Assistant Manager – Internal Audit - Therighttalent Colombo

About the job

Assistant Manager - Internal Audit

About Our Client Partner

Our client is a leading, modern retail and supermarket chain recognized for its premium offerings and extensive network of high-quality outlets. Committed to operational integrity and minimizing risk, the organization places a strong emphasis on robust internal controls. We are seeking a dedicated professional to join the team responsible for safeguarding the company’s assets and ensuring compliance across its multi-site retail and warehousing operations.

Role Summary

We are seeking a highly analytical and experienced Assistant Manager - Internal Audit to execute the internal audit plan across the company's business units, particularly focusing on retail showrooms, warehouses, and corporate functions. This role is crucial for independently evaluating the adequacy and effectiveness of the company’s internal controls, risk management, and governance processes, and providing value-added recommendations to enhance business performance.

 

Key Responsibilities:

Audit Execution and Reporting

• Execute audit assignments as per the annual audit plan, focusing on compliance, operational efficiency, and financial controls across retail, warehouse, and corporate divisions.
• Develop detailed audit scopes, programs, and working papers for assigned tasks, ensuring adherence to professional auditing standards.
• Prepare comprehensive and timely audit reports detailing findings, risks, and practical, value-driven recommendations for management action.

Compliance and Risk Assessment

• Identify and assess key operational and financial risks within the organization, contributing to the continuous improvement of the group’s overall risk profile.
• Review existing internal control systems and processes to ensure they effectively mitigate risks and ensure adherence to company policies and regulatory requirements.
• Follow up on the implementation status of audit recommendations, verifying that management actions have been effectively executed to address identified gaps.

Special Investigations and Inventory

• Conduct special investigations, fraud reviews, and ad-hoc assignments requested by senior management or the Audit Committee.
• Lead or participate in physical stock verifications at various retail outlets and warehouses, ensuring accuracy in inventory counts and adherence to prescribed procedures.
• Engage proactively with management across various departments, clearly communicating audit objectives and findings.

Requirements:

• Qualifications: Passed Finalist or fully qualified in a recognized professional accounting body (CA Sri Lanka, ACCA, or CIMA).
• Experience: Proven post-qualification experience (typically 3+ years) in Internal Audit, External Audit (from a Big 4 firm is an advantage), or a similar risk and controls environment.
• Sector Exposure: Prior auditing experience within the Retail or FMCG/Supermarket sector, with exposure to store audits, inventory management, and warehouse controls, is highly desirable.
• Technical Skills: Strong proficiency in using data analysis tools (e.g., MS Excel) and familiarity with ERP systems/accounting software.
• Soft Skills: High level of integrity and professionalism, excellent communication (both written and verbal), strong analytical skills, and meticulous attention to detail.