Location: Lagos, Nigeria
Employment Type: Full-time
Work Mode: On-site
Salary: ₦6,000,000 – ₦7,200,000 per annum
Category: Audit, Risk Management and Compliance
Urehgab is recruiting an experienced Internal Audit Manager on behalf of its client in the quick-service restaurant (QSR) and hospitality sector. The successful candidate will oversee internal audit activities across restaurant outlets, including ice cream and Chinese restaurant brands, the central kitchen, supply chain and administrative departments.
The role involves strengthening internal controls, identifying operational and financial risks, ensuring regulatory compliance, investigating suspected fraud and improving accountability across the organisation.
Key Duties and Responsibilities
Audit Planning and Execution
- Develop and implement an annual audit plan based on risk assessments, covering head office and outlet operations.
- Conduct financial, operational and compliance audits across restaurant outlets and administrative departments.
- Evaluate internal controls and recommend improvements to policies and procedures.
- Carry out unannounced spot checks on cash handling, inventory, procurement, payroll and point-of-sale (POS) transactions.
Risk Management and Internal Controls
- Assess the design and effectiveness of internal controls, particularly those relating to revenue leakage, food costs, stock movements, vendor payments and cash handling.
- Identify risks associated with inventory management, food safety and operational efficiency.
- Strengthen internal control frameworks across the organisation.
- Review operational processes and financial transactions periodically.
- Identify financial and operational risks and recommend practical mitigation measures.
- Monitor control weaknesses and follow up on corrective actions.
Operational Audits
- Audit restaurant compliance with standard operating procedures (SOPs), hygiene requirements, staff scheduling, customer service standards and kitchen processes.
- Conduct yield analysis and review sales records for completeness and accuracy.
- Visit outlets regularly to verify compliance with company policies on stock, cash and other controlled activities.
- Evaluate the movement and handling of raw materials, work-in-progress and finished goods, recommending improvements where necessary.
- Verify compliance with QSR brand standards and applicable food safety regulations.
- Review controls over promotions, discounts, refunds and customer loyalty programmes at outlet level.
Audit Reporting and Communication
- Prepare detailed audit reports outlining findings, risk assessments and actionable recommendations.
- Present audit findings to executive management and monitor the implementation of corrective actions.
- Review audit officers’ working papers to ensure adequate documentation and sufficient supporting evidence.
- Train and support staff on internal control procedures and best practices.
- Maintain a database of audit findings, outstanding issues and follow-up actions.
Fraud Detection and Investigation
- Investigate suspected or reported fraud, theft and misconduct, working with Human Resources where appropriate.
- Establish early-warning indicators for fraud, irregularities and policy breaches across outlets and support departments.
Compliance Monitoring
- Monitor compliance with applicable tax laws, health and safety regulations, employment laws and financial reporting requirements.
- Review the fixed asset register periodically and ensure all asset movements are properly documented.
- Design and implement internal control policies that improve operational efficiency and accountability.
- Conduct financial, operational and compliance audits to assess control effectiveness and identify areas of risk.
- Monitor compliance with company policies, procedures and relevant regulatory requirements.
- Keep up to date with developments and best practices in internal auditing, risk management and compliance.
- Review departmental and staff compliance with internal policies and ensure relevant regulatory obligations are met.
Advisory and Process Improvement
- Advise on internal controls during system upgrades and the implementation of new processes, including POS systems and inventory management software.
- Work with Finance, Human Resources and Operations teams to improve efficiency and accountability.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop and implement effective control policies and procedures.
- Present audit findings and recommendations to management to support informed decision-making.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance or a related discipline.
- Professional accounting qualification such as ICAN, ACCA or ACA is required.
- Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) certification is an advantage.
- 5–7 years of internal audit experience, preferably in retail, hospitality or the QSR industry.
- External audit or hospitality industry experience is mandatory.
- At least three years of experience in a managerial role.
- Strong knowledge of accounting and auditing standards, internal controls and risk management frameworks.
- Experience using POS systems, inventory management software and financial enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems.
- Familiarity with QSR operations is a strong advantage.
Skills and Competencies
- High integrity and strong ethical standards.
- Excellent analytical, problem-solving and reporting skills.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Excellent attention to detail and documentation.
- Ability to work independently and manage audit teams effectively.
- Sound knowledge of auditing, internal controls and risk management.
- Willingness to travel regularly to restaurant outlets.
- Strong data analytics skills and proficiency with tools such as risk registers, IDEA and dashboards.
About Urehgab
Urehgab is a recruitment and workforce solutions company that helps innovative businesses across Africa build high-performing teams. It specialises in sales, marketing and operations recruitment across sectors such as technology, manufacturing, hospitality, education and financial services. Through executive search and strategic hiring campaigns, Urehgab helps organisations attract talent and support business growth.
How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should apply online through the link below:
Apply for the Internal Audit Manager position
Application Closing Date: Not Specified