Who are we?
The Police? Fishermen? Hunters? FBI? I think not. We are your friendly neighbourhood superheroes who hold down the corporate culture while everyone else goes about their business. We provide that reasonable assurance to all stakeholders — institutional investors included 😊 — that policies, processes, culture, practices, and other related elements are in place and as effective as they should.
Our mission: To ensure that Company Objectives are met.
In my case, it’s “To be the leading hospitality brand in Africa starting from Nigeria” (Big ups to Transcorp Hotels Plc.). To achieve this, we assess and ensure the existence and adequacy of Internal Controls (i.e policies, practices, and all those other little things (yes, clock-ins!) that ensure that people are doing the right things, at the right time in the right way).
We review processes and raise concerns to the relevant parties when we identify potential dangers (risks) that the Company may face if not addressed. You can say that we see into the future 😊
By virtue of our role and the information available to us, we provide strategic insight through our value-adding practical recommendations to our stakeholders. We train both formally and informally. Then, we investigate formal and informal whistleblowing allegations, a not-so-fun part of our job because we take no prisoners; there are no sacred cows and no friends.
As a CIA (Certified Internal Auditor) Agent, We investigate to identify the root cause of matters, to minimize reoccurrence while maintaining the anonymous nature of the whistleblower as usually requested.
But it’s not just about being a regulatory requirement, our presence gives a strong level of assurance to external parties or investors seeking to invest in the Company. We are that important!
Not to brag… While being the life of the party (eerhmm), I save cost, I identify cost-efficient opportunities or errors (as the case may be), make my recommendations, and follow through till every possible N1.00 is saved.
Through consistent and constant formal & informal awareness sessions, my space remains high on top corporate governance practices (we have a CGRS badge from the NSE to prove it).
As far back as 2016, I birth the “Know your Policy series”, which over the years evolved into policy Q&A, and awareness sessions within my audit universe. This has significantly improved internal control within the Company. So, imagine a world without us! So much chaos.
So, next time you think of Internal Audit, think of men and women in tight jumpsuits, ensuring your company’s objectives are met.
