🇸🇱 Job Vacancies @ Irish League of Credit Unions Foundation (ILCUF) Ltd – Audit Officer

VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT 

Organisation: Irish League of Credit Union Foundation Ltd

Position: Audit Officer

Location: Sierra Leone

Engagement Type: Full time (with field assignments)

Reporting Line: General Manager – ILCUF Ltd

Liaises With: ILCUF Ltd, NaCCUA, DoC and Audit Firm staff as required

Background 

The Irish League of Credit Unions Foundation (ILCUF) Ltd. is a Sierra Leone registered organisation which  provides financial and technical assistance to Sierra Leone credit unions (financial cooperative  organisations), NaCCUA (the Sierra Leone credit union Apex body) and relevant government authorities.  In its work ILCUF Ltd. adheres to a Code of Conduct that sets out the ethical principles of its work in the  country and its commitment to the highest standards of openness, transparency and accountability; its nature  of work is apolitical, secular, democratic and non-discriminatory. ILCUF Ltd. Is a cooperative society  established by ILCU Foundation, based in Dublin, Ireland and the national credit union apex body of Sierra  Leone, the National Cooperative Credit Unions Association (NACCUA).

Main Purpose of Job: Detail-oriented Audit Officer with strong experience in auditing,  monitoring and financial oversight of credit unions in Sierra Leone. Proven ability to plan and  execute credit union audits in line with approved audit work plans, regulatory requirements, and  best practices for cooperative financial institutions. Skilled in reviewing financial statements,  assessing internal controls, verifying books of accounts, providing detailing conclusions based on  findings from testing, issuing detailed recommendations based on those conclusions and assisting in preparing the audit report and opinion.

Experienced in preparing audit engagement letters and management letters, and at assisting in  drafting audit reports and audit opinions clearly highlighting weaknesses, risks, and control  deficiencies, while providing practical recommendations for improvement. Adept at liaising with  credit union boards, management, regulators, and the apex body to ensure timely follow-up and  corrective action on audit findings.

Strong analytical, reporting, and communication skills, with a high level of integrity,  independence, and adherence to professional ethics. Comfortable working in the field, travelling  extensively, and collaborating with Monitoring and Compliance teams, Regulators, and External  stakeholders to strengthen governance, accountability, and financial sustainability across credit  unions.

Key Competencies (Audit-Focused) 

• Credit Union Audits & Assurance
• Financial Statements Review & Analysis
• Internal Controls & Risk Assessment
• Audit Planning & Fieldwork Execution
• Management Letters & Audit Reporting
• Regulatory & Policy Compliance
• Stakeholder Liaison & Follow-up
• Fraud Detection & Control Weakness Identification

Duties & Responsibilities: 

External Audit & Assurance 

• Conduct independent external audits of credit unions in line with International Standards  on Auditing (ISAs) and applicable regulatory requirements.
• Review and verify financial statements, accounting records, loan portfolios, arrears  provisions, savings accounts, investments, asset registers and other key risk areas. • Assess compliance with the Cooperative Act, Bank of Sierra Leone (BSL) regulations,  Credit Union by-laws, internal policies and compliance with accounting standards  applicable in Sierra Leone.

Risk & Governance 

• Evaluate the effectiveness of governance structures, internal controls, and risk management  frameworks.
• Identify material misstatements, control weaknesses, and potential fraud risks.
• Provide detailing conclusions based on findings from testing and issue detailed, practical recommendations based on those conclusions to improve financial management and  governance.

Reporting & Follow-Up 

• Prepare comprehensive workpapers and record detailed conclusions and recommendations • Assist in preparing audit reports, management letters, and audit opinions and be able to  provide the rationale for the audit opinion.
• Present audit findings to management, boards, and audit committees of credit unions and,  where required, present to Credit Union members at AGMs.
• Follow up on implementation of prior audit recommendations.

Professional & Ethical Standards 

• Maintain independence, objectivity, and confidentiality at all times.
• Adhere to professional ethics and auditing standards applicable in Sierra Leone. • Liaise with the Regulators, the Apex Body, and Stakeholders when necessary.

