REPORTS TO: National Vice President LOCATION: SVP House, Dublin 1

Transcription

1 SVP Job Description JOB TITLE: Internal Auditor JOB HOLDER: Vacant REPORTS TO: National Vice President LOCATION: SVP House, Dublin 1 REGION: Council of Ireland DATE OF JOB DESCRIPTION: July PURPOSE OF THE JOB The Internal Auditor is responsible for planning, executing and reporting on operational, financial, regulatory and compliance related audits/reviews of the Society of St Vincent de Paul by evaluating and providing assurance that risk management, internal controls, financial reporting and governance processes are functioning as intended and which enable SVP deliver on its mission, meet its objectives and comply with relevant legislation and good practice. Carry out independent appraisals of the effectiveness of the policies, procedures and standards by which the organisation's financial, physical and information resources are managed. A secondary role is to provide advice on internal control to the National Secretary and National Management Committee, including responding to questions on risk management techniques to assist them in the effective discharge of their duties. 2. ENVIRONMENT OF THE JOB The SVP is a large, national, voluntary organisation with extensive experience of working with a diverse range of people who experience poverty and exclusion. Through its network of over 1,000 conferences (local groups), 10,500 volunteers and 700 employees, covering the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland, it is strongly committed to working for social justice and advocates the creation of a more just and caring society. The Internal Audit function operates as part of a wider National Office Team and provides both pro-active advice and guidance and re-active support to the conferences/councils to address immediate needs as well as longer term best practice development. The role of Internal Audit covers two jurisdictions: Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland. Internal audit work compliments that of the external Auditor. 3. GUIDANCE AND AUTHORITY The role reports on day to day matters to the National VP (volunteer role) The Internal Auditor reports independently of the National Management Council to the National Audit Committee and its chair. The National Audit Committee sets policy, strategy and direction for the Internal Audit function. This role is key to highlighting breaches of financial policy and procedures, legislation

2 regarding the tax code and other relevant legislation throughout the Society and ensuring these breeches are remedied going forward. Special work can be undertaken on request from the National Management Council or its Officer, or National Secretary where there are serious breeches of financial polices and procedures and/or suspected fraud. The nature of matters referred upwards are those That are of significant breach of the operation financial policies and procedures. Exposes the Society generally to unacceptable risk, financial or reputational. Any issue which requires escalation to bring it to a satisfactory conclusion. 4. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES ACCOUNTABILITIES 1. Manage the Internal Audit function, this will include the preparation of audit plans, scheduling and assigning work and estimating resource needs. Deliver strategic and operational risk-based audits, consultancy work, and other reviews of SVP operations/services including its governance, risk management and control framework. 2. Undertake detailed and complex audit tests, ensuring that results and conclusions are communicated to the National Secretary in a clear, concise and jargon-free manner. HOW ACHIEVED 1. Execute a wide range of audits and reviews. Visit on a sample basis 100 activities/ conferences per annum. Need to factor in those that were not compliant with annual report process or surface during National audit process. Reporting of matters discovered where serious to Audit Committee for consideration and build into ongoing review of policies and procedures. 2. Ensure audits are appropriately staffed. This will include ensuring that staff and volunteers who carry out audits adequately plan, control and record their work as well as engaging consultant auditors for technical assignments. 3. Ensure that internal audit files and working papers are kept up-to-date at all times, and that the National Secretary is kept abreast of issues and recommendations throughout the audit review. 3. Work closely with entities being audited and relevant line managers - to ensure that; they understand audit issues and findings; that improvement commitments are made, and, that their implementation is monitored. 4. Take ownership of audit planning, multiple audit project management, and maximising efficiency at all times. Responsible for identifying key audit deadlines, including those for fieldwork, reporting, feedback and Audit and Risk Committee. 5. Maintain a current awareness of external

