Internal Control Manager

Purpose of the job

The Internal Control Manager is a strategic partner in driving operational strength and compliance, through his in-depth operational understanding and definition of key controls and reporting to the Chief Legal & GRC Officer.

The internal control manager plays a cornerstone role in enhancing business efficiency, safeguarding company assets, and driving continuous improvement of internal processes throughout SADAFCO’s activities. The role requires an experienced professional with a strong ability to navigate complexity, analyze operations, and work collaboratively across departments to define and maintain the strength of internal controls. This position involves working in a dynamic environment with complex trading flows, requiring the ability to address diverse regulations, high-stakes financial transactions, and multi-functional collaborations.

Key Accountabilities

Internal Controls Framework:

Develop, implement, and maintain a robust internal control framework in alignment with the SADAFCO’s strategic objectives and compliance requirements.

Identify and define key controls that will further secure the operating processes.

Identify control gaps, recommend solutions, and oversee remediation efforts.

Support the business in controls implementation and perform 2nd line controls on tasks performed by other departments.

Help in the future setup of new operating flows.

Performing pre-assessments before audits engagements.

Risk Management:Conduct regular risk assessments to identify, assess, and mitigate financial, operational, and compliance risks.

Collaborate with departments to establish risk mitigation strategies and monitor their effectiveness and implementation.

COSO Framework Implementation:

Apply the COSO framework to develop and enhance internal control systems. Focus on the five components of the COSO framework:

1. Promote a strong ethical culture and ensure that management demonstrates a commitment to integrity and ethical values.
2. Identify and analyze risks to achieving SADAFCO’s objectives, ensuring that SADAFCO understands the risks it faces.
3. Design and implement effective control activities that align with risk mitigation strategies and operational efficiency.
4. Facilitate effective communication channels to ensure that necessary information about internal controls is disseminated across the organization.
5. Establish ongoing monitoring processes to assess the performance of internal controls and identify areas for improvement.

• Process Improvement:Analyze internal processes and workflows to identify opportunities for optimization and standardization.
• Partner with relevant stakeholders to implement process improvements that enhance efficiency and control.
• Identification and implementation of SADAFCO best practices and analytics (e.g. KRI/KPIs)
• Be the base of future process automation.

Reporting:

• Prepare detailed reports on control effectiveness, risk assessments, and audit findings.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date documentation of all internal controls and risk management processes.
• Recommendations Implementation:Act on recommendations or findings from legal or audit reports, ensuring that the corrective actions are implemented and documented appropriately.

• Training:Provide guidance and training to teams on internal control best practices.

Assessment and Measurement of Success Key Performance Indicators:

• Effective implementation and improvement of the internal control framework.
• Timeliness and accuracy of control reports.
• Reduction of control gaps and identified risks.
• Stakeholder satisfaction and successful collaboration across functions.
• This position offers an opportunity for a proactive, detail-oriented individual to make a significant impact on the company's operational integrity and strategic success.

Job Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, Law, or a related field. professional certifications (e.g., CPA, ACCA, CIA) preferred.
• 5+ years of experience in internal controls, auditing, or risk management within a multinational or trading organization.
• Strong understanding of financial and operational risk management frameworks.
• Exceptional ability to analyze complex data and processes, identify risks, and develop practical solutions.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills to present findings and recommendations to diverse audiences.
• Meticulous in evaluating processes, identifying anomalies, and ensuring accurate reporting.
• Effective at building partnerships across departments and influencing without authority.
• Demonstrates initiative and accountability, with the ability to guide teams towards compliance and process improvements.
• Thrives in a fast-paced, dynamic environment, adjusting strategies as needed to address evolving business needs.
• Proficiency in financial and accounting systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle).
• Advanced knowledge of Excel and data analytics tools.
• Languages: fluent in Arabic, and minimum proficient in English.
• Knowledge of relevant regulations applicable to the industry.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office suite (Outlook, Excel, Word, PowerPoint, etc.)

Job Competencies

• Diagnostic information gathering.
• High level of written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to influence and successfully persuade staff at different levels to adopt new operating practices.
• Self-starter, able to display initiative and proactive approach to problem solving.
• Strong time management and organizational skills.
• Strong understanding of internal control frameworks, particularly the COSO framework, as they apply to operational processes.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to assess complex issues and develop practical solutions.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, capable of engaging effectively with various stakeholders at all levels.
• Detail-oriented, proactive, and able to work independently.
• Strong ethical standards and a commitment to maintaining confidentiality.