Position: Adviser to the Internal Audit Unit Objectives: A person to support the newly established Internal audit unit to transform it from its infancy stage to a unit that is a trusted adviser, and more strategic in direction by finding ways to expand its role and align contributions with organizational objectives. Reporting to: Chief Internal Auditor Counterparts: Accountant General Duration: One year with the option of an additional year based on performance. Location: Internal Audit Unit, Ministry of Finance and Economic Management, Little Bay I. Background The Internal Audit Unit within The Ministry of Finance of the Government of Montserrat is recruiting an Audit Practitioner to fill the role of internal audit adviser for the Ministry of Finance & Economic Management s Financial Management Capacity Building Programme. The capacity building programme aims to strengthen the Internal Audit Unit so as to create an effective public sector Audit Activity configured appropriately to enable public sector organisations to fulfill their duty to be accountable and transparent to the public, while achieving their objectives effectively, efficiently, economically, and ethically. The Ministry of Finance has to date implemented a number of reforms for the overall improvement of financial governance on island. Key achievements include implementation of a major reorganization of the Ministry of Finance; strengthening public expenditure management through simplification and strengthening of treasury systems and processes, and increased delegation of authority to line ministries; documentation and financial management legislation; improved revenue management, including increased transparency in tax administration; and a gradual improvement in macroeconomic planning. There are important challenges ahead as the Ministry of Finance implements a strong reform program with a limited staff. The Public Finance (Management and Accountability) Act devolves the responsibility for financial governance throughout government to the Ministry of Finance and in particular the Financial Secretary and the Minister. A key goal is the establishment of a strong internal audit unit within the Ministry of Finance. 1
II. Required Competencies Audit Knowledge and Skills Experience in applying a consistent audit methodology Experience in auditing, business risk management, internal controls and governance An understanding of current standards relating to internal controls over financial reporting and compliance objectives Managing or conducting multiple complex audits simultaneously Experience in applying innovative approaches in conducting audits Communication and Presentation Skills Clear and concise reporting writing skills Effectively communicate issues to clients Demonstrated experience in preparing audit reports, recommendations, briefing materials, issues analysis and responses, and other materials using word processing and presentation software Project Management, Interpersonal and leadership Skills: Adapt to changing priorities and circumstances and meet deadlines Manage concurrent projects within budget Motivate and coach staff Build and maintain effective working relationships with clients and stakeholders Network with senior management and colleagues Analytical, Problem Solving and Computer Skills: Analyze processes and identify opportunities for improvement in the work environment Experience in data extraction and analysis of information using spreadsheet and data extraction software Demonstrated experience using Audit Management software (Mkinsight) and Microsoft Office programs III. Duties and responsibilities A. Key responsibilities The Adviser to Internal Audit shall, among other things strengthen and or establish the following: 1. Training To develop a training program for capacity building and development of internal audit staff through on-the-job training, coaching and mentoring 2. Strategic, Program and Operational Planning Develop a review process or procedures for the internal audit unit to ensure the strategic plan produces the desired performance goals Review the internal audit framework and provide recommendations 2
Review the size and structure of the internal audit unit and prepare a development plan for the staff 3. Audit Planning and Coordination Advises on the carrying out of audit planning tasks and the coordination of audit projects in conformance with professional and QIA audit standards Providing guidance on identifying and defining issues, developing criteria, reviewing and analyzing evidence of audit assignments. Leads and/or contributes to the communication and negotiation of audit findings through the review of draft reports with clients and audit management. Develops audit methodology, scope of assurance projects, resource requirements, terms of reference and work plans to provide assurance on ministry risk and measure the achievement of ministry business objectives Review the internal audit manual, procedures and working paper formats and align with our audit Management software system - Mkinsight 4. Project management / leadership Provides expertise, advice and consulting services to assist clients in the development, use and evaluation of risk management and control strategies for current and proposed operations, processes, policies and programs Contributes to ongoing continuous improvement in the development of a quality assurance program for the unit and continuous improvement activities Advises on the management of relationships and networks with clients, ministry management, including identifying, defining and fostering alliances across all areas 5. Risk management Utilizes risk assessment and risk management techniques and methodologies to assist clients in operational and strategic planning, the selection of policy options, the implementation of new programs and services, and the ongoing monitoring, evaluation and reporting of risk to senior management Consults with audit management and clients to develop the frameworks to be used in describing the ministry s risk management strategies; conducts assessment of control strategies, structures and systems of ministry To champion the implementation of a formal risk management system B. Knowledge /Skill: Knowledge of and skills in: 3
Generally accepted auditing standards, accounting principles, audit practices and methodologies to plan, co-ordinate and lead audit projects such as: compliance, financial management, value for money forensic and special investigations Establishing / documenting the ministry s operative control strategies and structures in identified risk areas and to participate in strategic and operational planning for the audit function Generally accepted risk management frameworks and principles, practices, standards, methodologies, and contemporary advancements in the field to manage the ministry s risk management services and to provide advice and expertise to senior management in such principles and practices as: governance and risk management and accountability, performance management and quality management systems and mitigation strategies. Project management methodology to manage the planning and conduct of several concurrent projects within budget and target date Business programs, policies and legislative authorities unique to client group to ensure the legislative and statutory requirements that effect client business, programs and services are addressed in all audits Consulting and training techniques to provide consulting and educational services to clients and to provide expertise and advice on various control and risk assessment strategies and processes Knowledge of computer applications, controls and computer assisted audit techniques to extract and analyze information contained in computer programs; word processing, spreadsheet, graphics, e-mail and database applications Oral and written communication skills to prepare audit reports C. Key Deliverables 1. An inception report within four weeks of commencing the assignment, for approval of the Chief Internal Auditor. 2. Duly endorsed Quarterly Progress Reports to the Chief Internal Auditor 3. Strategy and implementation plan for the development of the Ministry s Internal Audit Unit, in collaboration with senior management within the Ministry of Finance. 4. A training program for the internal audit staff 5. A revised audit manual aligned to the Mkinsight audit management software 4
6. A formal risk management system across Government of Montserrat 7. End of Assignment Report to the Chief Internal Auditor no later than ten (10) working days before the end of the current contract. IV. Performance Evaluation Performance shall be assessed by the Chief Internal Auditor in accordance with the functions and agreed deliverables in the TOR and the performance review framework approved by the Office of the Deputy Governor. V. APPLICATION PROCEDURE Please visit our website at www.mof.gov.ms and go to Employment Opportunities to learn about our recruitment process and your application requirements including how to address the Selection Criteria in your application. Applications must be sent to our Human Resource Office at email address Hrmu@gov.ms no later than April 2015. Applications should include a covering letter and a detailed resume of no more than 7 pages. All Applicants must also complete the Competency Framework Matrix below outlining how they have met the requirements. Competency Framework Matrix for the Internal Audit Adviser Competencies Please describe how you meet these Competencies A professional Auditing or Accounting qualification such as a Certified Internal Auditor (CIA), Chartered Accountant (CA), and or Certified Public Accountant (CPA). At least 5 years experience in audit planning, programming and management with public or private sector. Familiarity with good governance requirements including integrity, service culture, and accountability and transparency mechanisms. Experience in developing, promoting and implementing educational and training programmes and activities in auditing, investigations and accounting in the Public Sector. Good analytical and problem solving skills. 5
Proficiency in the Microsoft s Office package Excel, Word, PowerPoint and Access. Good communication skills: fluency in written and oral English. Motivation and commitment to follow tasks through to completion. 6