Beyond the bustle of Kenya’s most cosmopolitan metropolis, experience a haven of elegance and calm nestled among lush gardens at the edge of Nairobi’s Central Park. Our Nairobi hotel merges business and leisure, art and gastronomy and five-star style and service.
The Head of Internal Audit is responsible for providing leadership, direction, and guidance to the internal audit teams across Serena Africa. This involves aligning the internal audit strategy with the overall company strategy, ensuring compliance with statutory and regulatory requirements, and overseeing the risk assessment and control environments across multiple business units.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership
- Align Internal Audit strategy to company strategy and provide direction to audit teams across Serena Africa.
- Set performance standards and expectations for internal audit staff and ensure consistent delivery.
- Develop and communicate the internal audit vision and mission statements.
- Implement, maintain, and update the internal audit manual, including mandates, policies, and audit programmes.
Operational Excellence & Compliance
- Ensure adherence to legal, regulatory, and financial standards, as well as data protection policies.
- Identify areas for audit coverage, evaluating significance and inherent risks.
- Prepare comprehensive long-range audit programmes for TPS companies.
- Conduct in-depth and unannounced spot checks on assets (stocks/cash), records, and operating policies.
- Review and report on financial and operating systems to safeguard company assets.
- Perform spot checks on suppliers and tender/contract arrangements.
- Supervise detailed annual stock taking and evaluate the accuracy of accounting records.
- Report findings directly to the Managing Director and the Audit Committee.
- Conduct investigations into suspected fraud, misconduct, or policy violations.
Stakeholder & Quality Management
- Coordinate the audit programme with external auditors.
- Follow up on the implementation of approved management letter recommendations.
- Stay abreast of emerging trends in internal auditing and propose streamlining measures.
- Monitor service quality and guest satisfaction levels through rigorous audits.
- Foster a culture of continuous improvement and leverage technology for audit efficiency.
People Management
- Ensure all staff have defined job descriptions and annual performance plans.
- Recruit and maintain qualified audit staff capable of fulfilling the department's functions.
- Assume responsibility for induction, training, and career development of audit staff.
- Maintain effective working relationships with Head Office Executives and unit management.
- Monitor adherence to workplace health and safety standards.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance (Postgraduate degree is desirable).
- Full professional certification: CPA (K), CIA, or equivalent.
- Minimum of 10 years’ relevant post-qualification experience in a senior position in accounts or audit.
- Experience in a service company is required; hotel industry experience is a significant asset.
- Experience working within an audit firm is desirable.
How to Apply
To apply, submit your application to: jobvacancy.kenya@serenahotels.com
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