Internal Auditor

To review internal control systems and objectively examine, evaluate and advise on the adequacy of internal controls and risk management as a contribution to the proper, economic and effective use of resources at the National Education Trust.

KEY AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY

Management/Administrative Responsibilities

• Develops and ensures the implementation of policies and procedures to guide the operations of the Internal Audit Unit within the framework of Government guidelines and international auditing standards (confers with the Board of Directors/Executive Director).
• Provide guidance on the policies and procedures that support the operations of NET.
• Participates in the development and implementation of the strategic direction of NET.
• Monitors responses to audit reports to ascertain the level of deficiencies corrected and adherence to internal controls.
• Manages the preparation and submission of final audit reports with relevant recommendations and ensures timely submission of documents/information requested from the Unit.
• Represents the NET at meetings/conferences and other functions as necessitated.
• Provides assistance/advice to the Board of Directors/Executive Director on internal audit issues as requested.
• Develops new policy guidelines for the Internal Audit Unit in response to changing systems and practices in auditing standards and provides guidance as necessary to NET to ensure compliance with these changes in audit standards and practices.
• Develops programs to determine if the code of ethics and conduct is consistent with international standards and other related Agencies.

Technical/Professional Responsibilities

• Review and report on proper control over the receipts, custody and utilization of all financial resources of the NET;
• Review and report on conformity with financial and operational procedures in order to ensure effective control over the expenditure of the NET;
• Review and report on the correctness of classification and allocation of revenue and expenditure accounts;
• Review and report on the reliability and integrity of financial and operating data.
• Review and report on the systems in place used to safeguard assets, and as appropriate, the verification of the existence of such assets;
• Review and report on operations or programs to ascertain whether results are consistent with established objectives and goals;
• Evaluate information security and associated risk exposures.
• Leads the conduct of the annual risk assessment exercise to determine priority audit areas.
• Liaises with external auditors where appropriate in the preparation of the annual audit work plan.
• Examines the effectiveness of all levels of management in their stewardship of the NET’s resources and their compliance with established policies, procedure, government regulations and guidelines and make recommendations for improvement as necessary.
• Conducts special investigations of a complex nature.
• Reviews and signs off on working papers files and draft audit reports.
• Meets with the Board of Directors/Executive Director and Department Heads to discuss audit findings.
• Prepares final audit reports stating deficiencies, implications, recommendations and management responses and submits report to the Board of Directors/Executive Director, Department/Agency Heads and the NET’s Audit Committee.
• Prepares and submit quarterly reports on audits conducted to the Ministry of Finance and the Public Service.
• Prepares and submits quarterly status reports on activities conducted by the Internal Auditor (IA) to the Board of Directors/Executive Director.
• Authorizes the publication of reports and results of audit examinations, including recommendations for improvement to the Board of Directors and Management of NET.
• Attends operational meetings where the IA has a key role in the development and verification of systems.
• Ensures the security of audit files.
• Ensures that the activities of the IA are conducted in compliance with international auditing standards.
• Ensures the training needs of the Units are adequately identified and addressed.
• Participates in the recruitment of staff for the Unit.
• Ensures that staff is aware of and adhere to the policies, procedures, and regulations.
• Undertakes other related assignments as directed

PERFORMANCE STANDARDS

• Corporate and operational plans are examined in accordance with established guidelines and timeframes.
• Audit policies and procedures are clearly defined, documented and in keeping with international and Government of Jamaica standards.
• Accurate and well informed audit reports submitted within agreed timeframes.
• Follow-up mechanisms are implemented within agreed timeframe.
• Corrective strategies are reviewed within agreed timeframe.
• Audit recommendations lead to improvements in the conduct of business.
• Sound auditing technical guidance given to Board of Directors/Executive Director and Heads of Units in a timely manner.
  • Confidentiality and integrity are maintained
  • Established targets are consistently achieved.
  • Correspondence and reports are prepared in a timely manner and a high level of accuracy maintained.
  • Confidentiality, dependability and tact are consistently displayed in the conduct of duties.
  • Professionalism and integrity are consistently demonstrated in keeping with the established standards of NET.

REQUIRED KEY COMPETENCIES

Core

• High level of  integrity, confidentiality and professionalism
• Strong planning, organizing & time management skills
• Excellent problem solving and critical and analytical skills
• Excellent negotiating and dispute resolution skills
• Strong interpersonal, networking and communication skills
  • Effective communication and human relations skills
  • Tenacity and ethics

Technical

• Expert Knowledge of the following Acts: Public Bodies Management and Accountability, the Financial Administration & Audit, the Procurement Act, Charities Act, the Companies Act, Access to information and Intellectual Property Act.
• Excellent knowledge of government administration systems, laws and policies and other instructions governing both the financial and operational aspects of the Ministries and portfolio Agencies such as the Staff orders, Public Service Regulations and  Procurement Law, Policies Guidelines.
• Excellent consultative abilities in guiding communication approaches in support of executive leaders and business strategy
• Excellent knowledge of accounting and auditing standards, principles and practices
• Practical experience and knowledge of the full range of processes and procedures in the public sector and with the Public Administration in Jamaica
• Knowledge of generally accepted auditing standards
• Knowledge of accounting and finance principles and practices
• Knowledge of a variety of reporting procedures, regulations and law planning and time management
• Technology proficient (excel, word, Visio, ability to learn new software)

MINIMUM REQUIRED QUALIFICATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting or Finance from a recognized tertiary institution.
• Certified Internal Audit (CIA) will be an asset
• At least five (5) years of professional experience in auditing or accounting
• Experience as an auditor in a Big Five Auditing company would be an asset.

SPECIAL CONDITIONS

• May be required to work beyond normal working hours at times to meet deadlines.
• Required to travel locally.
  • Required to be the holder of a valid Driver’s Licence & possess a reliable motor vehicle.