Head of Audit (Support, Functions & Operational Audit) – Fidelity Bank Ghana

Urgent

Job Description

Job Description

Strategic Leadership & Audit Planning

  • Lead the development of the annual audit plan for Support & Operational Audits using a risk-based approach.
  • Conduct enterprise-level risk assessments to determine audit priorities.
  • Ensure the plan aligns with BoG guidelines, regulatory expectations, and the Bank’s strategic direction.
  • Revise and update the audit plan based on emerging risks, economic changes, and business developments.

Audit Delivery & Oversight Oversee the execution of audits across: 

  • Branch Operations
  • Finance & Treasury Back-office
  • Human Resources
  • Compliance & AML
  • Procurement & Logistics
  • Customer Service & Service Quality
  • Legal, Corporate Affairs, and other Support Units
  • Review audit scopes, working papers, and final reports.
  • Ensure consistency, accuracy, and depth of audit testing and reporting.

Governance, Quality Assurance & Methodology

  • Ensure full compliance with the Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA) Quality Assurance & Improvement Program (QAIP).
  • Update audit procedures, templates, and standards to reflect industry best practices.
  • Perform quality reviews of engagements to ensure strong documentation and risk assessments.

Stakeholder Engagement & Communication

  • Present audit findings and thematic risk insights to:
    • Director, Internal Audit
    • Executive Committee (EXCO)
  • Maintain constructive relationships while preserving independence.
  • Provide high-level advisory support on control design, risk exposures, operational efficiency, and process enhancements.

Issue Tracking, Remediation & Risk Mitigation

  • Review and monitor remediation of audit findings and control issues.
  • Challenge management on root cause, timelines, and sustainable remediation strategies.
  • Highlight systemic or recurring control weaknesses for escalation.

Team Leadership & Capability Development

  • Lead and develop a high-performing team of Audit Managers, Supervisors, and Officers.
  • Coach and mentor staff, provide continuous feedback, and drive professional development.
  • Support succession planning and talent development within the audit function.

Special Assignments & Investigations

  • Lead or oversee sensitive investigations such as: 
  • fraud incidents
  • operational breaches
  • non-compliance events
  • whistleblower escalations
  • Participate in crisis response or major control failure reviews.

Innovation & Digital Enablement

  • Promote data analytics, process automation, and continuous auditing.
  • Encourage adoption of Power BISQLPython, or CAATs (ACL, IDEA) for operational audits (added advantage).
  • Contribute to Internal Audit’s digital transformation roadmap.
     

Knowledge, Skills & Experience

  • Education
  • Bachelor’s degree in accounting, Banking, Finance, Economics, Business Administration, or related field.
  • Master’s degree (MBA/MSc) is an advantage.
  • Professional Certifications (Mandatory or Highly Preferred)
  • CIA – Certified Internal Auditor 
  • ACCA/CPA/CA (advantage)
  • CISA (advantage for IT‑related oversight)
  • CFE (Certified Fraud Examiner) – advantage
  • Chartered Institute of Bankers (CIB) membership/qualification – added advantage
  • Other recognized audit or risk certifications Experience
  • 10–15+ years relevant experience in Internal Audit within the banking industry, financial services, or Big Four advisory.
  • Minimum 5 years leadership experience managing audit teams.
  • Strong exposure to:
    • branch operations
    • finance & treasury
    • procurement & supply chain
    • HR & payroll
    • customer service processes
    • regulatory compliance & AML/CFT
  • Experience interacting with Board committees and regulatorsTechnical Skills
  • Strong understanding of:
    • Internal control frameworks (COSO)
    • Corporate governance frameworks
    • Operational risk & enterprise risk management
    • Banking laws, BoG regulations, AML/CFT guidelines
  • Proficiency in audit software (TeamMate, ACL, IDEA, or similar).
  • Ability to review analytics performed by others (Power BI, SQL, Python).Behavioral Competencies
  • High integrity and ethical standards
  • Professional skepticism
  • Strong leadership and influencing skills
  • Excellent communication and presentation abilities
  • Strategic thinking and decision-making
  • Ability to manage conflict and difficult conversations
  • Strong project management and organizational skills
  • Analytical mindset with attention to detail