Manager - Internal Audit - CA

Roles and Responsibilities:

Audit Planning & Risk Assessment:

- Develop and execute risk-based audit plans covering Head Office departments, Regional Offices, and centralized operational functions.

- Conduct periodic risk assessments to identify key operational, financial, compliance, technology, and strategic risks.

- Ensure audit coverage aligns with organizational risk priorities and regulatory expectations.

- Assist in preparation of the annual audit plan and audit universe.

Head Office Functional Audits:

- Plan and conduct audits of key Head Office functions, including but not limited to: Credit & Underwriting, Operations, Finance & Accounts, Treasury, Risk Management, Compliance, Human Resources, Information Technology & Information Security, Administration & Procurement, Legal & Secretarial, Customer Service & Grievance Redressal, Business Strategy & Product Management, and MIS & Data Management.

Regional Office Audits:

- Conduct audits of Regional Offices to assess operational governance and supervisory effectiveness.

- Review monitoring mechanisms over branch operations and portfolio quality.

- Evaluate implementation of Head Office policies and procedures at regional levels.

- Assess controls over portfolio management, collections, delinquency monitoring, customer protection practices, and operational risk management.

- Review regional-level decision-making and approval processes.

Compliance & Regulatory Reviews:

- Assess compliance with RBI regulations, applicable laws, internal policies, and governance standards.

- Review implementation of regulatory guidelines across Head Office and Regional Offices.

- Identify compliance gaps and recommend corrective actions.

- Monitor adherence to audit and regulatory commitments.

Internal Control & Governance Assessment:

- Evaluate the effectiveness of internal control frameworks and governance structures.

- Review segregation of duties, authorization controls, maker-checker controls, and system access controls.

- Assess enterprise-wide risk management practices and control environment.

- Recommend enhancements to strengthen governance and risk mitigation.

Fraud Risk Management & Investigations:

- Identify potential fraud vulnerabilities and emerging risks.

- Conduct special audits and investigations into suspected frauds, misconduct, policy violations, or financial irregularities.

- Perform root-cause analysis and recommend preventive measures.

- Support management in implementing anti-fraud controls.

Data Analytics & Continuous Monitoring:

- Utilize audit analytics and MIS reviews to identify unusual trends, exceptions, and risk indicators.

- Perform thematic reviews and continuous auditing activities.

- Analyse operational and financial data to improve audit effectiveness.

- Support digitization and automation of audit processes.

Audit Reporting & Follow-up:

- Prepare high-quality audit reports highlighting observations, root causes, risk ratings, and actionable recommendations.

- Present audit findings to senior management and audit leadership.

- Track implementation of corrective action plans.

- Monitor closure of audit observations and validate effectiveness of remediation actions.

- Escalate critical risks and unresolved issues to appropriate management levels.

Stakeholder Management:

- Work closely with business heads, regional managers, and functional leaders while maintaining audit independence.

- Facilitate discussions on audit findings and process improvements.

- Coordinate with external auditors, regulators, and inspection teams when required.

Team Leadership & Development:

- Lead and supervise audit assignments and audit team members.

- Review working papers and ensure adherence to audit methodology.

- Mentor and develop audit staff.

- Promote a culture of continuous improvement and professional excellence.

Key responsibilities include:

- Evaluating adequacy and effectiveness of internal controls.

- Reviewing compliance with approved policies and delegated authorities.

- Assessing process efficiency and operational effectiveness.

- Identifying process gaps, control weaknesses, and areas of improvement.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs):

- Completion of audit plan within approved timelines.

- Coverage of key Head Office and Regional Office risks.

- Quality and timeliness of audit reports.

- Reduction in repeat audit observations.

- Timely closure of audit findings.

- Effectiveness of recommendations implemented.

- Identification of control weaknesses and fraud risks.

- Stakeholder feedback on audit quality.

Educational Qualifications:

- Mandatory: Chartered Accountant (CA) / Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) / Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA).

- Bachelors degree in Commerce, Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, Economics, or related discipline.

- MBA (Finance), CMA / CPA or equivalent professional qualification.

Experience:

- 5-6 years of experience in Internal Audit, Risk Management, Compliance, or Assurance functions or Minimum 3-4 years of experience in Microfinance, NBFC, Banking, or Financial Services.

- Experience in auditing Head Office functions and multi-location operations.

- Prior experience in leading audit assignments independently.

- 100% audit background is required (Internal Audit / Risk / Assurance).