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Group Head of Internal Audit

Posted on:  19 Feb 2025
Job Req ID:  4278
Division:  Ancillary & Support Services (ANSS)
Department:  Internal Audit (40000511)

JOB PURPOSE
The Group Head of Internal Audit is responsible for overseeing the internal audit function across the entire education group, which includes institutions of higher education and K-12 schools. This role involves developing and executing a comprehensive audit plan that addresses the unique risks and regulatory requirements of the Group. The Group Head of Internal Audit will provide independent assurance on the effectiveness of risk management, governance, and control processes across the group, while ensuring compliance with educational standards and enhancing operational efficiency.

 

KEY RESULT AREAS / RESPONSIBILITIES
Leadership and Strategic Management:
• Lead and manage the internal audit function across all educational institutions within the group, ensuring alignment with the organization’s strategic goals.
• Develop a multi-year audit strategy and annual audit plan that addresses the specific risks associated with the institutions.
• Build and lead a high-performing internal audit team, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and professional development.
• Report regularly to the Audit Committee, Group Executive Chairman, and senior management on audit activities, key findings, and recommendations.

 

Audit Planning and Execution:
• Design, implement, and manage an audit framework that ensures comprehensive coverage of financial, operational, academic, and compliance risks across all institutions.
• Oversee the execution of audits across the group, ensuring that audit activities are conducted in accordance with professional standards and best practices.
• Identify and assess risks unique to the education sector, including academic integrity, student safety, data privacy, and compliance with educational regulations.
• Evaluate the adequacy and effectiveness of internal controls within the universities and K-12 schools and recommend improvements where necessary.

 

Stakeholder Engagement and Communication:
• Serve as a trusted advisor to the Audit Committee, providing insights on internal control issues, risk management, and governance practices across the education group.
• Maintain open and effective communication with senior management, school administrators, university leadership, and external auditors.
• Present audit findings and recommendations clearly and concisely, ensuring that stakeholders understand the implications and necessary corrective actions.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders, promoting the value of the internal audit function and enhancing collaboration across the group.

 

Whistleblowing Platform Management:
• Oversee the whistleblowing platform, ensuring it operates confidentially, efficiently, and in compliance with legal and ethical standards.
• Promote awareness of the whistleblowing platform across the organization to encourage the reporting of potential fraud, misconduct, or ethical breaches.
• Investigate whistleblowing cases with appropriate rigor and objectivity, ensuring the protection of whistleblowers' identities.
• Provide regular reports on whistleblowing cases and outcomes to the Board or Audit Committee, maintaining transparency.
Continuous Improvement and Innovation:
• Drive continuous improvement within the internal audit function by adopting new audit tools, techniques, and technologies relevant to the education sector.
• Stay informed about industry trends, regulatory changes, and best practices in internal auditing, particularly in the context of education.
• Implement data analytics and other advanced auditing techniques to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of audit processes.
• Promote a culture of learning and innovation within the audit team, encouraging the development of new skills and knowledge relevant to the education industry.

 

JOB SPECIFICATIONS
Minimum Qualificatio
n
• Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration or a related field; a Master’s degree or MBA is preferred. A background in education management or related fields is a plus.
• Certification: Certified Internal Auditor (CIA), Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Chartered Accountant (CA), or equivalent certification is required.
• With a minimum of 10-15 years of progressive experience in internal audit, risk management, or related fields, with at least 5 years in a leadership role. Experience in the education sector, particularly in a multi-institutional environment, is highly desirable.
• In-depth knowledge of internal auditing standards, risk management, and governance practices within the education sector. Familiarity with educational regulations, accreditation standards, and compliance requirements for both higher education and K-12 schools.

 

Key Competencies /Skills
• Strong leadership and team management skills.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence and engage stakeholders at all levels.
• High level of integrity and professionalism, with a commitment to ethical standards.
• Energetic, action orientated and outcomes-driven
• Well organized, resourceful; effective and efficient at marshalling multiple resources to get things done
• Display the core values of high integrity, openness and good corporate governance

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