JOB SUMMARY: The Audit Officer is responsible for establishing, executing, and continuously improving internal audit processes across warehouses, store branches, and sales channels. The role focuses on safeguarding company assets, ensuring operational compliance, and identifying control gaps in an environment with evolving or minimal formalized procedures. 

 The Audit Officer will play a critical role in building audit frameworks from the ground up, strengthening internal controls, and supporting risk mitigation across all business units. 

 RESPONSIBILITIES:  

1. Internal Audit Process & Standard Operating Procedures Development 

• Design and implement internal audit frameworks, policies, and standard operating procedures in the absence of established standards 
• Develop audit programs for retail stores, warehouses, and head office operations 
• Identify control gaps and recommend practical, scalable solutions 
• Standardize audit tools, templates, and reporting formats 

2. Inventory Audit & Asset Protection 

• Conduct regular and surprise inventory audits across all branches and warehouses 
• Verify existence, valuation, and condition of inventory, including: 
• Regular sellable items 
• Consignment inventory 
• Defective, open box, and refurbished items 
• Monitor inventory movements and investigate discrepancies (e.g., shrinkage, variances) 
• Evaluate controls over high-value items and fast-moving goods 

3. Branch & Operational Audits 

• Perform on-site audits of retail branches and distribution centers 
• Assess compliance with company policies, sales processes, and operational controls 
• Review cash handling, billing, and revenue processes 
• Identify risks related to decentralized operations and multiple locations 

4. Compliance & Risk Management 

• Ensure adherence to internal policies, contractual obligations (e.g., consignment terms), and regulatory requirements 
• Identify financial, operational, and fraud risks and recommend controls 
• Assist management in developing risk mitigation strategies 

5. Fraud Detection & Investigation 

• Investigate anomalies, suspicious transactions, and potential fraud cases 
• Review high-risk areas such as: 
• Inventory adjustments 
• Returns and refunds 
• Consignment stock management 
• Coordinate with Finance, Operations, and external partners when necessary 

6. Reporting & Insights 

• Prepare detailed audit reports with clear findings, root cause analysis, and actionable recommendations 
• Track implementation of audit recommendations and corrective actions 
• Provide regular updates to management on audit results, risks, and trends 

7. Continuous Improvement 

• Promote a culture of accountability and internal control awareness across the organization 
• Recommend automation or system improvements where applicable 
• Support ERP or system implementations related to inventory and operations 

 QUALIFICATIONS:  

Education & Experience 

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Internal Auditing, or related field 
• Certification is an advantage (e.g., CPA, CIA, CISA) 
• Minimum 3–5 years of experience in internal audit, preferably in: 
• Retail 
• Distribution 
• Inventory-heavy environments 

Technical Competencies 

• Strong understanding of: 
• Inventory management and controls 
• Retail and warehouse operations 
• Financial and operational auditing 
• Experience auditing: 
• High-volume transactions 
• Multi-branch operations 
• Consignment arrangements 
• Proficiency in Excel and audit/data analysis tools 

Core Skills & Attributes 

• Strong analytical and investigative mindset 
• High attention to detail, especially with inventory and reconciliations 
• Ability to work in ambiguous environments and build processes from scratch 
• Strong communication and report-writing skills 
• High integrity and professional skepticism 
• Willingness to travel frequently for branch audits 

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) 

• Reduction in inventory discrepancies and shrinkage 
• Completion of audit plans across branches and warehouses 
• Implementation rate of audit recommendations 
• Detection and resolution of control weaknesses 
• Improvement in inventory accuracy and accountability 

Reporting Line 

• Reports to: Finance & Accounting Manager (or Head of Finance) 
• Works closely with: Operations, Warehouse, Retail Managers, and Compliance teams 

Strategic Importance of the Role 

This role is critical in transitioning the company from a reactive control environment to a proactive, structured, and scalable system, especially given: 

• Lack of standardized processes 
• High-value and sensitive inventory 
• Complex inventory conditions (consignment, defective, refurbished) 
• Multi-branch retail operations