Job description

JOB PURPOSE:

This role is responsible for independently executing and leading internal audit assignments focused on the organization's investment activities, portfolio companies, and investment-related governance processes, while also supporting the broader Internal Audit plan through audits of corporate, financial, operational and other support functions as required

The role assesses the adequacy and effectiveness of governance, risk management, financial controls, and decision-making across the investment lifecycle, including deal sourcing, due diligence, valuation, approval, execution, portfolio monitoring, performance reporting, and exit activities. The position contributes to the development of the risk-based audit plan, performs reviews in line with IIA standards, and provides professional insights and providing practical, value-adding recommendations to management and the Audit & Risk Committee that strengthen investment governance, safeguard value, improve decision quality, and mitigate financial, operational, regulatory, and reputational risks.  The role will also undertake and/or support risk-based audits across corporate and support functions, contributing to the overall delivery of the Internal Audit Plan.

The Lead also ensures effective follow-up on audit actions, coordinates with relevant internal and external stakeholders, and maintains the highest standards of integrity, objectivity, and confidentiality in all audit activities.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES:

Strategic & Planning:

• Develop and maintain a risk-based Internal Audit coverage strategy for investments and asset management, aligned with the Company’s investment strategy, portfolio objectives, risk profile and Internal Audit mandate.
• Maintain an up-to-date understanding of the investment portfolio, including subsidiaries, associates, strategic investments, distressed assets and investments undergoing turnaround or restructuring
• Identify significant and emerging investment risks requiring Internal Audit attention
•  Recommend appropriate audit coverage, frequency and depth based on risk, materiality, complexity and strategic importance.
• Lead the investment and asset management component of the risk-based Annual Internal Audit Plan
• Contribute to the overall development of the Internal Audit Plan by assessing risks across corporate and support functions
• Support the Head of Internal Audit in ensuring appropriate coverage of the Company's key risks without unnecessary duplication with other assurance providers
• Perform periodic risk assessments of investment and asset management activities and relevant portfolio companies.
• Provide timely insights to the Head of Internal Audit and Audit & Risk Committee on significant investment and asset management risks
• Identify opportunities to improve portfolio oversight, governance, performance monitoring, risk management and value preservation.
• Participate, where appropriate and without compromising Internal Audit independence, in advisory reviews relating to significant investment or asset-management initiatives.

Functional Responsibilities:

• Lead and independently execute end-to-end audits covering investment and asset management activities , including investment governance and  & decision making, , investment appraisal & due diligence, portfolio asset management, investment valuation & performance, divestments & exits and post-investment reviews..
• Act as the Internal Audit subject-matter lead for investments and asset management
• Provide coaching and technical support to other Internal Audit team members on investment-related assignments
• Assess the reliability of investment papers, financial models, valuation assumptions, portfolio performance reports, and management information used for decision-making.
• Review the design and operating effectiveness of controls over investment transactions, documentation, conflicts of interest, related-party matters, and post-investment monitoring.
• Perform risk assessment, data analysis, process walkthroughs, sample testing, and control testing, and maintain clear, well-documented working papers in accordance with the Internal Audit Charter, approved methodology and applicable IIA Standards.
• Identify opportunities to use data analytics, technology and continuous monitoring to strengthen investment audit coverage.
• Support Internal Audit quality assurance and continuous improvement initiatives
• Support development of Internal Audit capability in investment and asset-management risk assessment and auditing.
• Draft audit observations supported by evidence and root cause analysis, discuss findings constructively with stakeholders, and agree practical and value-adding recommendations.
• Prepare high-quality audit reports for management and governance committees, highlighting significant investment, financial, operational, regulatory, and reputational risks.
• Monitor and follow up on agreed audit actions relating to investment activities and portfolio companies, ensuring timely and sustainable closure.
• Coordinate, where required, with external auditors, valuation specialists, consultants, regulators, and other assurance providers.
• Contribute to knowledge sharing, continuous improvement, and the adoption of leading practices in investment governance and internal audit.

In addition to investment-related audits, participate in or lead audits covering other areas included within the approved Internal Audit Plan.  The position will be expected to apply the same risk-based audit approach across these areas while maintaining primary specialization in investments and asset management

COMMUNICATIONS & WORKING RELATIONSHIPS:

Internal:

• Investment, Portfolio Management, Strategy, Finance, Risk, Legal, Compliance, and other relevant functional teams.
• Investment committees, management committees, and portfolio company representatives.

External:

• External auditors and outsourced internal audit providers.
• Valuation specialists, investment advisors, consultants, and due diligence providers.
• Regulators, government bodies, and other relevant external stakeholders

QUALIFICATIONS, EXPERIENCE & SKILLS:

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Investment, Economics, Business Administration, or a related field.
• CIA, ACCA, CPA, CFA, or an equivalent professional qualification is preferred.

Experience:

• Minimum 5 years' relevant experience in internal audit, investment audit, external audit, investment management, private equity, or portfolio oversight.
• Experience in a Big 4 audit firm, investment management company, sovereign wealth fund, private equity firm, or holding company is valuable.
• Experience involving distressed assets, turnaround plans, restructuring, divestment or post-investment reviews would be an advantage.
• Experience in auditing corporate and support functions is desirable.
• Practical exposure to investment valuation, financial modelling, due diligence, transaction governance, and portfolio performance reporting is preferred

Technical Competencies :

• IIA Standards and Internal Audit Methodology
• Risk-Based Audit Planning and Execution
• Strong knowledge of investment and asset management processes and associated risks
• Good knowledge of financial statements, financial analysis, valuation and investment performance measurement
• Strong understanding of internal audit methodologies, risk assessment and internal control frameworks
• Financial Modelling and Investment Valuation
• Data Analytics and Control Testing
• Fraud Risk, Conflicts of Interest, and Related-Party Reviews
• Strong report-writing and presentation skills​​​​​​​

Leadership/Behavioral Competencies  :

• Stakeholder Engagement
• Fostering Innovation
• Agility
• Analytical Thinking
• Fostering Communication
• Outcome Driven
• Operational Excellence
• Forward Thinking
• Critical Thinking
• Quality Focus
• Time Management
• Solidarity
• Strategic and commercial thinking
• Ability to challenge management constructively
• work independently and lead complex assignments
• High integrity, confidentiality and professional objectivity
• Strong teamwork and knowledge-sharing capabilities