Head of Internal Audit at Affinity Africa

We are creating an Africa where dreams are achievable, unimpeded by access to finance. Our mission begins with building Ghana's first fully digital banking institution, and expanding across Africa, to offer affordable deposits, loans, and instant account opening, all through a seamless tech-driven experience. By providing free bank accounts with no monthly fees and interest on all products, as well as affordable loans, Affinity drives innovation and economic growth through meaningful financial inclusion. Our goal is to bank two million Ghanaians by 2026.

Job summary

The Head of Internal Audit at Affinity executes audit assignments in accordance with relevant policies, procedures, and quality standards as required by a specialised deposit taking institution. The Internal Audit must provide reliable and valued assurances to the Board and Executive Management over the effectiveness of controls, mitigating current and evolving risks as well as enhancing the controls within the organisation. The Internal Auditor provides independent assurance to the CEO, Board Audit Committee and stakeholders (internal as well as external auditors and regulators).

Responsibilities

Key responsibilities

Strategic Leadership of Internal Audit Function

1. Develop and execute a risk-based internal audit plan aligned with organizational objectives and regulatory requirements.
2. Provide independent assurance to the Board and Audit Committee on the effectiveness of governance, risk management, and internal controls.
3. Advise executive leadership on emerging risks, internal control weaknesses, and compliance matters.

IT and Cybersecurity Auditing

1. Oversee audits of information systems, cybersecurity frameworks, and data protection policies.
2. Evaluate the effectiveness of IT general controls, system access controls, and data integrity across platforms (e.g., cloud, mobile apps, APIs).
3. Monitor vulnerabilities and ensure compliance with cybersecurity regulations

Financial, Operational, and Regulatory Audits

1. Conduct audits of financial transactions, internal operations, and business processes to ensure accuracy and compliance.
2. Assess compliance with financial, banking and business regulations
3. Evaluate operational efficiency and recommend improvements for control gaps or inefficiencies.

Data Analytics and Automation

1. Leverage data analytics tools to perform continuous auditing and fraud detection.
2. Promote automation of audit procedures and real-time monitoring of controls.
3. Use predictive and trend analytics to proactively identify emerging risks.

Stakeholder Engagement & Reporting

1. Regularly report audit findings, risk assessments, and internal control issues to the Audit Committee and Board.
2. Collaborate with external auditors, regulators, and other assurance providers.
3. Maintain open communication with senior management to ensure audit alignment with business priorities.

Regulatory Compliance and Risk Advisory

1. Ensure the institution complies with local and international regulatory requirements, such as those from the Bank of Ghana, Data Protection Commission, Cybersecurity Authority, National Communications Authority, Ghana Revenue Authority, etc.
2. Provide advisory support for new digital products, system implementations, or business model changes.
3. Monitor risk exposures, emerging technologies, and evolving regulatory landscapes.

Team Leadership and Capability Building

1. Build and lead a high-performing internal audit team with capabilities in technology, risk, finance, and operations.
2. Conduct training on risk management, ethics, and fraud awareness.
3. Foster a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, and integrity.

Requirements

Key skills and requirements

1. Team player with good communication and management skills.
2. A critical thinker who is solution-oriented and adaptable in changing environments.
3. Specialist knowledge in a high-risk area, e.g., Credit, IT, Finance, Treasury, or Operations.
4. Ability to think quickly and work in a dynamic and stressful start-up environment.
5. Prioritise to deliver on time and adapt quickly to change, supporting business initiatives.
6. Experience in negotiation and influencing teams, with in a proactive approach.
7. Digitally competent, utilising technology to reduce cost and improve services.
8. Priority ERP experience a plus, otherwise another accounting software.
9. Excellent knowledge of MS Office with significant report writing and presentation skills.
10. Numerically literate and analytical, able to view the business at a holistic level.

Education and professional training

1. A degree in Business, Accounting, IT, Management, or equivalent.
2.  Formal qualification in ACIB, CA, ACCA, or CIA is a plus.
3. A minimum of 5 years' experience in auditing or working at a senior management level.
4.  A minimum of 3 years' experience in financial services.