Internal Auditor

STRATEGIC OBJECTIVES:

1.   Provide farmers with a comprehensive and efficient extension service that fully utilises ICT technology to support, modernise and increase agricultural production, productivity and farmer income; 

2.   Promote the diversification of agriculture, and improved post harvest handling, agro-processing and livestock production to increase the value of agriculture to the national economy, thereby also improving the standard of living of farm families;

3.   Supply farmers, processors and marketers with real time market intelligence, to enhance incomes by reducing surpluses or shortages; 

4.   Maintain an up to date farmer registration database, giving full details of type of cropping patterns, type of livestock production, location and size of holdings;

5.   Promoting land husbandry practices which preserve the natural resource base and discourage farming practices which lead to environmental degradation, particularly in critical watersheds;

6.   Ensure that plant and animal, health and safety standards are maintained by educating farmers, thereby ensuring national and international confidence in Jamaican agricultural products;

7.   Encourage farming communities through group activities to improve family health and nutrition, reinforce social cohesion and supplement household income through the development and marketing of new agro processed products;

8.   Implement national policy initiatives for food security, rural and national economic development; whilst fostering linkages with international donors, NGO’s and CBO’s and other relevant agencies; 

     9.     Implement appropriate disaster mitigation measures, ensuring a high level of preparedness within farming communities, effectively carrying out damage surveys and developing appropriate strategies to restore productivity once the event has taken place;

    10.   Attract more young people into agriculture by establishing and strengthening linkages with school garden programmes and the 4 H movement;

    11.    Develop a human resource capability aligned with the overall mission of the Authority which will ensure officers have a clear career development path and are regularly trained and updated in the latest technologies; 

    12.    Maintain a high level of corporate governance accountability and transparency by ensuring that all financial management, accounting, procurement, monitoring and evaluation systems satisfy the legal and managerial requirements of a Statutory body which is moving towards an effective, performance based, executive agency.

JOB PURPOSE: 

Under the direction of the Senior Internal Auditor, carries out a programme of internal checks on the financial, accounting and operational systems in the Authority to determine compliance with the provisions of relevant laws, regulations, policies and procedures. 

KEY OUTPUTS:

• Guidance/advice provided 

• Audit records maintained

• Risk assessment conducted

• Financial and operational audits conducted

• Audit Reports  prepared and discussed

• Audit responses facilitated and monitored

• Staff needs identified and addressed

KEY RESPONSIBILITY AREAS

Management/Administrative

• Provides guidance/advice to the managers and staff members on financial regulations and accounting principles and practices as well as operational laws, regulations, systems and policies. 

• Maintains appropriate audit records.

Technical/Professional

• Conducts risk assessment in order to determine areas to be audited.

• Plans, directs and coordinates the work of Assistant Auditor 

• Reviews and signs off working papers of Assistant Auditor. 

• Conducts entrance and post audit interviews with management of offices/projects audited.

• Conducts operational and financial audits and special investigations to determine compliance with the Financial Administration and Audit Act, regulations and policies.

• Prepares and submits regular and special reports to the Senior Internal Auditor outlining the findings of the audit indicating deficiencies, implications and recommendations for improvement. 

• Meets with relevant managers to discuss audit findings and provide guidance in the preparation of responses to audit queries.

• Follows ups on the areas of weakness to ensure that deficiencies are corrected, improved procedures implemented and internal controls are adhered to.

Human Resource Management

• Monitors and evaluates the performance of direct reports, prepares performance appraisals and recommends and/or initiates corrective action where necessary to improve performance and/or attaining established personal and/or organizational goals.

• Recommends leave and other personnel action in accordance with established human resource policies and procedures.

• Provides leadership and guidance to direct reports through effective planning, delegation, communication, training, mentoring and coaching

• Ensures the welfare and developmental needs of staff are identified and addressed.

• Establishes and maintains a system that fosters a culture of teamwork, employee empowerment and commitment to the goals of the unit and the organization.

OTHER RESPONSIBILITIES

• Performs any other related duties which may be assigned from time to time.

AUTHORITY

• Recommends personnel action

• Authorizes travelling schedules and claims

PERFORMANCE STANDARDS

• Guidance/advice leads to business improvements.

• Audit records are maintained in accordance with established standards. 

• Audits are conducted in accordance with established auditing standards.

• Audit reports are accurate, comprehensive and submitted within the agreed time frame.

• Adequate controls and tracking systems are implemented and follow-up is done according to established guidelines.

• Confidentiality and integrity are exercised at all times.

INTERNAL AND EXTERNAL CONTACTS

Internal

SPECIAL CONDITIONS ASSOCIATED WITH THE JOB

• Extensive travelling required
• Exposure to conditions such as, rugged terrain, animals, pests and adverse weather conditions during on-farm site visits.         

REQUIRED COMPETENCIES

Technical /Professional Competencies

• Sound knowledge of Financial Administration and Audit Act and Instructions, Public Bodies Management and Accountability Act, Handbook of Public Sector Procurement Procedures, Contractors Levy Act, Staff Orders for thePublic Service other regulations and procedures governing the Public Sector.

• A thorough knowledge of current auditing standards and procedures 

• Considerable knowledge of accounting principles and techniques. 

• Knowledge of the policies, systems and procedures as well as the functions and activities of RADA

• Good analytical and problem-solving skills

• Proficiency in the use of relevant software applications

Core Competencies

• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Good organizational skills
• Good analytical and problem-solving skills
• Leadership and interpersonal skills.
• Initiative.
• Good reporting skills.
• Excellent people management skill
• Proficient in the use of relevant computer applications

MINIMUM REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting or Management Studies with Accounting from a recognized University

OR

 Associate Degree in Accounting, along with completion of revised certificate in Government Accounting. (MIND)

OR

• ACCA level I, AAT Level 3, CAT Level 3, Diploma from recognized institution

PLUS

• Two (2) years related working experience