Internal Audit Manager - Maputo

Role Purpose

The Internal Audit Manager will be a locally based resource responsible for establishing, leading and managing the internal audit function of the company and its subsidiary entities in Mozambique.

Reporting functionally to the Group Head of Compliance & Internal Audit, the role provides independent, in-country assurance over the effectiveness of risk management, internal controls and business processes across financial, operational, compliance and governance areas.

The role is responsible for owning the local audit universe and risk assessment, planning audits, evaluating control design and operating effectiveness, reporting findings, driving remediation and ensuring that Group Internal Audit methodology, standards and reporting requirements are applied consistently within the local entity, while building local audit capability and strengthening governance, accountability and operational discipline.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership and Management of the Local Internal Audit Function

• Establish, lead and manage the local internal audit function as the senior in-country audit representative, operating under the charter, methodology and standards set by Group Internal Audit.

• Subject to approval from the Group Head of Compliance & Internal Audit, recruit, supervise and appraise local audit staff as required; allocate assignments, review workpapers and build a sustainable local talent pipeline.

• Manage the local audit budget, resourcing plan and any co-sourced specialists, ensuring efficient use of resources and adequate coverage of the entity's risk profile.

• Safeguard the independence of the internal audit function locally, escalating any attempt to limit audit scope, access or reporting.

Audit Planning and Execution

• Propose, develop and execute the annual internal audit plan for the Mozambique entity, based on a locally owned risk assessment and aligned with Group priorities, business risks and Mozambican regulatory requirements.

• Lead end-to-end audits covering areas such as finance, operations, procurement, inventory, sales, logistics, compliance, tax and IT-dependent controls.

• Assess the adequacy and effectiveness of internal controls, policies, SOPs, risk-control matrices and delegation of authority frameworks.

• Ensure audit workpapers, evidence, testing results and conclusions are complete, accurate and aligned with the internal audit methodology.

• Identify control weaknesses, process inefficiencies, fraud risks and compliance gaps, and recommend practical improvements.

Reporting, Remediation and Stakeholder Management

• Prepare clear, concise and value-adding audit reports communicating risks, root causes, business impact and agreed management actions.

• Track open audit observations, validate remediation evidence and escalate overdue or high-risk matters as appropriate.

• Build strong working relationships with senior management, department heads and process owners while maintaining independence and objectivity.

• Present audit status, key findings and emerging risks to the Group Head of Compliance & Internal Audit and relevant leadership teams.

• Support statutory and external audit requirements by coordinating information, documentation and management responses where required.

Governance, Risk and Continuous Improvement

• Promote a strong control culture and advise management on governance, risk management and internal control improvements.

• Contribute to the development and enhancement of audit methodologies, testing templates, process flowcharts, SOPs, policies and risk-control matrices.

• Use data analysis and exception testing to improve audit coverage, identify trends and support risk-based decision-making.

• Support investigations, special reviews and ad hoc projects based on management requests while ensuring confidentiality and professional judgement.

Key Deliverables

• Proposed annual and periodic internal audit plans for approval.

• Completed audit assignments supported by high-quality workpapers and evidence.

• Audit reports with clear findings, risk ratings, root-cause analysis and agreed action plans.

• Periodic status updates, dashboards and MIS reports for internal audit leadership.

• Validated closure of audit observations and timely escalation of unresolved issues.

• Updated policies, SOPs, RCMs, process narratives and control improvement documentation where required.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Competencies

• Strong understanding of internal audit standards, governance frameworks, risk management and internal controls.

• Sound knowledge of IFRS, local GAAP, tax compliance and regulatory requirements relevant to Mozambique and group operations.

• Practical familiarity with the Mozambican regulatory, tax, labour and business environment.

• Experience auditing manufacturing or operational environments.

• Ability to review complex processes, identify control gaps and translate findings into practical business recommendations.

• Strong analytical, report-writing, presentation and communication skills.

• High level of integrity, independence, professional skepticism and confidentiality.

• Ability to influence stakeholders, manage difficult conversations and follow through on remediation commitments.

• Strong planning, project management and prioritization skills with attention to detail and deadlines.

• Proficiency in ERP systems such as SAP, Microsoft Office tools and data analysis techniques.

• Proven people-leadership capability, with the ability to build, mentor and manage a small local audit team.

• Ability to operate autonomously as the senior internal audit representative in-country.

Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Commerce or a related discipline.

• Professional qualification such as CIA, CA, ACCA, CPA or CISA is strongly preferred.

• Minimum of 8 years of relevant internal audit experience, preferably with exposure to Big 4 and/or manufacturing environments.

• Demonstrated experience leading audit assignments independently, managing stakeholders and delivering high-quality reports with minimal supervision.

• Portuguese and English language proficiency is mandatory.

• Portuguese must be at business fluency to interact effectively with local staff, statutory auditors and regulators.

• English must be sufficient for Group reporting and communication.

• Arabic will be considered an additional advantage.

Success Measures

• Timely completion of the approved audit plan and special assignments.

• Quality and clarity of audit reports, findings and recommendations.

• Reduction in repeat audit findings and improvement in control maturity.

• Timely closure of agreed management action plans.

• Positive stakeholder engagement while maintaining independence and objectivity.

• Compliance with internal audit methodology, documentation standards and professional ethics.

• An effective internal audit function established and operating successfully in-country, supported by a capable local team and reduced dependence on Group or external audit resources.