hoc Audits

The key responsibilities in this area are:

•     Conduct audits, in line with the audit programme and timetable.
•     Verifying compliance with company policies, procedures and authorities.
•     Maintaining independence and objectivity, with the aim of safeguarding the company’s assets.
•     Providing input into areas of risk and improvements to the internal audit programme.
•     Prepare a report on audits conducted. This report will include irregularities identified and details of actions taken and recommendations.
•     Assist external auditors with information required to complete their annual audit.

Temporary Suspense Account

Responsible for the monitoring of Temp Suspense accounts for the region:

• Ensuring all transactions on the Temp Suspense account are investigated and resolved    timeously.
• Reconciling the Temp Suspense accounts.
• Raising Siebel requests and activities to resolve transactions processed to Temp Suspense accounts.
• Reporting on Temp Suspense account status.
• Quarterly Stock Counts at service centers

Responsible for an independent verification of stock balances at assigned service centres for the region:

•  Ensuring physical verification of stock inventories is conducted quarterly and as per adhoc requests at specified service centres to ensure the stock count processes are performed in accordance with procedures   Perform an independent verification of physical stock balances at the

Service centres.         

 Assisting in Customer Audits:

• Physical Stock count or Control system audit customers as and when required by:
•  Arranging stock count dates and time with customer well in advance
•  Correspond and arrange stock counters with customers
•  Ensure customer is represented at stock count and if not get signed agreement from customer accepting the results
• Conduct physical stock count with client
•  Assist with and verify stock recons and agree the surplus/loss figure with Business Managers, ensuring that the stock recon is signed by both    CHEP staff and the customer

Siebel Responsibilities:

•  To ensure that all activities allocated in Siebel are resolved in accordance with the business rules and within the agreed time frame
• To escalate audit results/problems to the relevant BM and Customer Contact Supervisor for further action.

Asset Recovery 

•  Follow up any Asset Protection & Recovery issue as required by asset management.
•  Investigate Stray Equipment leads and ensure the communication of    
• CHEP’s ownership rights

Reporting

•             Weekly reporting in the required format on scheduled and unscheduled
•              hire stock audit counts, pallet recoveries and call plans
•               Monthly reporting on service centre audits and forensic audits conducted  
•               And the status of management comment

Scope :

•     Countries: 1 region in South Africa Countries, Namibia. Swaziland, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Zambia
• Challenges :
•     Meeting deadlines
•     Travel
•     Locating source documents relating to audit
•     Arranging time with individuals to complete audit
•     Conflicting deadlines
•     Business to follow up with customer on all completed Audits
•     Qualifications : Essential: Accounting/Auditing Degree
•     Experience : 2 years Audit experienc

    Skills and Knowledge :

Specific experience to Position:

•     Computerized accounting experience
•     Reconciliation experience
•     Knowledge of financial regulatory requirements
•     Auditing experience
•     Valid drivers license

Special Requirements

•     Financial accounting package
•     Excel and Word
•     SAP (an advantage)