Senior Officer – Internal Audit Assurance
Rafiki Microfinance Bank
Quick Take
Lead the planning and execution of scheduled audits, compliance reviews, and special investigations to assess control effectiveness and ensure regulatory adherence across Rafiki Microfinance Bank's operations.
Minimum 3 years of audit experience in a financial institution, proven ability to design and execute risk-based audit engagements, and strong report-writing skills for senior management and Board audiences.
Competitive salary range (KES 80,000–150,000/mo), opportunity to deepen expertise in the microfinance sector, and central role in shaping governance and internal controls at an established financial institution.
Job Description
Rafiki Microfinance Bank is seeking a detail-oriented and experienced Senior Officer – Internal Audit Assurance to strengthen its internal controls framework and governance processes. This role sits within the Internal Audit function and is central to ensuring that the Bank's operations remain compliant, efficient, and aligned with its strategic objectives.
The successful candidate will lead and execute scheduled audits, compliance reviews, special investigations, and follow-up audits, while providing credible assurance to management and the Board Audit Committee. This is an excellent opportunity for a seasoned audit professional looking to deepen their expertise within the microfinance and banking sector in Kenya.
- Plan, perform, and review scheduled audit tests to confirm that internal controls are functioning as designed and are effective in enabling the Bank to meet its operational and strategic goals.
- Execute and review compliance tests to assess adherence to internal policies, regulatory requirements, and industry standards.
- Conduct on-site audits, evaluate the effectiveness of controls, and prepare comprehensive, well-structured audit reports with actionable findings.
- Present audit results to the supervisor and agree on appropriate corrective actions and timelines with relevant business units.
- Carry out special audits and investigations as assigned, applying sound professional judgment and investigative techniques.
- Record and maintain accurate minutes of Board Audit Committee meetings, ensuring confidentiality and proper documentation.
- Monitor and follow up on key audit recommendations to ensure timely and effective implementation across relevant functions.
- Perform snap checks across operational units to provide unannounced assurance on control adherence.
- Execute appropriate tests during special audits and investigations and document findings in line with audit standards.
- Support the audit team with any other official duties assigned from time to time.
- Demonstrate the ability to independently plan and execute risk-based audit engagements from scoping through to reporting.
- Proven ability to assess the design and operational effectiveness of internal controls within a financial institution environment.
- Ability to identify control gaps, root causes, and practical recommendations that add value to the business.
- Strong report-writing skills — must be able to produce clear, concise, and evidence-based audit reports tailored for senior management and Board-level audiences.
- Ability to manage multiple audit assignments simultaneously while meeting deadlines.
- Demonstrated experience in conducting compliance audits against banking regulations and internal policies.
- Strong interpersonal skills to liaise effectively with auditees across all levels of the organisation.
- Experience handling confidential and sensitive information with the highest level of professional integrity.
- Minimum 3–4 years of hands-on experience in an internal or external audit environment, preferably within a bank, microfinance institution, or financial services firm.
- Holds or is pursuing CPA III certification or an equivalent professional qualification such as ACCA or CIA.
- Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related business discipline.
Rafiki Microfinance Bank offers a competitive remuneration package commensurate with experience and qualifications. Based on the seniority of this role and prevailing Kenyan banking sector benchmarks, the estimated monthly gross salary ranges from KES 80,000 to KES 150,000. The Bank also provides a structured benefits package typical of regulated financial institutions in Kenya.
- Medical insurance cover
- Performance-based incentives
- Professional development and training support
This role is ideal for a mid-level audit professional with 3–4 years of relevant experience who is passionate about governance, risk, and compliance within the financial sector. You are analytically minded, meticulous in your work, and comfortable engaging with both frontline staff and senior leadership. You thrive in structured environments, can work independently, and take pride in delivering high-quality audit work that drives real organisational improvement.
You should NOT apply if you have fewer than 3 years of audit experience, lack CPA II/III or equivalent certification, have no experience in financial services auditing, or are uncomfortable with report writing and Board-level documentation.
- Prepare an updated CV highlighting your audit experience, key achievements, and professional certifications.
- Write a concise cover letter addressed to the Human Resources Manager at Rafiki Microfinance Bank, explaining why you are the best fit for this role.
- Submit your application through Rafiki Microfinance Bank's official careers portal or via the job listing platform where you found this posting.
- Ensure your application clearly references the position title: Senior Officer – Internal Audit Assurance.
- Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for further assessment.
Requirements Breakdown
Must Have
- Minimum 3 years of internal audit experience in a financial institution (banking or microfinance)
- Demonstrated ability to independently plan, scope, and execute risk-based audit engagements from start to reporting
- Proven experience assessing design and operational effectiveness of internal controls in a banking environment
- Strong written communication skills with ability to produce evidence-based audit reports for Board and senior management
- Professional certification in audit or accounting (e.g. CIA, ICAK, or equivalent)
Nice to Have
- Experience conducting compliance audits against Central Bank of Kenya or banking regulatory requirements
- Knowledge of microfinance banking sector and specific regulatory landscape in Kenya
- Experience with audit management software or data analytics tools
- Track record of leading audit teams or mentoring junior audit staff
Don't meet every requirement? Tailor your CV to close the gap →
Salary Context
Competitive salary for Senior Officer – Internal Audit Assurance in Nairobi, reflecting mid-to-senior level expertise.
