Digital & Financial Services Audit Manager (Internal /External)

The Digital & Financial Services Audit Manager will lead independent audits and provide assurance for Safaricom Ethiopia's DFS operations, ensuring robust governance and compliance in a regulated environment.

At Safaricom Ethiopia, we are a purpose-led technology company dedicated to transforming lives through digital connectivity and inclusive financial services. In under four years, we have grown to serve over 10 million customers, with our network now reaching 55% of Ethiopia’s population – a testament to our bold vision and trusted partnerships.

Guided by core values such as customer obsession, innovation, integrity, and get it done together, we are building a workplace that is dynamic, inclusive, and empowering. We believe our greatest strength lies in our people. That’s why, for two consecutive years, we have proudly get earned the Top Employer Award – in recognition for our unwavering commitment to fostering a supportive, innovative, and inclusive environment to people.

Join Safaricom Ethiopia and be part of a team that is shaping the digital future of Ethiopia. Here, your work has meaning, your voice matters, and your growth is our priority. Together, we are transforming lives for a digital future.

Role purpose: The Digital & Financial Services Audit Manager will provide independent assurance and advisory over Safaricom Ethiopia’s Digital and Financial Services (DFS) operations, including M-PESA, fintech partnerships, payment ecosystems, and enabling IT systems. The role exists to identify and assess risks, influence internal controls transformation, and ensure robust governance, compliance, and customer trust in a highly regulated and data-intensive environment. By leading risk-based audits, deploying data analytics and technology-enabled assurance approaches, and providing timely insights to management, the role will safeguard organizational value, enable sustainable business growth, and serve as a strategic partner in navigating emerging risks, technology, innovation and regulatory change.

Key accountabilities and decision ownership

• Assess the risks inherent in the Digital & Financial services operations (DFS) and draft the annual Audit Plan for the Commercial Audit domain for the EHOD review.
• Lead and execute risk-based audits covering Digital and Financial Services, including fintech partnerships, M-PESA, payment ecosystems, and enabling IT systems.
• Deploy technology-enabled audit approaches (data analytics, continuous monitoring, automation and AI) to deliver deeper insights.
• Influence internal controls transformation for the business through the implementation of robust governance, risk management, and internal controls.
• Conduct data heavy reviews around the Commercial space and Revenue Assurance to provide assurance on the adequacy of controls to mitigate and/or manage the organization risk to acceptable levels.
• Assess the effectiveness of control areas such DFS strategy, systems, Products, go to market brand assets management, channels management and customer experience.
• Providing independent project assurance for different projects.
• Prepare deliverables/reports for EHOD that include insights into thematic issues, trends and best practices.
• Follow up audit recommendations and validate the implementation of resolution actions.
• Manage assignment level quality requirements in all audit work in conformance to internal policies and audit standards.
• Manage all Audit clients and stakeholders effectively and drive advocacy of systems controls at all hierarchies.
• Submit DFS Audit domain input into the Board Audit and Risk Committee and EXCO pack as required.
• Provide practical and cost-effective advice to management on designing, implementing and enhancing internal controls.
• Track implementation status of audit recommendations. Maintain partnership with clients to ensure that all audit issues are resolved within defined timelines.
• Development and implementation of the Continuous Auditing and Monitoring Program around key areas of concern / exposure.
• Serve as a subject matter expert on fintech audit matters, offering insights and Track and monitor the implementation of audit recommendations, ensuring timely completion of corrective actions by relevant stakeholders.
• Stay updated on trends in fintech, digital banking, cybersecurity, and regulatory developments, incorporating emerging risks and best practices into audit programs.
• Pursue relevant certifications, training, and professional development opportunities to enhance audit expertise within the fintech space.

