Director, Internal & Systems Audit at Mount Kenya University in Thika, Kiambu, Kenya

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    Director, Internal & Systems Audit

    Mount Kenya UniversityThika, Kiambu, Kenya

    Posted

    1 week ago

    Apply by

    31 Aug

    Full Time
    On Site
    Managerial
    Education & Training
    Management & Business Development

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    Job Description

    Mount Kenya University seeks a Director of Internal & Systems Audit to coordinate internal audit activities across the university and its campuses. The role involves implementing audit policies, reviewing internal controls, and leading audit assignments to ensure compliance with standards.

    Key Responsibilities

    • Coordinate internal audit activities within the University and its campuses.
    • Implement audit policies, procedures, and strategies within the Internal Audit function.
    • Review financial, operational, and management processes to ensure effectiveness of internal controls.
    • Coordinate preparation and implementation of comprehensive risk-based audit plans and audit programmes.
    • Ensure adherence to recommended accounting and auditing standards, policies, and procedures.
    • Conduct and supervise financial, operational, compliance, and systems audit assignments.
    • Evaluate adequacy and effectiveness of risk management and internal control systems.
    • Prepare and review audit reports detailing control gaps, weaknesses, and recommendations.
    • Monitor implementation of audit recommendations and follow-up actions.
    • Assist in implementation of new or altered accounting and auditing standards.
    • Coordinate special investigations and special audit assignments.
    • Liaise with external auditors during audit engagements and provide support.
    • Provide advisory and consulting services to Management on audit and internal control matters.
    • Supervise Internal Auditors and Audit Assistants.
    • Undertake any other duties as assigned.

    Required Qualifications

    • Master's Degree in a relevant field.
    • Bachelor's Degree in Accounting, Finance, Commerce, Business Administration, or related field.
    • Professional qualification such as CPAK, ACCA, CIA, or equivalent.
    • Membership to a relevant professional body and in good standing.
    • Minimum of five (5) years relevant work experience, three (3) of which should be at a managerial level.
    • Strong analytical, communication, and report writing skills.
    • Proficiency in audit software and computer applications.

    Job Details

    Job Function

    Management & Business Development

    Minimum Experience

    5 years

    Education Level

    Master’s Degree

    Area of Study

    Business

    Field of Study

    Accounting

    Languages

    English

    Additional Information

    How to Apply: Interested and qualified candidates should apply online via the Mount Kenya University recruitment portal at recruitment.mku.ac.ke.

    Lead Audit with a Risk-Based Lens

    This role sits at the heart of the university's governance, so hiring managers will probe how you've turned risk into an audit plan and how you've held teams accountable. Show that you think beyond checklists and can translate findings into actions that protect the institution.

    1. Map your audit wins to risk: On your CV, don't just list audits you ran—show how you identified a major risk, designed the audit, and what changed because of it. For example, a fraud control you tightened or a compliance gap you closed.

    2. Prove your managerial depth: With three years at manager level, expect questions on how you've supervised auditors, allocated work, and developed your team. Have a concrete story about coaching a junior auditor or resolving a team conflict.

    3. Speak the language of standards: Be ready to discuss IPSAS, IFRS, and the International Standards for the Professional Practice of Internal Auditing. Mention how you've applied them in a university or similar setting.

    4. Show your systems fluency: Audit software is a must—name the tools you've used (e.g., ACL, IDEA, SAP) and how you've used data analytics to spot anomalies. If you've automated any audit tests, highlight that.

    5. Prepare for stakeholder questions: You'll liaise with external auditors and senior management, so expect questions on how you've communicated tough findings. Practice explaining a complex issue in simple terms.

    6. Bring a sample audit report: If you can, bring a redacted audit report you authored. It shows your writing quality and how you structure recommendations—something they'll scrutinize.

    7. Know the university context: Universities have unique risks—research funding, student fees, and donor grants. Read up on how internal audit works in higher education and be ready to discuss those nuances.

    8. Show your follow-through: They'll want to know how you track audit recommendations. Describe your process for monitoring implementation and escalating when actions stall.

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    Tags

    internal audit
    risk management
    CPAK
    ACCA
    CIA