Auditor, Operational Compliance

The OAG Mandate and Function

• The Office of the Auditor General of ECOWAS Institutions (OAG) is an independent assurance office established to assist the ECOWAS Governance Bodies, in particular, the Council of Ministers and Audit Committee to carry out oversight functions, promote good corporate governance, accountability, and value for money in all Community Institutions, Specialized Agencies and Offices.
• The OAG is mandated to conduct Community-wide financial audits, compliance audits, performance audits, Investigations, and other Special Audits.
• The OAG structure comprises an Audit Directorate, a Directorate for Program Performance Audit, and an Internal Services Division. It is headquartered in Abuja, Nigeria.

Role Overview

• Under the supervision of the Principal Auditor, Operational Compliance, the incumbent will be responsible for comprehensive compliance audit assignments across all ECOWAS Institutions, Specialized Agencies and Offices covering all risks relating to the applicable areas of intervention and in line with the OAG Strategic Plan, Audit Charter, and applicable professional auditing standards & guidelines.
• S/he shall also perform any related official assignment, other duties and special projects as assigned by the OAG leadership.

Role and Responsibilities

• Work in a team to carry out compliance audit assignments in designated areas in line with the approved OAG Strategic and Annual Work Plan or as may be directed.
• Contribute towards the identification and selection of prospective audit areas/topics through area watch, audit/environmental scan, literature review, and other means/criteria adopted for this purpose.
• Assist in the planning and design of compliance audit assignments by carrying out necessary tasks as assigned to build knowledge, assess risks, and obtain relevant information to effectively design and execute the audit assignment.
• Assist in the elaboration and implementation of a detailed audit program for the audit team.
• Execute assigned tasks in a timely and result-oriented manner through practical application of the principles & techniques of performance auditing standards, risk management, research methodology, project management and performance reporting.
• Apply appropriate audit procedures to research, gather and validate audit information and related data.
• Identify findings and supporting conclusions based on analysis and develop recommendations that are fair, meaningful, and timely, following appropriate methodology and meeting applicable quality assurance and professional standards.
• Collect and document sufficient appropriate audit evidence to support conclusions and recommendations.
• Draft components of the audit report, incorporating where necessary graphic illustrations and visual aids to best communicate audit findings, describe conditions, summarize information/data, and report noteworthy achievements.
• Contribute towards reasonable and objective recommendations on the systems and procedures being reviewed and monitor management's response and implementation.
• Maintain proper records of working papers and audit evidence collected for review by a Supervisor and Quality Assurance in line with applicable auditing standards and charter.
• Ensure the timely completion of the audit assignment by completing all assigned tasks on time.
• Manage work efficiently and contribute to a competent, committed, and professional team that upholds mutual respect, trust, and synergy.
• Maintain confidentiality of information gathered, and ensure against inadvertent, premature, and unauthorized communication of audit findings and conclusions.
• Prepare and maintain a compendium of Directives, Rules, and Regulations applicable to all Community Institutions, Specialized Agencies and Offices.
• Assist in the monitoring and review of transactions and operations in key business areas (budget, procurements, contracts, recruitments, assets management, etc.) to assess compliance with extant regulations and procedures, and that internal control mechanisms are adequate and functioning as intended.
• Analyze operational practice, databases & records, periodic reports, and other forms of documentation to identify deficiencies and areas for improvement and coordinate with stakeholders to strategize remediation and/or mitigation methods and timelines for implementation and closure.
• Document risks and mitigating controls through risk-control matrices, regularly evaluate the design and adequacy of controls to ensure that key risks are properly managed and ensure proper rationalization of controls.
• Investigate and report violations of processes, procedures, and regulatory standards across the operations of the organization including but not limited to finance with effective action plans in response to discoveries and compliance violations.
• Make useful input for improvement of audit procedures and programs where necessary, in line with the OAG Charter and applicable auditing standards.
• Engage in continuous knowledge development regarding sector’s rules, regulations, best practices, tools, techniques, and performance standards.
• Maintain healthy working relationships with managers and staff at all levels.
• Serve on a variety of teams, committees and task forces as may be needed or assigned.
• Ensure compliance with all extant regulations and texts (ECOWAS Staff Regulations, OAG Code of Ethics, Management directives, Laws of the host country, etc.)
• Perform any other task as assigned by the Supervisor.

Academic Qualifications and Experience

• Minimum of a Bachelor's Degree or equivalent from an accredited university in Finance, Accounting, Auditing, Business Administration, or related field.
• Relevant professional certification in audit, risk management and information technology such as Certified Internal Auditor (CIA), Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Chartered Accountant (CA), Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA), etc. from an accredited institution will be an added advantage.
• 5 years of progressively responsible professional experience in audit, finance, accounting, administration, statistics, or related area.
• Recent experience (minimum of 2 years) in compliance or internal audit assignments is desirable.
• Hands on experience in using enterprise risk management tools and applications such as SAP Governance, Risk & Compliance (GRC) and others will be an added advantage.
• Experience using audit management software (e.g TEAM-MATE, ACL, IDEA, etc.)

ECOWAS Key Competencies:

• Knowledge of auditing principles, standards, practices, procedures, and methodologies with an emphasis on compliance audit.
• Strong knowledge of enterprise risk management framework, governance, financial management and internal controls procedures and best practices.
• In-depth working knowledge of the procedures, and best practices in the core operational areas of ECOWAS Institutions, Specialized Agencies and Offices.
• Ability to read and interpret laws, rules, regulations, contractual provisions including regional, national, and state laws, regulations, and operations within the ECOWAS Community.
• Ability to build knowledge and understanding of the OAG's business and of ECOWAS sectoral areas.
• Ability to analyze business operations, policies, procedures, and control mechanisms, identify deficiencies and problem areas, and prepare appropriate recommendations for remedial action.
• Ability to conduct a full range of compliance, operational and program audits of complex systems and structures.
• Ability to analyze a situation by using indicators to assess the costs, benefits, risks, and chances for success in making decisions.
• Ability to pull together information from different sources to identify the cause of problems, consequences of alternative causes of action, potential obstacles, and ways to avoid the problem in the future.
• Ability to break down very complex situations/information into simple terms to explain recommendations and conclusions aimed at solving problems or improving operations/programs/projects.
• Ability to develop new insights in