Job description

About Kakuzi

Kakuzi Plc (Kakuzi) is a listed Kenyan agricultural company trading on both the Nairobi Securities Exchange and the London Stock Exchange engaging in the cultivation, processing, and marketing of avocados, blueberries, macadamia, tea, livestock, and commercial forestry. Since its incorporation in 1927, it has continuously strived to build a sustainable agricultural portfolio that can mitigate weather risks that the sector has historically been subject to. 

Kakuzi Plc’s mission is to consistently produce quality products, responsibly, sustainably, and ethically with the vision of being a global leader as a preferred producer and supplier of quality agricultural products. Their development plans are in full swing with significant additional areas of avocado and macadamia being planted as well as initial trials for blueberry development. They operate in two separate locations in Kenya: 

• Makuyu 
• Nandi Hills. 

You can find more information on the company by visiting their website.

About the Role 

The role holder will be responsible for the efficient day-to-day running of the Internal Audit Department’s programs and team. Additionally, the role holder will not only ensure that all departmental functions are in line with the company’s Internal Audit Charter but also work to improve and recommend additional internal controls.

Key Responsibilities

Routine Audit Program: 

• Prepare an Annual Audit Program, covering all divisions in the Company’s operations, for consideration and approval by the Board Audit & Risk Committee after review by the Managing Director.  
• Supervise and review the performance of the audit staff to ensure that all aspects, as highlighted in the Audit Manual, are covered and executed. 
• Review the work carried out by the internal audit assistants to ensure that audit programs have been properly completed and that working papers clearly set out the results of the tests undertaken and support the conclusions reached. All work should conform to the recognized internal audit standards.
• Conduct internal audit reviews by following the audit manual and confirming that the internal control systems are effective and can be relied upon. Additionally, give recommendations for any new and better controls to be put in place following the reviews. 
• Ensure compliance with the Internal Audit Charter as approved by the Board Audit & Risk Committee and carry out responsibilities spelled out in the charter. Also, continuously review and update audit manuals as necessary.

Special Assignments:  

• Carry out special assignments from time to time in the department as requested by the Board Audit & Risk Committee, Managing Director, or Finance Director. These would be expected to be carried out as swiftly and as thoroughly as possible. 
• Investigate alleged fraudulent activity and give a comprehensive report on findings and recommendations.
• Liaise with external auditors both during interim and final audits to confirm any areas they may wish to rely on internal audit work. 

Risks:  

• Assess company risks to ensure the risk map of the company is reviewed regularly in liaison with the Managing Director and the Board Audit and Risk Committee as well as monitor risks and recommend mitigation actions. 

Reporting: 

• Monitor the team in compiling review sheets covering all issues raised during both routine audits and special assignments. Additionally, ensure that the line manager, together with the General Manager, responds to issues raised prior to the report being submitted. 
• Compile a monthly report, highlighting the important issues that have arisen during the preceding month, which is to be circulated to the Managing Director, Executive Heads, Finance Director, and all General Managers. The report should also cover an analysis of time spent on various assignments during the month.
• Put together any special assignment reports carried out on request and include recommendations on actions that need to be taken by senior management.
• Report to the Board Audit & Risk Committee on matters pertaining to the activities of the department since the last Board Audit & Risk Committee meeting as well as brief the Managing Director, or in his absence, the person standing in fortnightly.

Conduct: 

• Maintain the highest level of confidentiality and integrity as well as conduct oneself in a manner that is beyond reproach at all times. 

Does this sound like you?

• At least 8+ years relevant experience in all aspects of internal audit procedures and work. 
• A Bachelor’s degree in Commerce or any other equivalent degree.  
• A Certified Public Accountant CPA (K) or equivalent. Being a member of the Institute of Internal Auditors is an added advantage. 
• Knowledge of current Internal auditing standards issued by the Institute of Internal Auditors. 
• Conversant and have a working knowledge of computer-based audit programs (preferably, TeamMate). 

Persons of all gender, race, sex, orientation, age, and identity are encouraged to apply. If you have any questions concerning the role or want to express interest you can write to Sarah Ndegwa at sarah@shortlist.net and cc Neema Waweru on neema@shortlist.net. If interested click on the link to apply.