Management Resources Manager

ODALA KEITH KHOLOWA

PERSONAL INFORMATION

Gender: Male Nationality: Malawian

Languages: English and Mandarin Email: *********@*****.*** Phone: +265-********* Skype: live.okholowa

PERSONAL STATEMENT

A proven leader in the Internal Audit industry with extensive expertise in financial and operational audits. Skilled in evaluation of system of governance, risk management and internal controls to ensure financial and operational integrity and compliance. I am seeking a challenging opportunity to lead in business process reviews, risk assessment of key business activities and processes to provide valuable solutions to meeting organizational goals and promoting optimum company practices.

KEY ACHIEVEMENTS

Participated in review of system development life cycle (SDLC) which ensured effective control features were included in the design of the systems.

Saved the Company in annual external audit billable hours by assisting the external auditors in preliminary and year end field work

Developed and updated the Internal Audit department's policies and procedure manual

Reduced annual operating expenses as a result of planning and conducting an audit review of company-wide common area maintenance expenses. KEY SKILLS

SPECIAL SKILLS

• Execution – Ensure timely completion of audit projects.

• Leadership – Mentored/coached personnel, many without internal audit skills.

• Reporting – Including internal control improvements, compliance and cost savings.

• Organizing – Strong time management and creative problem-solving ability.

Skilled in analyzing financial statements and reports

Working knowledge of SOX, ACL and other financial audit tools

Proficient written and verbal communicator

Excellent persuasion, cooperation and collaboration skills

A critical thinker in approach to work

Detail oriented and the ability to prioritize

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Internal Audit Supervisor – 2012 to date

MALAWI REVENUNE AUTHORITY

Performed risk assessment on key business activities and processes to identify and evaluate the organization’s audit risk areas for improvement and inputting in the development of the annual internal audit plan

DUTIES:

Performs risk assessment, develop engagement objectives, audit scope, audit program and time budgets that forms a key part in audit planning.

Conducts entrance conferences, review documents and working manuals and business procedures manual.

Performs financial, compliance, operational and information technology audits in accordance with the International Standards for the Professional Practice of Internal Auditing

Performs reviews on governance, risk management and internal control processes in order to provide reasonable assurance to management on their effectiveness.

Performs substantive test procedures on all sections of financial statements that helps to identify audit and business risk areas

Review work papers and management letter points that feed into the final report.

Drafts internal audit reports and other communications and coordinates with management to obtain their response to the audit recommendations

Communicate audit findings that includes recommendations for improvement to management and the board of directors

Provide training, coaching and guidance to internal audit staff in conducting audit and audit related assignments that will add value

Participates in continuous internal self-assessment and quality assurance reviews.

Participates in preparing the annual Risk-Based Audit Plan and development of internal audit procedures/practices.

Senior Internal Auditor – 2009 to 2011

SUNBIRD TOURISM PLC - MALAWI

Planned and led audits, performed risk analysis and assessment, directed audit team of audit steps (COSO-based), wrote audit reports including remediation plans. DUTIES:

Perform risk-focused audits in accordance with Internal Audit Review policies, practices and standards that resulted in value addition and improve organizational operations.

Testing of key internal controls and protocols that aimed to determine whether the controls are operating effectively and identify significant control weaknesses for further recommendation for improvement.

Testing client compliance and adherence with social and legal requirements in areas including the Company’s Act, Taxation Act, Employment Act, Environmental Act and Health and Safety Act in order to provide recommendations for improvements.

Documents audit findings and test results, exercising judgment to analyze results in preparing working papers which record and summarize audit data and adequately support audit findings and conclusions.

Communicates audit results and provides specialized business advice to Business Unit Management such as policy and process recommendations and best practices; on occasion may escalate audit concerns to Internal Audit Management to ensure high risk issues are resolved.

Liaises with internal and external stakeholders including Internal Audit staff, auditors of parent companies and clients to maintain effective communication and support the ongoing mitigation of any audit risks and areas of exposure.

