Head of Internal Audit

NCBA Tanzania is seeking an experienced and highly qualified professional to fill the position of Head of Internal Audit in Dar es Salaam. The role is responsible for providing independent, objective, and timely assurance to the Board and Executive Management on the effectiveness of governance, risk management, and internal controls across the bank.

The successful candidate will lead the Internal Audit function, develop risk-based audit strategies, oversee financial, operational, compliance, management, and IT audits, and ensure that audit findings are properly communicated and addressed. The position also requires strong banking-sector knowledge, regulatory awareness, leadership capability, and the ability to engage effectively with the Board Audit Committee, senior management, regulators, and external auditors.

About the Role

The Head of Internal Audit will provide independent assurance and advisory support on current and emerging risks affecting NCBA Tanzania. The position will assess whether governance structures, risk-management frameworks, financial controls, operational processes, and compliance systems are operating effectively.

In addition, the role will lead the development of the Internal Audit strategy, methodology, annual audit plans, and audit programmes while building a high-performing audit team. The position requires a senior audit professional with extensive experience in risk-based auditing, preferably within the financial services industry.

Responsibilities

• Develop and monitor the Internal Audit department budget.

• Ensure the Internal Audit function has adequate resources to achieve its objectives.

• Review periodic financial performance reports, regulatory returns, and other financial information.

• Advise Management and the Board on areas requiring financial and operational improvement.

• Review the adequacy of the Bank's financial strategy and target operating model.

• Assess revenue-maximization and cost-optimization initiatives.

• Maintain strong relationships with NCBA leadership and provide guidance on improving financial and operational performance.

• Develop and implement an Internal Audit vision and strategy aligned with NCBA's strategic priorities.

• Prepare and maintain the Internal Audit Manual and Charter.

• Develop audit programmes, methodologies, and procedures.

• Plan and oversee financial, operational, management, compliance, and IT audits.

• Design audit tests and procedures to assess controls, operations, and business risks.

• Develop periodic risk-based audit plans.

• Ensure audit plans remain relevant and responsive to changing business and risk environments.

• Lead the execution of risk-based audits while ensuring quality, professional standards, and ethical compliance.

• Document audit findings and communicate results to relevant stakeholders.

• Prepare reports for the Board Audit Committee highlighting residual risks, root causes, and recommended mitigation measures.

• Conduct continuous monitoring, investigations, and key risk assessments.

• Follow up on agreed remediation actions.

• Conduct validation testing to confirm that corrective actions have resulted in sustainable controls.

• Review the accuracy of management accounts, financial reports, and regulatory statements.

• Prepare and present audit reports to Executive Management, the Board, Group management, and regulators.

• Provide practical recommendations on financial and operational improvement, governance, risk, and internal controls.

• Maintain effective relationships with Executive Management, the Board, external auditors, and regulators.

• Support external examinations and regulatory reviews.

• Engage regularly with the Board Audit Committee to address risk, control, and governance matters.

• Participate as an EXCOM invitee and advise the business on risks and controls relating to new products and projects.

• Review quarterly financial statements intended for regulatory publication.

• Build and maintain a high-impact and high-performing Internal Audit team.

• Motivate and develop audit staff through coaching, mentoring, training, and succession planning.

• Review projects involving business processes, systems, controls, and operations.

• Oversee the whistleblowing process.

• Perform special assignments and projects requested by Management, the Board, or regulators.

• Understand internal clients' needs and conduct customer-focused audits aimed at improving process efficiency.

• Maintain strong stakeholder relationships and build trust across the organization.

• Ensure audit reports are delivered on time and audit findings are followed up effectively.

• Obtain stakeholder feedback and use it to improve the Internal Audit function.

• Maintain strong relationships with the Board Audit and Risk Committee and ensure concerns are addressed.

• Implement coaching, mentoring, rotation, succession, retention, training, and development frameworks for audit employees.

• Promote continuous professional development for the Internal Audit team.

• Act as a change agent and support positive organizational change.

• Complete mandatory annual CPD requirements and required learning activities.

• Demonstrate NCBA's values, professional integrity, and stewardship.

Qualifications and Requirements

• University Degree in Accounting, Banking, Finance, Economics, or another relevant business-related discipline from a reputable institution.

• Registration with the National Board of Accountants and Auditors (NBAA) as a Certified Public Accountant.

• Professional certification such as CPA, ACCA, CIA, CISA, or an equivalent qualification.

• Minimum of 10 years of experience in risk-based auditing or risk/control assurance.

• Previous managerial experience is required.

• Experience in the financial services industry is strongly preferred.

• Strong knowledge of Internal Audit Standards and the Code of Ethics.

• Knowledge of relevant auditing and accounting standards and best practices.

• Strong understanding of the International Professional Practices Framework (IPPF).

• Extensive knowledge of banking risks and internal controls.

• Understanding of local and international regulatory requirements affecting the banking industry.

• Strong business acumen and understanding of banking strategies and emerging financial products and services.

• Proven leadership and people-management abilities.

• Strong communication, presentation, negotiation, and stakeholder-management skills.

• Ability to exercise critical thinking and professional scepticism.

• Strong analytical and data-interpretation skills.

• Knowledge of ICT and audit tools.

• Practical experience using computer-based audit techniques within financial services.

• Excellent attention to detail when assessing controls, processes, risks, and governance.

• Ability to work effectively with senior management and other leadership teams.

• Strong stakeholder-management capabilities involving the Board Audit and Risk Committee, Board, regulators, and external auditors.

• Ability to influence and negotiate with senior and middle management to drive improvements.

• High integrity, objectivity, professional judgment, and ethical conduct.

• Strong ability to motivate teams and work toward common organizational objectives.

How to Apply

Interested and qualified candidates should submit their applications through the NCBA Careers portal.

Apply for Head of Internal Audit – NCBA Tanzania

Applicants should ensure that their CV clearly demonstrates senior-level internal audit experience, risk-based auditing, banking-sector knowledge, leadership experience, professional certification, and engagement with senior governance and regulatory stakeholders.

Final Thought

The Head of Internal Audit position is a senior-level opportunity for an experienced audit and risk professional with a strong background in financial services. The role combines strategic leadership, risk-based assurance, regulatory compliance, governance, financial oversight, and people management, making it particularly suitable for professionals with extensive banking audit experience and qualifications such as CPA, ACCA, CIA, or CISA.

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