INTERNAL CONTROL OFFICER

Industry: Microfinance Bank | Financial Services

Location: Lagos, Nigeria

Work Structure: Full Time | Onsite

Employment Type: Permanent

Organization Profile
Our client is a licensed microfinance institution committed to delivering accessible and reliable financial solutions to individuals, small businesses, and growing enterprises. Established with a strong reputation for integrity, accountability, and customer-focused banking, the institution operates under the regulatory framework of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and is insured by the Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC).

With a mission centered on financial inclusion and operational excellence, the organization continues to provide innovative banking services while maintaining high standards of governance, compliance, and risk management.

Position Overview
The Internal Control Officer will play a critical role in strengthening operational integrity, regulatory compliance, and risk management across the bank's operations. The role is responsible for monitoring internal processes, identifying control gaps, ensuring adherence to policies and procedures, and supporting the prevention of financial and operational losses.

The ideal candidate must possess strong analytical skills, high ethical standards, and practical knowledge of internal control practices within the banking or financial services sector.

Core Accountabilities

Control Monitoring & Compliance

• Monitor daily banking operations to ensure compliance with approved internal policies and regulatory standards.
• Conduct routine checks on branch activities, transactions, and operational processes.
• Ensure adherence to CBN regulations, NDIC guidelines, and internal operational procedures.
• Identify control weaknesses and recommend corrective actions.

Risk Identification & Mitigation

• Support the identification and assessment of operational, financial, and compliance risks.
• Escalate control breaches, suspicious activities, and policy violations appropriately.
• Assist in implementing preventive and corrective risk management measures.
• Monitor exceptions and ensure timely resolution of identified issues.

Audit & Operational Reviews

• Participate in internal reviews, spot checks, and control assessments across departments.
• Verify the accuracy and completeness of operational and financial records.
• Support audit exercises and provide required documentation when necessary.
• Prepare control reports and findings for management review.

Process Improvement

• Recommend process enhancements to strengthen operational efficiency and reduce risk exposure.
• Support implementation of internal control initiatives and compliance programs.
• Promote a culture of accountability and operational discipline across the organization.

Documentation & Reporting

• Maintain accurate records of control activities, investigations, and findings.
• Prepare periodic internal control and compliance reports.
• Monitor resolution of audit findings and outstanding control issues.

Success Indicators
Performance in this role will be evaluated based on:

• Compliance adherence levels
• Reduction in operational losses and control breaches
• Timeliness and accuracy of control reports
• Effectiveness of risk monitoring activities
• Resolution rate of identified control issues
• Operational process improvement contributions

Candidate Profile

• Educational Qualification: Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Banking & Finance, Economics, Business Administration, or related discipline.
• Professional Qualification: ACA, ACCA, ICAN, CICRM, or related certification is an added advantage.
• Experience: Minimum of 3–5 years relevant experience in internal control, audit, compliance, or banking operations. Previous experience within a microfinance bank or financial institution is highly preferred.

Technical Expectations
Candidates should demonstrate practical knowledge in:

• Internal control procedures
• Banking operations and compliance
• Risk assessment techniques
• Financial and operational reporting
• Fraud detection and prevention
• Microsoft Excel and reporting tools
  
  Knowledge of banking applications and core banking systems will be an added advantage.