Director Information Systems Audit

Job Purpose

Under the direct supervision of the Chief Internal Auditor, the Director, Information Systems Audit is responsible: 

• To undertake leadership in developing and executing programs to review and evaluate the internal environment and risk management of the Jamaica Customs Agency's ICT activities, processes, and data.
• To monitor, review and evaluate the management, control, security and logical framework of the ICT systems and procedures for accounting procedures per the provisions of the Financial Administration and Audit (FAA) Act, other relevant laws, rules, and regulations relating to the Customs Agency and directives issued from time to time by the Ministry of Finance and the Public Service.

Key Responsibility Areas

Technical/Professional Responsibilities

• Direct the implementation of audit programmes in the specific areas of the Customs Agency as assigned by:
  • Developing a plan of audit programmes based on the organisation's risk assessment.
  • Evaluating management procedures and operations to ensure the organisation operates as efficiently as possible while remaining within established corporate policies and government regulations.
  • Overseeing special investigations as required, supporting corporate objectives and outcomes.
• Undertake comprehensive planning and risk assessments relating to each assignment to ensure that the IT audit engagement focuses on monitoring, reviewing, and evaluating the management, control, security and logical framework of the ICT systems and procedures for accounting and financial processes.
• Ensure the timely completion of internal auditing engagements and that reports are provided to the audit committee with minimum delay.
• Ensure audit work quality, consistency, and adherence to the Agency’s policies and procedures, professional audit standards, and applicable laws and regulatory guidelines.
• Maintain current and complete files with audit working papers and the necessary cross-references and notes of examinations conducted to facilitate follow-up of previously approved recommendations.
• Monitor audit budget, ensure resources are appropriately deployed, identify efficiencies, and ensure all engagements run smoothly.
• Assist with developing and maintaining a quality assurance and improvement program that covers all aspects of the internal audit function.
• Conduct audit quality reviews and resolve audit-related issues.
• Collaborate to draft and compile the final audit report for review. 
• Ensure that the audit reports are clear, correct, concise, concrete, and complete; identify root causes with practical solutions and provide value to management.
• Make oral and written presentations to management during and after the audit, discussing deficiencies and recommending corrective action.
• Participate in various company-wide initiatives, such as system implementations and reviews of policies and procedures.
• Ensure that the audit team is independent and objective in performing duties.
• Coordinates with external auditors or other examiners to maximise the audit coverage while minimising overlap and providing support as needed.
• Engage proactively with stakeholders, building relationships based on transparency and trust.
• Engage in audit profession and industry forums to remain abreast of emerging trends and best practices that can be incorporated into audit activities to improve processes and functions, as applicable.
• Perform unique reviews/ studies requested by the CIA or Management.
• Appreciate the provisions of the Financial Administration and Audit Act, Customs Act, other relevant acts, and any other financial regulations in force occasionally.

Human Resources Responsibilities

• Provide day-to-day guidance and manage the Branch’s activities and operations.  
• Monitor and evaluate the performances of direct reports, prepare performance appraisals, and recommend and indicate corrective actions where necessary to improve performance and attain established personal and organisational goals.
• Undertake human resource management-related functions, including staff selection, training, and discipline per the Agency’s policies and procedures. Then, convene staff meetings to discuss issues and matters/challenges impacting the Division's performance to determine appropriate solutions.
• Participate in recruiting staff for the branch and recommend transfer, promotions, terminations and leave per established human resource policies and procedures.
• Provide leadership and guidance to direct reports through effective planning, delegation, communication, training, monitoring, and coaching.
• Ensure the welfare and development needs of skills in the unit are identified and addressed.
• Ensure that appropriate physical resources are available to undertake duties efficiently and effectively.
• Establish and maintain a culture that fosters teamwork, employee empowerment and commitment to the Division’s and organisation’s goals.

