Job vacancy Audit Manager

Kingston

OrganisationMinistry of JusticeReferenceVAC-48395Contract TypeFull-TimeIndustriesAccounting & FinanceLocationKingstonSalary & Benefits Date Posted03/02/2024Expiry Date12/02/2024Oversees strategic planning and risk-based audits for the Ministry of Justice, manages audit teams, ensures compliance with standards, and provides management, administrative, and human resources guidance.

 

Job Purpose 

Under the leadership and direction of the Chief Internal Auditor (CIA), the Audit Manager is responsible for managing audit teams in the execution of varied internal assessments with multiple degrees of complexity in accordance with applicable procedures and standards. Additionally, the Audit Manager provides a high level of internal audit consultancy and advisory services for MOJ and its subjects, while supporting the CIA in ensuring the effectiveness and appropriateness of internal audit, internal controls, risk management, compliance and governance. 

 

Key Outputs:

• Audit strategies and risk-based planning supported 
• Audit principles, procedures and practices applied 
• Audit techniques and approaches applied and recommended 
• Quality assurance mechanisms supported and maintained 
• Audit findings and recommendations assessed and validated 
• Special audits conducted/coordinated 
• Preparation of audit reports managed 
• Flow-up audits managed 
• Technical advice provided 
• Audit team managed and coached 
• Annual/Quarterly/Monthly performance reports prepared 
• Individual work plans developed 
• Staff Appraisals conducted 

 

Key Responsibility Areas:

Technical/Professional Responsibilities 

• Supports the Chief Internal Auditor actively in conducting strategic and risk-based planning for the MOJ, its Departments and Agencies; 
• Participates in the development and implementation of annual Audit Plan and Work Plan being guided by the MOJ’s policies, regulatory requirements and guidelines; 
• Applies knowledge of the principles, procedures and practices of accounting, financial records/record keeping and general audit practices to the audit processes; 
• Recommends the appropriate use of techniques as well as tests and sampling methods in the conduct of audits; ensure that team members conform to Internal Audit Standards, Accounting Standards and Financial Regulations; 
• Participates in the planning and execution of information technology (IT) audit projects;
• Manages the pre-audit functions and activities involving the assessment of leave and pension calculations, resignations, gratuity payments; and mandatory yearly pre-audits of all salary and payment vouchers in accordance with the FAA Act and Instructions; 
• Supports and maintains an approved quality assurance and improvement programme covering all aspects of Internal Audit; 
• Provides support in the Departments and Agencies of the MOJ in conducting quality self assessments as well as compliance monitoring and risk management activities, as required;
• Manages the preparation and content of audit reports by drawing conclusions and making recommendations based on analysis of evidence gathered;
• Recommends changes to the Divisions standard operating procedures and methodologies in order to ensure consistency and the ability to support the goals, objectives and targets of the GOJ;
• Visits MOJ Departments and Agencies being audited to ensure compliance with audit procedures, resolve challenges and maintain good client relations; 
• Reports on deviations and or departure from the approved internal control systems as well as any perceived risks and recommend changes which will safeguard compliance and effectiveness;
• Manages the output of assigned audit team engaged in financial and non-financial audits within the sphere of their assigned responsibilities; 
• Assesses the audit findings in order to identify any possible weaknesses, risk exposure and or violations of rules and regulations; 
• Provides input in developing and implementing financial and/or non-financial systems and controls whether automated or manual; 
• Manages the Audit progress and review compliance with Audit procedures and quality assurance which must be aligned to that of the Internal Audit Directorate; 
• Provides guidelines and instructions to team members and tailor instructions to each programme and/or functional area; 
• Reviews working papers to provide assurance that their preparation conform to Internal Audit policies, processes and standards; 
• Conducts flow up audits and site visits to assess the conformance in the implementation of approved changes, recommendations and systems; 
• Conducts and or supervise special audits which are assigned by the CIA; 
• Manages and guides direct reports towards achieving the strategic objectives of the Audit Division of the MOJ and supporting the Ministry’s vision of becoming regional leader in facilitating effective access to justice for all; 
• Monitors assigned audits according to acceptable International Audit standards and practices, the GOJ’s requirements, as well as agreed and measurable targets; 
• Convenes team meetings to assess accomplishments, discuss upcoming audits and job scheduling as well as issues and concerns which could impact and or prevent the team from delivering according to agreed timelines; 
• Maintains cordial and professional relationships with external and internal stakeholders and clients; 
• Keeps abreast of emerging audit principles, procedures and practices/guidelines to ensure adherence to international standards and competitiveness. 

