Job Title: Internal Auditor
Location: Mika Meats Limited
Reports To: Head of Internal Audit, Business Risk and Compliance
Position Type: Contract

About Mika Meats Limited:

Mika Meats Limited is a fast growing vertically integrated company in Zambia and Tanzania, specializing in the full supply chain of meat production. From our own farms and abattoirs to our state-of-the-art meat processing plants and retail outlets, we ensure the highest standards of quality and safety. As we continue to grow, we are looking for an experienced Internal Auditor to join our team and support the company’s mission of operational excellence and financial integrity.

Job Summary:

The Internal Auditor will be responsible for assessing and improving the effectiveness of internal controls across all areas of the business, including farming, slaughtering, processing, and retail operations. This key position will require a detail-oriented individual with a strong background in audit, risk management, and control development, with a particular focus on manufacturing and retail environments.

The ideal candidate will possess extensive experience in auditing processes, identifying control weaknesses, and recommending improvements, especially in a vertically integrated business model. You will work closely with the leadership team to ensure compliance, mitigate risks, and drive operational efficiencies across all stages of the business.

Key Responsibilities:

Internal Control Development & Implementation:

Develop, implement, and maintain internal control frameworks across the entire business, including farming, slaughtering, meat processing, and retail operations.
Conduct risk assessments to identify areas of vulnerability within the operational processes and recommend corrective actions.
Ensure controls are designed to prevent fraud, reduce waste, and ensure operational efficiencies, while complying with relevant laws, regulations, and company policies.

Audit Planning & Execution:

Plan and execute comprehensive internal audits across the company, including financial, operational, compliance, and IT audits.
Review processes and systems to ensure that internal controls are effective and are being adhered to at all levels of the business.
Perform detailed audit testing and document findings, including identifying any risks, inefficiencies, or control gaps.

Reporting & Recommendations:

Prepare clear and concise audit reports that provide actionable recommendations for improvement.
Present audit findings to senior management and key stakeholders, providing advice on strengthening internal controls and addressing areas of concern.
Follow up on audit recommendations to ensure corrective actions are implemented in a timely manner.

Compliance & Risk Management:

Ensure compliance with relevant industry standards, regulations (such as health and safety, food safety), and company policies.
Monitor and evaluate emerging risks, regulatory changes, and industry best practices to ensure the business is proactive in addressing new risks.

Collaboration & Advisory:

Work closely with departmental heads to develop and refine internal processes and controls.
Act as an advisory resource to business units, helping them navigate complex processes while ensuring compliance and efficiency.
Provide guidance on risk mitigation strategies and help foster a culture of accountability across the organization.

Continuous Improvement:

Stay current with audit best practices, regulatory changes, and developments in technology that can enhance internal auditing processes.
Recommend process improvements to enhance operational efficiency, reduce costs, and streamline workflow across the value chain.

Qualifications & Experience:

Education:
Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or related field.
Professional certification (e.g., Full ACCA, CA, CIA, CISA, CPA) is strongly preferred.

Experience:
Minimum of 5 years of experience in internal auditing, with a strong focus on internal control development and implementation.
Previous experience in a vertically integrated business or within the food production, meat processing, or manufacturing industries is highly desirable.
Proven track record in identifying and resolving internal control issues across complex operational structures.
Experience working with ERP systems and audit software is a plus.

Skills & Competencies:

Strong understanding of financial and operational auditing techniques, including risk-based auditing and process mapping.
Knowledge of industry regulations, standards, and best practices (e.g., ISO standards, HACCP, and local food safety laws).
Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and critical thinking skills.
Strong communication skills, with the ability to present complex audit findings to senior management and non-financial stakeholders.
Ability to work independently and as part of a team, managing multiple priorities and deadlines.

Personal Attributes:

High level of integrity and ethical standards.
Detail-oriented with the ability to see the big picture.
Proactive, self-motivated, and results-driven.
Strong interpersonal skills, able to engage and influence stakeholders at all levels of the organization.