Management/Administrative Responsibilities

• Assist the CIA with overall management and functions of the Internal Audit Division by:
  • Planning, organising, and directing the work of the Division through overseeing the creation of the Division’s corporate and operational plans and budget and monitoring the Division’s achievements against them.
  • Review and revise the Agency’s audit policies and procedures per auditing standards.
  • Represents the Internal Audit Division or Agency at meetings, conferences and other functions as directed.
• Consult with the CIA in establishing standard auditing procedures and policies.
• Evaluate the progress of audits and suggest means of avoiding delays and increasing productivity.
• Develop and maintain an adequate reporting system for work in the section.
• Collect and review audit reports for submission to the CIA.
• Provide guidance and advice to the CIA on internal audit matters.
• Ensure that all required processes, systems, and controls are in place within the Branch to achieve its objectives effectively and efficiently and ensure the effective and efficient use of resources. 
• Ensure that appropriate communication and knowledge management systems are in place within the Branch and with other internal or external Units and Divisions/Branches to facilitate the sharing of relevant information in an accurate and timely manner. 
• Ensure that the work of the Branch is adequately documented to facilitate the development of operational manuals, outlining applicable policies and procedures for the operational activities, with the view to amalgamating them into a single Operations Handbook for Jamaica Customs. 
• Establish and maintain a culture that fosters teamwork, employee empowerment and commitment to the Branches and organisations’ goals. 
• Prepare reports and project documents as required.    
• Develop, monitor, and coordinate budget preparation and monitoring and sign off on related requisitions for the Branch. 

Customer Service Responsibilities

• Maintain customer service principles, standards, and measurements.
• Identify and incorporate the interests and needs of customers in business process design.
• Ensure critical success factors are identified and meet expectations.

Other Responsibilities               

• Perform all other duties and functions as may be required occasionally.  
• May be required to provide witness statements, attend court proceedings, and give evidence. 
• Enforce Health & Safety Policies & Procedures and mitigate and minimise workplace hazards.

Required Competencies

Core

• Strong judgment, decision-making and problem-solving skills 
• Solid organisation, planning, and time management skills.
• Solid business and financial acumen skills.
• Exceptional written, presentation and oral communication skills and experience appropriate to executive and board-level reporting and presentation.
• Ability to communicate, interact and work effectively and cooperatively with technical and non-technical staff, including executive management, in a fast-paced environment.
• Expert-level interviewing skills with keen attention to detail.
• Excellent research and investigative skills
• Ability to display high ethics, confidentiality, professionalism, and integrity.
• Ability to manage a portfolio of audits, concurrent oversight, and execution of multiple projects.
• Ability to work independently to make critical decisions and analyse complex issues.
• Ability to explain complex financial information to people with little understanding of finance.
• Good staff management and work coordination skills.

Technical

• Comprehensive understanding of internal control environments within the IT function.
• Advanced IT skills in the Microsoft Office Suite Applications
• Expert knowledge of internal auditing, internal controls, risk management, and finance and accounting practices and methods.
• Experience with multiple technology domains, including aspects of Windows, Unix, database administration, software development, and networking.
• Extensive knowledge of and skill in applying internal auditing and accounting principles and practices, management principles and preferred business practices.
• Considerable knowledge of Generally Accepted Government Auditing Standards (GAGAS) and Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).
• Good knowledge of the Customs Act, its Regulations and customs administration.
• Comprehensive knowledge of the Financial Instructions to Executive Agencies (FIEA), FAA Act and other relevant accounting legislation.
• Working knowledge of the Standards for the Professional Practice of Internal Auditing and the Code of Ethics developed by the Institute of Internal Auditors.
• Working knowledge of project management principles, practices, and processes.
• Working knowledge of other relevant acts and regulations pertinent to the Agency.
• Understanding information security standards, best practices for securing computer systems, and applicable laws and regulations.
• Experience with computer-assisted audit tools is a plus.

Minimum Required Education and Experience

• Master's degree in accounting or management with Auditing/Accounting specialisation, Computer Science, Information Technology, Information Systems, or equivalent qualification and at least six (6) years of related working experience with three (3) years at the managerial level.

OR

• Bachelor's degree in accounting or management with Auditing/Accounting specialisation, Computer Science, Information Technology, Information Systems, or equivalent qualification and at least ten (10) years of related working experience with five (5) years at the managerial level.
• Training and experience in Supervisory Management.
• Recognized accounting/auditing/information systems certification (e.g., CIA, CPA, CMA, CISA, CRMA, CISSP, CSIM)
• Experience working with accounting (ACCPAC) and financial systems and software.

Special Conditions Associated with the Job

• Work will be conducted in offices with standard equipment and specialised software.
• Involves working in a fast-paced environment with ongoing interactions with critical stakeholders and meeting tight deadlines, which will result in high degrees of pressure on occasions.
• May be required to travel locally and overseas to attend conferences, seminars, and meetings.