Highlands Ltd is a dynamic and fast-growing beverage company rooted in Kenya’s vibrant marketplace. We are deeply committed to refreshing and energizing our consumers while empowering our team of passionate professionals. Our unwavering mission is to become Kenya’s number one beverage company by offering high-quality, affordable products and fostering a strong, values-driven workforce.
We are currently seeking to hire a results-driven and ethical professional for the position of Internal Controls Lead to be based in Nyeri, at our Ihururu Road offices. This is a full-time, on-site role that plays a critical part in the integrity and operational excellence of our business.
Position: Internal Controls Lead
Location: Ihururu Rd, Nyeri
Job Type: Full Time
Mode: On-Site
Deadline: 20th April 2025
Posted: 1 day ago
Job Purpose
As the Internal Controls Lead, you will be tasked with implementing a robust internal controls framework that permeates every function of the organization. You will be responsible for identifying control weaknesses, guiding the development of standard operating procedures (SOPs), investigating breaches, assessing operational and compliance risks, and ensuring strict adherence to regulations and internal policies. This position is pivotal in fostering a high-performance culture grounded in ethics and accountability.
Key Responsibilities
1. Internal Control Enforcement
- Act as the organization’s primary officer for internal controls enforcement.
- Detect, investigate, and resolve incidents of non-compliance or control breaches.
- Drive ownership and prompt action within departments for control issues.
2. SOP Development & Strengthening
- Identify gaps in existing SOPs or absence of controls across all departments.
- Facilitate the creation and fortification of department-level SOPs.
- Integrate approved SOPs into a company-wide internal control framework.
3. Investigations & Root Cause Analysis
- Lead fact-finding investigations on control violations and anomalies.
- Conduct detailed root cause analysis to uncover systemic weaknesses.
- Propose and follow up on corrective action plans to avoid recurrence.
4. Accountability & Escalation Management
- Ensure timely accountability by process owners for all reported issues.
- Escalate unresolved or repetitive breaches to senior leadership with recommendations.
- Document closure and lessons learned from every control issue.
5. Monitoring, Spot Checks & Follow-Up Audits
- Conduct surprise audits and risk-based reviews in key operational areas.
- Follow up on audit recommendations to validate implementation.
- Maintain an auditable record of findings and actions undertaken.
6. Compliance Communication & Training
- Communicate compliance requirements frequently and clearly.
- Organize departmental training and awareness workshops on internal controls.
- Reinforce escalation protocols and whistleblowing channels for staff.
7. Collaboration with External Auditors
- Assist external auditors by providing access to required information.
- Collaborate in audit investigations and participate in findings resolution.
- Track implementation of auditor recommendations organization-wide.
8. Risk Management
- Identify and assess operational and compliance risks regularly.
- Collaborate with departments to design preventive risk controls.
- Maintain a central risk register and oversee mitigation efforts.
9. People Management & Culture Building
- Provide vision and mentorship to the internal controls team.
- Champion a culture of ethics, accountability, and performance.
- Implement staff development programs, performance reviews, and succession plans.
10. Reporting
- Submit monthly reports capturing control breaches, investigations, and resolutions.
- Highlight emerging patterns and provide strategic mitigation recommendations.
- Track implementation of action plans and improvements across departments.
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
- Resolution rate of control breaches within target timelines.
- Number and quality of SOPs developed or updated.
- Implementation rate of post-investigation corrective actions.
- Frequency and thoroughness of audits, spot checks, and follow-ups.
- Closure rate for external audit findings.
- Punctuality and clarity in monthly internal controls reports.
- Reduction of repeat breaches and open risk cases.
- Volume and impact of internal controls training sessions conducted.
- Completion rate of risk register mitigation plans.
- Staff engagement and performance results within the controls team.
- Progress in individual development and succession plans for direct reports.
Education & Experience Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Audit, or a related discipline.
- CPA (K) or ACCA certification is a must.
- At least five years of experience in internal controls, audit, compliance, or risk management.
- Hands-on experience with investigations and external audit engagement.
- Demonstrated ability in team leadership and development.
Technical Competencies
- Internal Audit and Risk Management
- SOP Development & Implementation
- Investigations and Root Cause Analysis
- Regulatory and Policy Compliance
- Report Writing and Data Interpretation
Behavioral Competencies
- Continuous Improvement (IMPROVE): Embraces innovation and finds better ways of working.
- Teamwork: Works collaboratively across departments for unified results.
- Agility: Demonstrates flexibility and problem-solving efficiency in changing environments.
- Leadership: Guides and inspires the team towards high performance.
- Integrity: Upholds ethical standards and accountability at all levels.
How to Apply
Qualified and interested candidates are encouraged to apply for this exciting leadership opportunity at Highlands Ltd. To submit your application, please use the company’s official application portal.
