Internal Control Lead

Internal Control Lead
Location: Abraham Adesanya, Ajah, Lagos State
Employment Type: Full-Time
Industry: Pharmaceuticals / Retail Pharmacy
Reports To: Managing Director (MD)
Experience Level: Minimum of 5 Years Relevant Experience

Salary Range: ₦250,000 – ₦300,000 Monthly
Includes performance-based incentives and travel allowances.

Job Summary

The Internal Control Lead will be responsible for establishing and enforcing a robust internal control framework to safeguard company assets, ensure regulatory compliance, and drive operational integrity across all locations.

This role requires a highly disciplined and assertive professional with a zero-tolerance approach to fraud, wastage, and non-compliance. The successful candidate will lead internal audit processes, strengthen control systems, and oversee compliance across the Ajah flagship outlet and branch locations, particularly within Eastern Nigeria.

Key Responsibilities

1. Internal Control & Compliance Management

• Develop, implement, and continuously improve internal control policies and procedures across the organization.
• Ensure full compliance with regulatory standards including NAFDAC, PCN, and other relevant authorities.
• Conduct scheduled and unannounced internal control audits to identify risks, control gaps, and inefficiencies.
• Investigate fraud, theft, pilferage, and operational irregularities, and provide actionable recommendations to Management.

2. Audit & Risk Management

• Lead periodic internal audits across all branches with a focus on financial, operational, and inventory controls.
• Perform risk assessments and implement mitigation strategies to minimize exposure.
• Monitor adherence to standard operating procedures (SOPs) and internal policies.
• Ensure timely closure of audit findings and track remediation efforts.

3. Inventory & Operational Control

• Oversee inventory control processes, ensuring strict adherence to FEFO (First Expired, First Out) principles.
• Conduct stock verification exercises and reconcile physical counts with system records.
• Monitor stock movement, shrinkage, and wastage, ensuring accountability at all levels.
• Supervise control processes at the Ajah outlet to enforce discipline and operational efficiency.

4. Regional Oversight & Field Audits

• Conduct routine and unscheduled inspections across branch locations in Eastern Nigeria.
• Evaluate branch-level compliance with internal controls, financial processes, and operational standards.
• Ensure consistency in control implementation across all business units.

5. Reporting & Documentation

• Prepare detailed internal control and audit reports, highlighting risks, findings, and corrective actions.
• Maintain accurate records of audit activities, compliance checks, and incident investigations.
• Provide periodic reports to Management on control effectiveness and risk exposure.

Qualifications & Requirements

• Education: Bachelor's Degree in Pharmacy, Accounting, Finance, Biochemistry, or a related discipline.
• Experience: Minimum of 5 years' experience in internal control, audit, or quality control within pharmaceutical retail or FMCG.
• Travel Requirement: Willingness to travel frequently across Eastern Nigeria on short notice.
• Technical Skills: Proficiency in inventory management systems and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Professional Certifications: ICAN, ACCA, or related certification is an added advantage.
• Personal Attributes: High integrity, strong analytical mindset, assertiveness, attention to detail, and ability to enforce compliance.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Maintain <1% inventory variance between physical stock and system records.
• Achieve zero tolerance for fraud, pilferage, and control breaches.
• Ensure 100% resolution of audit findings within defined timelines.
• Reduce operational losses and wastage across all branches.
• Ensure full compliance with regulatory and internal control standards.

Core Competencies

• Internal Control & Risk Management
• Fraud Detection & Investigation
• Regulatory Compliance & Audit
• Inventory & Operations Oversight
• Leadership & Stakeholder Management
• Assertive Communication & Reporting

How to Apply

Interested and qualified candidates should send their CV to:
hiring@mysigma.io

Subject Line: Internal Control Lead – Ajah