Internal Auditor

Zenith Bank (UK) Limited (ZBUK) is a subsidiary of Zenith Bank PLC, the most profitable bank in Nigeria with an established trajectory of superlative performance, as well as a strong pedigree of innovation, resilience, and market dominance. On an annual basis, Zenith Bank PLC amasses a string of notable awards; one of the most recent being listed as the sole Nigerian brand on the World’s top 100 companies in 2023 by the World Finance Magazine.

Zenith Bank (UK) Limited (ZBUK) was set up with a clear strategy to leverage trade and investment flows between Nigeria and Europe, by providing intermediary banking services and facilities for trade-related working capital and capital expenditure. Zenith Bank recognises the importance of leveraging a highly skilled workforce to achieve its strategic and operational goals. The bank is committed to providing an environment that is conducive for effective performance by availing all staff the necessary learning opportunity. We value the well-being of our staff and we encourage them to strike a balance between their work and personal lives, thereby creating a healthy atmosphere for personal development and career success.

With the introduction of new services here in the UK and our unparalleled knowledge of business with Africa, our 5 year strategy ensures “Controlled Growth” as we aim to become the Bank of choice for businesses wishing to transact in the African continent.

Key Responsibilities:

• To assist the Head of the Internal Audit for Zenith Bank (UK) Limited to provide independent and objective assurance to strengthen the Bank’s operations.
• This involves evaluating and improving the effectiveness of its risk management, control and governance processes.
• To ensure that the bank procedures are carried out effectively and in accordance with the Bank’s Procedure Manuals which cover the various aspects of the Bank’s operations and controls.
• To identify the risks involved in each of the areas in which the Bank undertakes business and to ensure that such risks are properly assessed and correctly monitored with any changes reported expeditiously to Senior management and the Audit and Compliance Committee.
• Maintain Professional Development and keep up to date with industry, regulatory and professional developments.
• To advocate the Bank’s Values, and to promote a strong risk, compliance and corporate accountability culture, throughout the Bank through presentations, knowledge sharing and the internal audit work undertaken.
• To undertake work in-line with IIA Code of Ethics and Performance Standards.
• To comply with the FCA’s and PRA’s Individual Conduct Rules.

Key Tasks:

• To undertake audit reviews as timetabled in the Annual Audit Plan and prepare audit reports on those reviews to include recommendations, where appropriate, and obtain the comments of the Heads of Department being audited, prior to submission to the CEO and ACC.
• To conduct audit reviews in-line with the approach and methodology set out in the Bank’s Internal Audit Manual.
• To execute a wide variety of audit tests/procedures and accurately interpret results against defined criteria, whilst ensuring the work is competently and efficiently performed in accordance with professional and departmental standards.
• To track agreed recommendations and report on their implementation to the Head of Internal Audit on a weekly basis.
• Follow up with management to ensure that management actions have been effectively implemented or that senior management has accepted the risk of not taking action.
• To undertake any special investigatory reports as may be necessary.
• To assist the Head of Internal Audit in producing an Internal Audit Plan each year of those areas to be audited for submission to the ACC for approval prior to adoption.
• To assist the Head of Internal Audit in updating the Internal Audit Manual and Procedures annually for review and approval by the ACC.

Experience and Skills required:

• A first degree or its equivalent in any of Accounting/Economics/Science or a related business discipline.
• Professional Qualification in Accounting like ACCA and related equivalents is required.
• IT Audit certifications like CISA, CISM, etc would be an added advantage.
• Minimum of ten years’ post-graduation experience acquired in the internal audit function of a bank based in the UK is required.
• Experience acquired in an external audit role of a top audit firm based in the UK would also be considered.
• A confident articulate professional with a track record of building solid working relationships with team members and other high-level stakeholders.
• Ability to resolve audit recommendations with a solution focused mindset in line with the Risk Based internal Audit approach of the bank.
• Good interpersonal skills with the ability to communicate audit results and issues effectively, both verbal and written.
• Good presentation and report writing skills.
• Excellent team player and attention to detail.
• Commercial awareness and ability to work to deadlines.
• Highly analytical – able to work with both low levels of detail and ‘big picture’ Bank-wide perspective and think critically.
• Resilient – able to manage disagreement and find ways to reach an agreed position.
• Strong risk awareness and ability to conduct risk assessments in line with good practice and recognised standards relevant to the UK environment.
• Good understanding and use of IT Solutions.
• Ability to work independently, whilst seeking guidance from supervising staff when required.

This is a permanent position paying up to £75,000 based on experience.