Head, Internal Audit (Dangote Fertilizer Ltd)
Role Mission – Head of Internal Audit
The Head of Internal Audit at Dangote Industries Limited serves as a strategic leader responsible for delivering independent, objective assurance that strengthens the organization’s governance structure, reinforces risk management capabilities, and enhances the effectiveness of internal control systems. This role safeguards corporate integrity, ensures compliance with regulatory obligations, and supports sustainable organizational growth by promoting transparency, accountability, and operational excellence.
The position is pivotal in analyzing, evaluating, and improving the organization’s risk posture. The Head of Internal Audit not only identifies vulnerabilities across financial, operational, and technological functions but also provides forward-looking recommendations that enhance resilience and long-term value creation. The mission includes advocating for strong internal controls, robust financial discipline, and adherence to both regulatory standards and Dangote’s established policies and ethical guidelines.
Central to this mission is fostering an organizational culture that values continuous improvement, integrity, and disciplined execution. Through risk-based audit practices and the application of data-driven insights, this role ensures that all business units maintain sound control environments. Additionally, the Head of Internal Audit plays a key role in strengthening asset protection, increasing operational efficiency, and optimizing processes across the enterprise.
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Key Job Responsibilities
1. Leadership of the Internal Audit Framework
The Head of Internal Audit is accountable for developing, implementing, and leading a comprehensive Internal Audit framework that is aligned with Dangote Industries’ governance, risk, and compliance (GRC) objectives. The role ensures that audit methodologies, processes, and reporting standards meet both international best practices and local regulatory requirements. This includes establishing robust audit plans, methodologies, and quality assurance mechanisms that guarantee audit readiness and organizational resilience.
2. Oversight of Internal and External Audit Activities
This role coordinates and supervises internal audit teams embedded across the business units, ensuring that their efforts are consistent, risk-driven, and aligned with enterprise priorities. The Head of Internal Audit also manages the relationship with external auditors—facilitating information exchange, supporting transparent audits, and ensuring timely resolution of identified issues. Part of this responsibility includes monitoring audit quality, implementing lessons learned, and promoting continuous improvement in audit execution.
3. Independent Evaluation of Core Processes
The Head of Internal Audit provides independent oversight and assessment of critical financial, operational, and technological processes. By proactively identifying risks, control gaps, and inefficiencies, the role ensures the implementation of corrective actions that mitigate threats before they escalate. This includes reviewing business processes, financial systems, IT infrastructures, and operational workflows to confirm that controls are well-designed and functioning effectively.
4. Governance, Risk, and Control Enhancements
A key responsibility involves analyzing business processes and control systems to uncover weaknesses and recommending practical improvements. The Head of Internal Audit advises on policy development, control enhancements, and optimization initiatives that reinforce governance structures and promote stronger compliance. Recommendations must be actionable, realistic, aligned with strategic objectives, and supportive of sustained performance improvement.
5. Strategic Advisory to Executive Leadership and the Board
The role provides formal reports and advisory insights to executive management and the Board Audit & Risk Committee. This includes presenting assessments of the organization’s risk exposure, highlighting emerging threats, evaluating the adequacy of risk mitigation measures, and advising on necessary improvements. The Head of Internal Audit ensures that the Board receives timely and comprehensive information to support informed decision-making and strategic planning.
6. Value Creation Through Insight and Innovation
Beyond traditional auditing, the Head of Internal Audit drives value creation by offering forward-thinking insights that promote business resilience, operational transparency, and long-term sustainability. Through advanced analytics, data mining, and trend analysis, the role identifies improvement opportunities that enhance profitability, eliminate waste, and strengthen internal processes. The ability to translate audit findings into meaningful business value is fundamental to the success of this role.
7. Promoting a Culture of Compliance and Accountability
A crucial aspect of the position is fostering ethical behavior, compliance consciousness, and strong accountability across all layers of the organization. This includes supporting training initiatives, raising awareness of policy requirements, and encouraging adherence to sound internal control practices. The Head of Internal Audit ensures that employees understand the importance of corporate governance, fraud prevention, and regulatory compliance.
Role Requirements
- Minimum of 15 years of professional experience in finance, accounting, auditing, and business process analysis—preferably within a diversified, multi-business or multinational organization.
- At least 5 years in a senior management or leadership role, overseeing teams, directing large-scale initiatives, and managing department-level functions.
- Demonstrated experience successfully leading and managing large, complex, multi-million-dollar projects or enterprise-wide initiatives, particularly in environments requiring high levels of coordination, compliance, and precision.
- Professional certifications required:
- Certified Public Accountant (CPA),
- Certified Internal Auditor (CIA), or
- Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA).
Additional certifications in risk management or governance are advantageous.
- Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field; a Master’s degree (MBA, M.Sc.) is strongly preferred.
- In-depth knowledge of financial policies, accounting principles, and internal control frameworks, with strong familiarity with IFRS, GAAP, and other regulatory standards.
- Strong understanding of information systems auditing, cybersecurity controls, automated financial systems, and emerging audit technologies.
- Proven ability to work with senior executives, influence decision-makers, and communicate complex issues with clarity and authority.
- Advanced analytical skills, with the ability to leverage data, audit software, and digital tools to produce actionable insights.
- High integrity, strong ethical judgment, exceptional communication skills, and the ability to maintain independence while delivering strategic value.