Manages small audits and provides direction and advise to Auditors to ensure recommendations are relevant and comprehensive, and enhance internal controls or operational efficiency for situations where exceptions are identified through testing. Senior Internal Auditor, Operational Risk Management – 2008 to 2009 NATIONAL AIDS COMMISSION - MALAWI

Led efforts to develop audit steps and methodologies. Served as an integral member of a new department that provided co-sourcing and outsourcing services for internal audit functions. Coached team members to deliver results within budget. DUTIES:

Applies in-depth level of expertise that aims to improve operational efficiency in one or more of the commission's businesses and leverages this knowledge into a leadership role in one or more teams

Participates in major business initiatives and pro-actively advises and assists the business on change initiatives that resulted in improved organizational growth and profitability

Serves as lead reviewer for all types of reviews that aimed to improve the operational effectiveness.

Demonstrates strong judgment, political astuteness, and sensitivity to cultural diversity

Develop, own and manage internal audit management reporting for the subject areas for external and internal stakeholders; and

Provide requested information to regulators and work to assess and validate examiner findings aimed at providing advice and insight to management

Performing both quantitative and qualitative analysis within Operational Risk that assist management in decision making

Performing risk assessments at the audit entity and process level to identify and evaluate the organization’s audit risk areas and provides insight and advice to management.

Lead in the development of continuous risk monitoring process relative to the subject areas to help in mitigating risk exposures.

Developing and documenting audit findings for inclusion in the Audit Report and presenting/communicating observations to line management for decision making

Mentoring junior audit staff, seeking to develop their expertise in Liquidity Risk Management and Funding, and reviewing work papers to ensure better performance of audit engagements.

Holding follow-up meetings with Treasury management and Regulators concerning open audit issues and regulatory findings to establish if recommended action plans have been implemented.

Senior Internal Auditor – 2007 to 2008

AUDIT CONSULTS

DUTIES:

Reviewing and documenting financial statements

Planning financial audits and monitoring the progress of audit work

Considering the organization's policies, structure, mission, and internal controls when performing audit

Evaluating financial processes practiced by the company

Verifying company's assets and liabilities by analyzing and comparing necessary documents

Providing regular updates of the audit process and presenting results to the management

Conduct entrance conference at the beginning of each audit assignment.

Risk assessment and preparation of audit work program.

Preparation of Survey Work Papers that includes process procedures

Conducting regular on-site and investigative audits

Conducting pre-audits of specific transactions, contracts and such other commitments

Liaising with external auditors in planning and executing their statutory audits. EDUCATION

ACADEMIC

Master’s Degree in International Business – Jiangxi University of Finance and Economics Bachelors Degree of Accountancy – University of Malawi, Polytechnic PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATION

Pursuing CIA Part 1 and 2 – Institute of Internal Auditors PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIP

Diplomate member of Institute of Chartered Accountants in Malawi (ICAM) Member of the Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA Malawi Chapter) TRAINIINGS

Financial Modeling: Practical Budgeting and Forecasting – Financial Training Institute ( FTi) Business Proposal Writing – Business Consult Africa Internal Audit, Governance and Oversight – PAN African Training COMPUTER SKILLS

Proficient in the following computer applications: Microsoft PowerPoint, Word and Excel

SAP – Controlling, Funds Management & Financial Accounting Sage Line 50 & 100 Financial Controller

Including email and internet systems

REFEREES

Mr. Elton Msapato Mrs. Angelline Kwanjana

Head of Internal Audit Head of Institute of Training Malawi Revenue Authority Malawi Revenue Authority

Cell: +265-***-***-*** Cell: +265-***-***-***

Email: ********@***.** Email: *********@***.**

Mrs. Sara Muskambo Jere

Human Resources Manager

Malawi Revenue Authority

Cell: +265-***-***-***

Email: *********@***.**

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