The range of KES 80,000–150,000/mo is competitive for this seniority in Kenya's banking sector, with variation driven by years of audit experience, specific banking domain expertise, professional certifications (CIA/ICAK), and the candidate's track record with complex audits and investigations.
About Rafiki Microfinance Bank
Rafiki Microfinance Bank is a licensed microfinance institution serving Kenya's underbanked and SME communities, playing a vital role in financial inclusion across the country. As a regulated financial services provider, the bank operates under strict governance frameworks and has a strong commitment to internal controls and risk management. Joining Rafiki offers the chance to make a direct impact on the credibility and resilience of a growing financial institution while working in a professional, compliance-driven environment.
Likely Interview Questions
- 1
Can you walk us through a complex audit engagement you led from planning to reporting, including how you identified control gaps and what recommendations you made?
- 2
Tell us about a time when you uncovered a significant control weakness or compliance gap. How did you handle the investigation and communicate the findings to management?
- 3
How do you approach building trust and effective working relationships with auditees across different departments, especially when delivering critical or adverse findings?
- 4
What experience do you have with microfinance or banking regulations in Kenya, and how would you apply that knowledge to audit planning at Rafiki?
- 5
Describe your approach to managing multiple concurrent audit assignments while maintaining quality and meeting tight deadlines. What tools or methods do you use?
Application Tips
Emphasise specific audit engagements you have led in banking or financial services, including the scope, key findings, and measurable impact on control improvements or risk mitigation.
Highlight any experience with Central Bank of Kenya regulations, banking compliance frameworks, or microfinance-specific audit work to demonstrate sector familiarity.
Showcase examples of high-impact audit reports you have written for Board or senior management audiences—include concrete evidence of how your recommendations were implemented and their business value.
Career Path
Roles that lead here
Where this leads
Skills & Keywords
Honest Assessment
Green Flags
- Clear and detailed role overview with well-defined responsibilities, making expectations transparent to candidates.
- Competitive salary range (KES 80,000–150,000/mo) reflects mid-to-senior seniority and shows willingness to pay for experience and expertise.
- Emphasis on Board-level reporting and strategic impact indicates this is a high-visibility role with influence over governance and risk management.
- Role positioned as central to the bank's control framework and strategic alignment, suggesting genuine importance and career development potential.
Watch Out
- Job description is truncated at 'Minimum 3–' without specifying the exact experience requirement (likely '3 years' but unclear).
- No mention of benefits, leave entitlement, professional development budget, or training opportunities for continued audit certification (CIA/ICAK renewal).
- No explicit mention of work location flexibility or whether this is strictly office-based in Nairobi, despite field audit responsibilities.
A Day in the Life
Your week at Rafiki typically opens with a planning session for a scheduled audit across Loans or Operations—you review prior audit findings, current regulatory guidance, and design test samples for control effectiveness. Mid-week, you conduct on-site walkthroughs with business unit heads, observe control processes, and conduct interviews to assess design maturity. Afternoons are spent drafting audit findings, documenting evidence in the audit file, and preparing preliminary conclusions. You also track implementation of prior-year recommendations across three ongoing follow-ups, and on alternate weeks, you prepare minutes from the Board Audit Committee meeting or conduct a snap unannounced check on a high-risk function. Communication with auditees and your supervisor on corrective action timelines rounds out the week.
Frequently Asked Questions
What qualifications do I need to be a Senior Officer – Internal Audit Assurance at Rafiki Microfinance Bank?
You need a minimum of 3 years of internal audit experience in a financial institution, strong control assessment skills, and excellent report-writing ability for senior audiences. Professional audit certification (CIA, ICAK, or equivalent) is expected to strengthen your candidacy.
Is the Senior Officer – Internal Audit Assurance role at Rafiki Microfinance Bank remote?
The posting lists the location as Nairobi and emphasises on-site audits and snap checks across operational units, suggesting this is primarily office-based. You should clarify remote work flexibility during the interview.
How much does a Senior Officer – Internal Audit Assurance earn at Rafiki Microfinance Bank?
The salary range is KES 80,000–150,000 per month, depending on experience, qualifications, and audit expertise. The upper end is typically reached by candidates with strong track records in banking audits and professional certifications.
What are the career growth opportunities for this role?
From this position, you can progress to Head of Internal Audit, Audit Manager, or eventually Chief Audit Executive roles at larger financial institutions or within a banking group. Rafiki's governance-focused culture also offers exposure to Board-level strategy and risk management.
Free Match Score
See how well you match this job
Upload your CV and get an instant AI score showing exactly how well your experience matches this Senior Officer – Internal Audit Assurance role. Free, takes 30 seconds.
Get My Match Score — FreeNo credit card needed
Boost your chances
AI-tailored for: Senior Officer – Internal Audit Assurance at Rafiki Microfinance Bank