Nairobi Securities Exchange Job Vacancy Application Details

The Nairobi Securities Exchange (NSE) is a leading African Exchange, based in Kenya – one of the fastest-growing economies in Sub-Saharan Africa. Founded in 1954, NSE has a six decade heritage in listing equity and debt securities. It offers a world class trading facility for local and international investors looking to gain exposure to Kenya and Africa’s economic growth. NSE demutualized and self-listed in 2014. Its Board and management team are comprised of some of Africa’s leading capital markets professionals, who are focused on innovation, diversification and operational excellence in the Exchange. NSE is playing a vital role in the growth of Kenya’s economy by encouraging savings and investment, as well as helping local and international companies access cost-effective capital. NSE operates under the jurisdiction of the Capital Markets Authority of Kenya. It is an affiliate of the World Federation of Exchange, a founder member of the African Securities Exchanges Association (ASEA) and the East African Securities Exchanges Association (EASEA). The NSE is a member of the Association of Futures Market and is a partner exchange in the United Nations-led SSE initiative.

Overall Purpose

The Chief Internal Auditor will provide the Audit, Risk and Compliance Committee with an objective and independent assurance and at the same time offer consulting role designed at adding value and improving the NSE’s operations.

He/she will be responsible for developing and implementing independent, systematic and objective audit review and evaluation of business policies, systems, processes and practices to assess the effectiveness of internal controls and degree of compliance as well as identifying organisational gaps & deficiencies and ensuring that good corporate governance practices are implemented to enhance the NSE’s credibility and brand.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

1. Provide strategic and thought leadership in the development and implementation of internal audit strategies, audit charter, policies and procedures in order to achieve the Exchange’s objectives;
2. Coordinate, supervise and continuously coach the audit team;
3. Prepare risk based annual audit plan aligned to the Exchange’s objectives for continuous audit of the organisation’s risk management, internal controls, governance process and financial statements;
4. Planning and timely execution of Information Systems, Financial, Operational, and Compliance audits as well as audit of projects in line with applicable standards such as IPPF and IFRS;
5. Preparation of audit reports, clearance of any audit queries with various Heads of Department, Chief Executive and Chairperson of Audit Committee;
6. Preparation, attendance and presentation of audit reports to the Audit Risk and Compliance Committee;
7. 7. Establishing and maintaining good working relationships with all stakeholders;
8. Work closely with external auditors and other assurance providers;
9. Continuous tracking of closure of all issues raised by Internal audit, external auditors, and other assurance providers; and
10. Conducting any investigations and other assignment(s) as may be required by the Audit, Risk and Compliance Committee and/or Management.

Competencies

1. Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Auditing or Business Administration from a recognized institution; Possession of a Master’s degree would be an added advantage.
2. Professional qualifications such as CPA, ACCA or equivalent.
3. Other Professional qualification in audit, information systems, fraud and investigation e.g. CISA, CFE would be an added advantage.
4. Must be a member of the Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Kenya in good standing.
5. Minimum eight (8) years relevant professional experience in the areas of internal or external audit, compliance and risk management gained from an organization with strong internal control frameworks. At least five (5) years must have been in senior management role with exposure to Board reporting.
6. In-depth knowledge of the International Financial Reporting Standards, International Standards on Auditing and International Standards for Professional Practice of Internal Auditing is a must.

Experience

• Good knowledge of the Kenyan Capital Markets’ systems, technology and risk framework
• Good knowledge & understanding of the Capital Markets regulatory framework
• Sound understanding and working knowledge of financial information systems
• Hands-on experience in carrying out Information Systems audits
• Hands-on experience in the use Computer Assisted Audit Techniques
• Ability to provide timely and accurate information on matters related to audit without compromising the independence or objectivity of the risk management function
• Ability to maintain confidentiality of privileged information and to ensure absolute discretion and sensitivity to confidential matters