The Chief Assurance Officer will be responsible for developing, implementing, and overseeing the organization’s comprehensive compliance programs across finance, operations, IT governance, risk assessment, and quality assurance. This role ensures adherence to regulatory standards, enhances operational efficiency and quality, and fosters a culture of ethical behavior and continuous improvement. The ideal candidate will possess strong leadership skills, a deep understanding of regulatory frameworks, and the ability to drive cross-functional collaboration to achieve organizational excellence.
Compliance Management:
Ensure compliance with all financial regulations, standards, and reporting requirements, including tax laws, anti-money laundering (AML), and anti-bribery policies.
Conduct internal audits to verify financial integrity and adherence to accounting standards (e.g., IFRS, GAAP).
Develop and implement policies and procedures to mitigate financial risks and ensure regulatory compliance.
Oversee operational processes to ensure alignment with regulatory and internal standards.
Identify and address compliance risks within supply chain, production, and distribution activities.
Develop and enforce standard operating procedures (SOPs) for critical operational processes.
Operational Efficiency and Quality Assurance:
Drive operational efficiency by analyzing workflows, identifying bottlenecks, and implementing process improvements.
Monitor and enhance the quality of operations to ensure products and services meet or exceed customer and regulatory standards.
Collaborate with cross-functional teams to implement corrective actions for non-compliance or inefficiencies.
Establish and track key performance indicators (KPIs) for operational performance and quality improvement.
IT Governance:
Establish and maintain IT governance frameworks to ensure security, reliability, and compliance with data protection regulations.
Monitor IT systems to prevent unauthorized access, data breaches, and cybersecurity threats.
Collaborate with IT teams to ensure compliance with software licensing and technology usage policies.
Conduct regular audits and assessments of IT infrastructure to identify and address compliance gaps.
Risk Assessment and Management:
Lead enterprise risk management (ERM) initiatives to identify, assess, and mitigate risks across all business functions.
Develop and maintain risk registers, ensuring they are regularly reviewed and updated.
Conduct training and workshops to enhance risk awareness and promote mitigation strategies.
Oversee crisis management planning and response activities to ensure organizational resilience.
Quality Assurance (QA):
Develop and implement quality assurance programs to meet industry and organizational standards.
Conduct regular audits and inspections to ensure product and service quality.
Establish and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) for QA to track performance trends.
Work with stakeholders to address customer complaints and implement corrective actions.
Leadership and Strategic Responsibilities:
Build and lead a high-performing compliance and risk management team.
Promote a culture of accountability, transparency, and ethical behavior across the organization.
Provide regular compliance updates and reports to the executive team and board of directors.
Stay abreast of regulatory changes and industry best practices to ensure the organization remains compliant and competitive.
Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Finance, Business Administration, Operations Management, or a related field.
Professional certifications such as CPA (Certified Public Accountant), CIA (Certified Internal Auditor), CISA (Certified Information Systems Auditor), CFE (Certified Fraud Examiner), or Six Sigma are highly desirable.
Minimum of 10 years of experience in compliance, governance, risk management, or related fields, with at least 5 years in a leadership role.
Proven expertise in finance compliance, operational efficiency, IT governance, and risk assessment.
Strong knowledge of financial regulations (e.g., IFRS, GAAP), operational efficiency methodologies (e.g., Lean, Six Sigma), IT governance frameworks (e.g., COBIT, ISO 27001), and risk management strategies.
Proficiency in quality management tools and process improvement methodologies to drive operational excellence.
Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills, with the ability to navigate complex regulatory and operational challenges.
Strong leadership and interpersonal skills, with a demonstrated ability to influence, inspire, and collaborate effectively across cross-functional teams.
Exceptional communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to articulate complex compliance and risk-related issues to diverse stakeholders, including executive leadership and board members.