Management/Administrative Responsibilities 

• Manages the development of the Section’s Corporate/Operational Plans, Budget and Individual Work Plans; 
• Supervises preparation of reports to CIA, Permanent Secretary, Senior Executives and other relevant stakeholders; 
• Attends Public Accounts Committee (PAC) and Public Administration and Appropriations Committee (PAAC) of the Parliament of Jamaica to provide information and support the PS and CIA as applicable; 
• Represents CIA at meetings, conferences, workshops and seminars; 
• Prepares reports and project documents as required; 
• Prepares and delivers Internal Audit presentations as needed; 
• Supports and maintains customer service principles, standards and measurements. 

Human Resources Responsibilities 

• Provides management and guidance through effective planning, delegation, communication, training, mentoring and coaching of high-performing audit professionals who possess outstanding knowledge, experience, ethics, and integrity; 
• Evaluates and monitors the performance of staff under direct supervision and implements appropriate strategies; 
• Coordinates the development of individual work plans and recommends performance targets for the staff assigned; 
• Participates in the recruitment and training of staff of the Division; 
• Recommends succession initiatives, transfer, promotion and leave in accordance with established Human Resource Policies and Procedures; 
• Identifies skills/competencies gaps and contributes to the development and succession planning for the Division to ensure adequate staff capacity; 
• Monitors the performance of staff and facilitates the timely and accurate completion of the staff annual performance appraisals and other periodic reviews; 
• Ensures the well - being of staff supervised; 
• Effects disciplinary measures in keeping with established guidelines/practices. 

Other Responsibilities 

• Performs all other duties and functions as may be required from time to time. 

 

Performance Standards:

• Audit strategies and risk-based planning supported in accordance with the MOJ’s risk profile, priorities and agreed timeframes; 
• Audit principles, procedures and practices applied in keeping with professional standards and timeframes; 
• Audit techniques and approaches applied and recommended in keeping with industry standards, GOJ guidelines and timeframes; 
• Quality assurance mechanisms supported and maintained in keeping with industry standards, GOJ guidelines and timeframes; 
• Audit findings and recommendations assessed and validated in keeping with professional standards and timeframes; 
• Special audits conducted/coordinated in keeping with professional standards and timeframes;
• Preparation of audit reports managed in accordance GOJ regulations, agreed standards and within the required timeframes; 
• Flow-up audits managed in keeping with professional standards and timeframes;
• Technical advice provided are evidence-based and timely; 
• Audit team managed and coached in keeping with professional standards and timeframes;
• Recommendations and or advice on internal controls, provided are evidence-based and delivered within agreed timeframes; 
• Annual/Quarterly/Monthly performance reports are prepared in accordance with agreed format, are accurate and submitted in agreed timeframe; 
• Individual Work Plans developed in conformity to established standards and within agreed timeframe; 
• Staff Appraisals completed and submitted in accordance with agreed timeframe and standards;
• Confidentiality, integrity and professionalism displayed in the delivery of duties and interaction with staff.

 

Required Competencies:

Core Competencies

• Oral Communication
• Written Communication 
• Integrity 
• Team Work & Cooperation 
• Initiative 
• Compliance
• Time Management
• Customer and Quality Focus
• Interpersonal
• Adaptability

Technical/Functional Competencies 

• Use of Technology
• Analytical Thinking
• Planning and Organising
• Technical Skills
• Goal/result oriented

Other Competencies

• In-depth knowledge of Audit Principles and Techniques, including ICT Audit
• Expert knowledge of the Government of Jamaica’s Accounting and Audit standards
• Expert knowledge of Accounting Principles and Practices
• Knowledge of GOJ ICT systems
• Knowledge of the Public Finance Legal Framework and Public Finance Management Reforms
• Good understanding of the public expenditure policy environment and the goals
• Good knowledge of policy monitoring and evaluation frameworks
• Strong ability to synthesize multiple ideas and complex information into a coherent summary, as in reports and briefing notes, and to make cogent recommendation for the modification or creation of legislation, policies and programmes
• Familiarity with procedures, policies and legislation governing the machinery of government
• Knowledge of the Government processes, including policy development, financial planning, performance management systems and basic theories, principles and methods of analysis

 

Minimum Required Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s Degree in Accounts, Finance, Business Administration, Management or Economics
• ACCA Fundamentals or equivalent; plus, over five (5) years’ auditing experience and relevant experience in the specialized area.

 

Authority:

• Prepares and recommends requirements for audit assignments; 
• Engages a range of related stakeholders; 
• Recommends staff appointments, promotion, recruitment, disciplinary action, leave and general welfare issues; 
• Recommends relevant training and development programmes for direct reports to enhance knowledge and performance. 

 

Specific Conditions associated with the job

• Work will be conducted in an office outfitted with standard office equipment and specialized software. 
• The environment is fast paced with on-going interactions with critical stakeholders and meeting tight deadlines which will result in high degrees of pressure, on occasions. 
• May be required to travel locally and overseas to attend conferences, seminars and meetings.

4 May, 2024 (1 days left)