3 environments and the impact on existing functional processes. 6. Develop the annual general audit plan for review and approval by the Audit and Risk Committee. 7. Ensure that all audit work is 'valueadding, providing management with proposals and thought-leadership ideas to assist in driving efficiency and change throughout the business. 8. Conduct any reviews or tasks requested by trustees, the Audit and Risk Committee, National Secretary or National Treasurer, provided that such reviews and tasks do not compromise the independence or objectivity of the internal audit function. 9. Provide and independent, objectives assurance and consulting service to governance and management. 10. National Audit. Review the reports from conferences/councils regarding the internal checklists to pick up on any control issues of concern to Internal Audit and the National Audit Committee 11. Polices & procedures. Updating these from time to time based on field work to ensure these procedures are relevant, practical and addresses all the major internal control and risk areas of the Society. 12. Lead the investigation of frauds reported within the organisation and keeps all relevant parties up to date as to on-going investigations and legal action taken. 13. To continually reassess the operational risks inherent in the business, taking account of changing economic or market conditions, legal and regulatory requirements, operating procedures and practices and any impact of management restructures / new technology. By addressing any areas of concern in conjunction with line management and or the appropriate department / function. 5. CHALLENGES

4 Acceptance of the dynamics of a complex national and membership organisation and an understanding of how this both contributes to and constrains the work. Resilience and persistence in the face of barriers and organisational roadblocks encountered. Influencing members and various stakeholders to recognise the need for accelerated change 6. OTHER INFORMATION The Society of Saint Vincent de Paul is currently undergoing a period of significant organisational change which will impact on all aspect of service delivery, management and administration. Although the post is located in SVP House, Dublin the job holder will be required to travel extensively within Ireland and be available for some evening and weekend work. 7. KNOWLEDGE, EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS TO UNDERTAKE THE ROLE AT A FULLY ACCEPTABLE LEVEL

5 EDUCATION Degree in accounting, finance, business administration, public administration, or a related field. Professional Accounting Qualification ACA,ACCA,CPA or CIMA Member of recognised body of accountants. KNOWLEDGE Accounting Standards and generally accepted accounting principles The Statement of Recommended Practice for Charities The Charities legislation Auditing techniques and procedures EXPERIENCE Essential: Eight years progressively responsible experience in performance auditing in one or more of the following fields: -Financial/Operational Auditing - External Auditing - Information Systems Auditing At least three years of experience planning and directing audits. Thorough understanding of the principles and application of good corporate governance, business and operational risk and control processes and procedures Thorough knowledge of audit procedures, including risk driven audit planning techniques and methods used to examine, verify, and analyse business and financial operations, information, records, statements, and reports, and the requirements of the Standards for the Professional Practice of Internal Auditing. Basic knowledge of modern human resource management principles and practice. Ability to gain the confidence and respect of management and staff through attributes such as professionalism and positive attitude. Basic knowledge of the principles of computer technology and systems analysis. Ability to communicate clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing. Ability to gather, analyse, and evaluate facts, and prepare and present concise oral and written reports. Ability to motivate staff through proper direction and counselling. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships throughout the organisation Desirable: Work experience in an international NGO. SKILLS Demonstrate resilience and persistence in the face of barriers An ability to analyse complex organisational issues & propose imaginative solutions Skill in the supervision of professional, technical, and clerical personnel. Analytical skills, detail-oriented, customer driven and learning agile. Influencing skills Excellent problem solving skills Passion for results (including decisiveness and sense of urgency)

6 Excellent PC (MS Office, Excel and PowerPoint) experience with a CRM system is desirable. Ability to work on own initiative Ability to work as part of a team Ability to work to tight deadlines and prioritise work Excellent verbal, written and communication skills Other Requirements Full clean driver s license 8. Main Terms and Conditions Contract type: Hours: Benefits: Annual leave: Salary: Permanent Contract 37.5 with flexibility required to fulfil needs of the role Pension scheme in place 5% employer contribution, 5% employee contribution effective from commencement of employment Life assurance Tax saving travel pass scheme Bike to work scheme Employee Assistance Programme 23 days per annum 55-60k dependent on experience The information contained in this job description is a true and accurate reflection of the job as at the date specified... Job Holder... Line Manager