Manager - Construction Audit (Outsource)

The Manager – Construction Audit is responsible for leading audits of construction and capital projects to ensure cost integrity, contract compliance, risk mitigation, and adherence to project governance frameworks. The role ensures transparency in construction expenditures, evaluates contractor/vendor performance, and supports the organization in achieving value for money in capital spending.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Audit Planning & Strategy

• Develop and execute the annual audit plan for capital projects and construction activities.
• Conduct risk assessments specific to construction operations including procurement, contracts, and payments.
• Coordinate with Project Management, Engineering, Procurement, and Finance departments to gather insights and plan audits.

2. Audit Execution & Oversight

• Lead audits of construction projects from pre-construction to post-completion phases.
• Evaluate budgets, change orders, cost estimates, and actual expenditures for accuracy and reasonableness.
• Audit construction contracts, contractor billings, labor charges, material usage, and milestone payments.
• Assess adherence to project timelines, scope, quality, safety, and regulatory compliance.

3. Contract & Cost Audit

• Review contracts (lump-sum, unit rate, EPC, turnkey, BOQ-based) for compliance with terms and risk exposure.
• Identify overbilling, duplicate payments, unsupported change orders, or non-compliance with contract clauses.
• Verify performance guarantees, insurance, retention clauses, and liquidated damages provisions.

4. Reporting & Recommendations

• Draft detailed audit reports including findings, risks, root causes, and actionable recommendations.
• Present key issues to senior management and project stakeholders.
• Monitor and report on the implementation of audit recommendations and risk mitigation plans.

5. Team Leadership & Collaboration

• Lead a team of internal auditors and project auditors.
• Coordinate with external consultants or audit firms for specialized audits (technical, forensic, etc.).
• Train staff on construction audit procedures and tools.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Engineering, Construction Management, or related field.
• Preferred: MBA, M.Com, or Engineering background with finance/audit expertise.
• Professional certifications such as CIA, CCA (Certified Construction Auditor), CPA, CA, or CFE are highly desirable.
• 6–8years of audit experience, with at least 3–5 years in construction or capital project audits .