Head of Internal Audit

Job Purpose:

The Head of Internal Audit – Operations will lead and manage the audit of end-to-end supermarket operations, ensuring strong governance, operational efficiency, cost optimization, and compliance with company policies and regulatory requirements. The role requires a strategic leader who deeply understands retail operations (store, warehouse, supply chain, merchandising, and customer experience) and leverages technology and data analytics to drive insight-based audits.

Job Accountabilities:

1. Develop and execute a comprehensive, risk-based internal audit plan aligned with the company’s strategic goals and priorities.
2. Ensure the internal audit function operates in accordance with professional standards & best practices.
3. Provide assurance to the Audit Committee and senior management on the adequacy of internal controls, risk management, and governance practices.
4. Conduct enterprise-wide risk assessments to identify and prioritize areas of risk exposure, including , operational, and support functions risks.
5. Evaluate the organization’s risk management framework and provide recommendations for strengthening risk controls.
6. Oversee the planning, execution, and reporting of internal audits, ensuring timely delivery of high-quality, value-driven audit reports.
7. Present audit findings, key risks, and recommendations to the Audit Committee, Board of Directors, and senior management.
8. Monitor the implementation of audit recommendations and corrective actions to ensure continuous improvement.
9. Monitor adherence to corporate governance frameworks, company policies, and international standards.
10. Provide guidance on addressing regulatory risks and liaise with external auditors and regulatory authorities as needed.
11. Lead audits of retail-specific operations, such as store processes, inventory management, supply chain, and sales transactions.
12. Assess the efficiency and effectiveness of operational processes, identifying opportunities for improvement and cost savings.
13. Oversee loss prevention audits to address risks related to shrinkage, fraud, and theft.
14. Oversee the investigation of fraud, irregularities, and non-compliance incidents, providing recommendations to prevent recurrence.
15. Develop and implement fraud prevention programs to mitigate risks across the organization.
16. Act as a trusted advisor to senior management, providing insights and recommendations on governance, risk, and control matters.
17. Utilize advanced audit tools, data analytics, and automation to identify control gaps, fraud indicators, and operational inefficiencies.
18. Implement continuous auditing and monitoring practices using technology solutions (e.g., Power BI, ACL, IDEA, or similar).
19. Collaborate with IT audit team for integrated audit coverage of tech-enabled store operations and POS systems.
20. Lead, motivate, and manage a team of internal auditors with diverse retail experience.
21. Set clear goals, KPIs, and performance metrics for the operations audit function.
22. Ensure continuous professional development and knowledge enhancement within the team.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Master’s degree (MBA) is preferred.

Professional Certifications:

Professional certifications such as Certified Internal Auditor (CIA), Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Chartered Accountant (CA) are preferred.

Experience:

Minimum 10 years of progressive experience in retail/supermarket operations with at least 5 years in audit or control leadership roles. Strong understanding of retail business processes — store operations, inventory, promotions, procurement, supply chain, and loss prevention.