Other duties shall include, but not be limited to, the following: 

• Liaise and plan with the General Manager ILCUF, Head of Monitoring and General Manager  NaCCUA the audits and activities on an annual/quarterly basis, according to appropriate schedules  and prioritisation.
• Participate in all audit training facilitated by consultants to establish the audit standards for Sierra  Leone
• Implement the audits as per the approved audit work plans, which include preparing for credit union  visits and organising field trips.
• Establish clear procedures and checklists for credit union audits.
• Prepare engagement letters for CUs at the start of each calendar year, detailing the items CUs should  have in place in preparation for CU annual audits.
• Monitor and report on ongoing overall audit progress monthly.
• Liaise with the Department of Cooperative Audit Section in conducting audits • Harness learning from audit activities and ensure effective dissemination of that learning including  publication.
• Following the audit work the Audit Officer will assist the CU Auditor to draft and issue a detailed Management Letter to the Board of CUs which should clearly identify any areas of weakness or deficiencies in the systems or shortcomings in the maintenance of proper books of account  discovered during the audit
• The Audit Officer and the CU Auditor should share the audit findings and liaise with the GM with regard to the follow up with CU Management on the issues raised by the auditor and a timeline for responses and actions
• The Audit Officer will assist the CU auditor in preparing and issuing the audit opinion as to whether the financial information provided to members by management gives a true and fair view of the financial affairs of the CU and in their opinion, as to whether proper books of account have been  kept.

Representation 

• Represent ILCUF Ltd. at relevant government, donor or inter agency meetings, when requested to  do so by the General Manager.

Communication 

• Ensure effective working relationships are maintained with credit unions, ILCUF Ltd. management  team, NaCCUAand external stakeholders, including credit union regulators and members and local  communities.

Reporting and Liaising 

• Provide in full all required audit reports to Credit Union Management
• Provide audit reports to Head of Monitoring and NaCCUA Finance Officer for review  • Update the General Manager on the progress in credit union audits
• Provide feedback to Head of Monitoring on the effectiveness of the monitoring system. • Participate in Leadership with ILCUF, NaCCUA and DSIK team meetings to provide updates on  the credit union audits
• Share information and liaise with the Monitoring Team, Compliance Officer and other relevant  parties on any fraudulent activity or practices noted or any observations of breaches in internal  controls that might assist in expanding the Monitoring Team’s knowledge and allow for  inclusion/review of those areas in their own visits.

Other 

• Undertake other related duties as may be assigned by the General Manager.

Required Qualifications and Experience:

Education & Professional Certification

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance Services or Banking and Finance or Auditing.
• Masters in relevant field – preferably in auditing, accounting, finance or other related professional  course in Accounting is an added advantage.
• Professional certification such as ACCA, CPA, or equivalent (full or part qualification) will  be an added advantage

Skills and competences 

Essential 

• Experience in accounting and financial management.
• Strong knowledge of International Standards on Auditing (ISAs).
• Good understanding of Sierra Leone’s financial sector regulatory environment. • Excellent analytical, investigative, and report-writing skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and accounting/audit software.
• Excellent analysis and interpretation skills of financial and non-financial information. • Ability to transfer knowledge to others.
• High ethical standards and professional judgment.
• Strong communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Ability to work independently, travel to field locations, and meet strict deadlines. • Fluent in written and spoken English, spoken Krio and knowledge of other local languages  is an added advantage.

Desirable 

• Prior experience working with Credit Unions, Cooperatives, or member-based financial  institutions
• Familiarity with Microfinance Institutions (MFIs) or the banking sector
• Willingness and ability to work outside the duty station for short-, medium-, and  longer-term assignments as required
• Demonstrated commitment to poverty reduction, financial inclusion, and community  development through cooperative, community-based, or voluntary initiatives

Experience 

• Minimum of 3 years’ experience in external auditing, preferably within credit unions,  microfinance institutions, banks, or NGOs.
• Demonstrated knowledge of cooperative financial institutions and member-based  organizations is an added advantage.

HOW TO APPLY 

Application, including CV and a cover letter explaining your fit for the role, should be submitted  to: Mr. Solomon Mwongyere, General Manager by email on; smwongyere.ilcuf@gmail.com.

Application deadline: Friday 13 February 2026.

All applicants are thanked for their interest in the assignment. However, only those selected for an  interview will be contacted.