Internal Audit Manager

Internal Audit Manager LocationSouth AfricaEmployment TypeFull timeDepartmentCorporateLARCAuditWe are looking for an Internal Audit Manager to join our Legal group, as we scale up and drive digital and financial inclusion across our markets.Job PurposeYou will support the Head of Audit & Risk to lead the delivery of M-KOPA’s Internal Audit function at a strategic level across all five operating markets (Kenya, Uganda, Nigeria, Ghana, and South Africa). You will own the risk-based audit strategy, drive multi-market planning and governance, provide direction on complex or cross-market audits, and translate emerging risk intelligence into executive insight.This role is designed for strategic leadership and advisory influence. Key Job FunctionsAudit Strategy, Planning & GovernanceContribute to the development of the annual risk-based audit plan, translating strategic objectives and risk exposure into a prioritised, clearly scoped portfolio of audits.Monitor delivery against the approved plan (progress, coverage, timeline, and resourcing), and recommend adjustments based on emerging risks or changes in the operating environment.Own the Internal Audit meeting agenda, curating discussion items and ensuring coordination across the team.Own the Audit Tracker management.Audit Oversight, Quality & ReportingDetermine and agree on the audit scope for complex, high-risk, or cross-market engagements, and provide strategic direction to the audit teams delivering them.Execute assigned higher risk audits from the approved annual audit plan end-to-end (planning, fieldwork/testing, documentation, reporting, and follow-up), in line with IIA standards and internal methodology.Assist the HOD in reviewing audit working papers and reports to ensure they are complete, accurate, and supported by sufficient evidence in line with IIA standards and internal methodology. Ensure deliverables clearly articulate root causes, risk impact, and practical recommendations.Present outcomes to stakeholders, synthesising findings, risk trends, and action-closure rates into concise executive insight.Partner with the Risk function to review close-out evidence, ensuring remediation actions are properly evidenced, sustainable, and well-documented. Proactively track action plans and drive timely closure through structured follow-ups, escalation of overdue items, and clear reporting on progress, blockers, and residual risk.Link emerging risks and investigations outcomes to the audit planning.Stakeholder Management & AdvisoryBuild and maintain trusted advisory relationships with Country Heads, functional leads, and governance forums (ExCo/C-Team and Board Audit Committee).Provide strategic input on governance, risk, control, and compliance matters, including control design and remediation planning.Coordinate timely communication/escalation of significant risk exposures, control issues, fraud risks, and governance failures to the Head of Audit & Risk and senior management.Deliver consulting/advisory engagements as requested (e.g., reviews of key initiatives, third-party risks, and emerging risk themes).Audit Innovation & Function DevelopmentChampion adoption of M-KOPA’s technology and AI capabilities to enhance audit planning and execution (e.g., risk sensing, scoping, testing, and reporting) while maintaining independence, governance, and confidentiality.Embed data analytics and continuous monitoring approaches into audit delivery to strengthen coverage, increase efficiency, and enable earlier identification of emerging risks across markets.Drive standardisation and quality uplift through modern audit tooling (e.g., audit management platforms, workflow automation, and digital working papers), including clear controls over evidence, versioning, and review.Build capability within the Internal Audit team through coaching and knowledge transfer on analytics- and AI-enabled audit techniques, and contribute to the development of related methodology/standards.Support the Head of...