Abidemi Olukowajo MBA, FCCA, FCTI, CFE, ACA, PMDPro

Risk management

• Identify and effectively manage organizational risks in order to maximize achievement of organizational objectives
• Oversee process of conducting annual organization-wide risk assessments to measure likelihood and impact of identified risks
• Assist in development of organization's risk mitigation strategy/plan, proposing appropriate controls including scope of management and other individual accountability and monitoring plan, to ensure implementation of strategy/plan
• Responsible for preparing and submitting annual reports to Senior Management Team on risk management issues including risk register and on emerging risks
• Review and Assessment of high value financial transactions before execution
• Ensured compliance and coordination of two Data Protection Audits of Country office in line with Nigeria Data Protection Acts

Internal Audit

• Development of annual risk-based audit plan and submission to Management for approval
• Lead planning and execution of internal audit/assurance assignments according to annual audit/assurance plan
• Identify and assess areas of significant business risk, internal controls and corporate governance processes
• Assess design and operational effectiveness of internal controls in line with COSO framework principles
• Identify control deficiencies and recommend improvements to mitigate risks
• Analyse and evaluate financial, accounting and procurement documents, reflect audit results and document process
• Prepare comprehensive audit reports outlining findings, conclusions, and recommendations for management
• Monitor implementation of audit recommendations and follow up on corrective actions
• Provide advisory services to management on internal control enhancements and risk management practices
• Ensure compliance of financial transactions with Donor regulations and agreements
• Review financial report to ensure compliance with IFRS/GAAP
• Stay informed about industry trends, regulations, and best practices relevant to internal audit

Fraud Investigation and Case Management

• Prepared detailed investigation plans for over 30 cases reflecting investigation objectives, scope, approach and timing
• Serve as country focal point for internal reporting of any allegation of Code of Ethics violations, including fraud, corruption, bribery or human trafficking
• Maintain country corruption incident register and liaise with HQ Ethics team, and other teams as needed, in management of all reported incidents
• Conducted inquiries and investigations to determine facts, circumstances and scope of any allegations raised including vendors and program site visits for over 30 reported cases
• Collect, analyse and document results of investigations and communicate observations and recommendations to relevant stakeholders
• Depending on nature of cases being reviewed, determine possible losses to programs or organization and communicate to management
• Draft investigation reports, and maintain relevant work papers in case file
• Discuss recommended mitigating actions with responsible staff and follow up with implementation
• Ensure all investigations are performed in line with approved investigation manual

Ethics Training and Awareness

• Ensure implementation of Code of Ethics policies and procedures, acting as catalyst for change and acceptance and supporting smooth implementation
• Conducted more than 20 anti-corruption, fraud prevention and other Code of Ethics trainings for country staff, partners and vendors.

• Ensured compliance with donor financial management policies
• Conducted internal control assessments for 5 country programs to identify and mitigate risks
• Reviewed financial transactions, sub-recipient agreements, and audit documentation to enhance accountability for 5 country programs
• Provided technical guidance on risk management, fraud prevention, and regulatory compliance standards

Risk Management

• Developed and implemented enterprise risk management systems and processes that was geared towards enhancing fraud risk management and oversight
• Developed risks model to identify, evaluate and respond to possible risks associated with Country Program programmatic and operational activities
• Led annual risk assessment and planning process to develop and maintain Country Program risk register and annual risk and compliance plan

Internal Audit

• Developed and implemented risk-based audit strategies that aligned with organizational objectives and regulatory requirements
• Defined audit priorities based on operational impact, financial exposure, and governance needs
• Conducted targeted reviews to address high-risk areas in alignment with organizational priorities
• Performed periodic review of financial, procurement, human resource, and logistics procedures in both one country office and 3 field offices
• Ensured all audits adhere to international standards and best practices in internal auditing
• Presented high-level risk insights and audit reports to Management
• Provided executive recommendations that support governance and financial integrity
• Ensured Managements were informed of compliance challenges and strategic control enhancements
• Managed 7 statutory and 4 donor-mandated audits, ensuring timely and accurate reporting
• Managed Country Program 5 HQ Internal Audit exercise, ensured all audit recommendations were properly closed and timely submission of responses to HQ's Internal Audit Department

Fraud Investigation and Case Management

• Served as lead on over 40 Fraud Allegation Management (FAM) cases reported within Country Program
• Performed high level and complex investigations regarding actual and suspected fraud activities, providing oversight and appropriate resolution to Country Program Leadership
• Supported establishment of fraud risk tolerance guidelines with donors ensuring risk exposure of organization is within these guidelines
• Prepared anti-fraud training materials and led on all trainings related to fraud prevention, fraud reporting and Risk Management across Country Program, partners, and vendors
• Responded to inquiries of donors, Office of Inspector General regarding fraud management issues at Country program or Partners level

Compliance Management

• Reviewed donor and sub recipient agreements and amendments for compliance.
• Ensured overall compliance with Anti-Money Laundering & Anti-Terrorist Financing procedure.
• Ensured strict compliance with local laws and regulations.
• Ensured compliance and coordination of one annual Data Protection Audit of Country office in line with Nigeria Data Protection Acts.

Commodity and Asset Management

• Reviewed and verification of Country Program and Donor specific assets and commodities.
• Ensured proper update of loss register and follow up with insurance claims, where necessary.
• Review of inventory management at project supported Health facilities.

• Led development and implementation of annual audit for over 10 sub-recipients' audits
• Ensured over 100 Sub-recipients/Partners, Finance and other Operational staff are strengthened through regular risk management sessions
• Tracked and consolidated audit findings and lessons learned and propose mitigation strategies to create environment of compliance and control on all projects being implemented by Country program
• Ensured adherence to relevant laws, policies and procedures
• Conducted audits of financial, operational, systems and compliance areas of business
• Reviewed and evaluated system of internal controls, while assessing their adequacy, effectiveness and proposing recommendations for their improvement; assisted in establishing follow up mechanism on agreed recommendations on financial, operational and regulatory deficiencies reported during past audits
• Carried out special audits as may be directed by management
• Fraud Management

• Planned and coordinated over 20 audit engagements
• Performed risk assessment procedure including review of controls that mitigates financial and operation risks
• Reviewed financial statements in accordance with local and international accounting standards
• Reviewed business processes, design and operating effectiveness of clients' internal controls and make recommendations for improvement to management
• Coached, supervised and reviewed work product of less experienced staff members
• Prepared concise and well written reports including management letters on internal control issues, audit adjustments and other matters that affect financial statements and company operations
• Reviewed payment vouchers; ascertained sufficiency and appropriateness of support documents and performed substantive test of significant account balances
• Reviewed approved budget with actual fund spent, activities carried out with Donors Fund and organization internal controls
• Reviewed compliance with Grants received from Donors, account receivable balances and preparing Fund Accountability Statements
• Reviewed retirements from partners; ensuring that work done, and expenditure incurred is in line with approved budget
• Reviewed approved budget with actual fund spent activities carried out with Donors Fund and organization internal controls