Core competencies, knowledge and experience

Business Competencies

• 6–8 years of audit experience in Telecommunications, Banking , or Technology sectors, with strong exposure to data-intensive controls and project assurance. Experience gained in a reputable professional audit firm serving multiple key clients, or within a well-established internal audit function.
• Proficiency in data analytics and technology-enabled auditing for large-volume transactional environments. Proven Capability in using analytics tools like IDEA and/or Python in analytics.
• Experience leading by leverage internal controls as a business enabler and as a catalyst for business efficiency, compliance, and sustainable business growth.
• Proficiency in automated controls implementation .
• Experience in conducting IT audits and risk assessments.
• Visualization – Ability to interpret complex datasets, apply analytics, and present insights in a clear and actionable manner.
• Risk Assessment & Mitigation – Skilled in identifying, evaluating, and mitigating risks across digital and financial services operations.
• Experience in successfully delivering audit engagements and strategic projects assurance.
• Regulatory Compliance – Strong understanding of financial services regulations, AML/CFT, data protection, and consumer protection requirements.
• Cybersecurity Awareness – Knowledge of cyber risks affecting DFS platforms, payment systems, and customer data, with focus on control effectiveness.
• Financial Analysis – Proficient in evaluating financial data, transaction flows, and revenue processes to identify anomalies and control gaps.
• Process Improvement – Capable of assessing end-to-end processes and recommending practical, value-adding improvements in efficiency, governance, and controls.

Creativity and Innovation

• Understands the business model (telco + DFS/fintech),
• Thinks commercially, and
• Applies creativity to solve problems, innovate audits, and add value.

Business Know how

• Good knowledge of key applications supporting core business processes.
• Ability to connect audit insights with business strategy , ensuring recommendations drive both compliance and commercial value.
• Demonstrated skill in designing innovative audit approaches (e.g., data-driven audits, continuous monitoring, agile auditing) to address evolving risks in digital and financial services.
• Strong business acumen with an understanding of telecoms, mobile money, fintech ecosystems, and customer behavior , enabling well-rounded risk assessments.
• Capacity to anticipate emerging risks and market trends (e.g., cyber threats, regulatory changes, product innovations) and translate them into proactive audit coverage.
• Creative problem-solving mindset to propose practical, cost-effective process improvements while maintaining robust control environments.
• Ability to balance assurance and advisory roles , influencing business leaders with commercially sound recommendations.

Working with Change

• Ability to adapt quickly to evolving business models, technologies, and regulatory requirements in the digital and financial services ecosystem.
• Proven track record of navigating transformation environments , including new product launches, fintech partnerships, system migrations, and process redesigns.
• Resilience and flexibility to manage shifting priorities while maintaining high standards of audit quality and independence.
• Skill in guiding teams and stakeholders through change , fostering buy-in for control improvements and new ways of working.
• Forward-looking mindset to anticipate emerging risks and adjust audit plans, methodologies, and recommendations accordingly.

Project and Program Management

• Strong ability to plan, scope, and deliver multiple audits and assurance reviews within agreed timelines, budgets, and quality standards.
• Experience in coordinating cross-functional projects , ensuring alignment with business priorities and risk coverage.
• Skilled in program-level oversight , including monitoring progress of management action plans and tracking closure of high-risk issues.
• Ability to assess risks and controls in strategic programs and change initiatives (e.g., system implementations, product rollouts, fintech partnerships) and provide timely advisory input.
• Competence in using project management methodologies and tools (e.g., Agile, Prince2, MS Project, or equivalent) to enhance audit delivery and stakeholder engagement.
• Proven capability to manage dependencies, risks, and resources across concurrent projects, ensuring audit recommendations translate into sustainable business improvements.

Functional Competencies

• Excellent documentation, communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Key performance indicator

• Timely audit reports per audit plan
• Internal Audit score >75%
• Audit Quality rating > 90%

Must have technical / professional qualifications

• Upper second-class degree in Technology or Business-related courses from a recognized University.
• Professional qualifications such as CIA, CISA, CPA, ACCA, CRISC, or equivalent strongly preferred.

Desired

CIDA

Eligibility Criteria

• Must have assumed current Safaricom role for a minimum of 12 months period.
• Employees must complete all assigned training courses to be considered for promotion.
• Employees are strongly advised to discuss their career aspirations with their line managers when they apply for vacant jobs.
• Candidates are eligible to apply for roles at the same level ( possible lateral move to another functions. ) or one level higher (next higher immediate level)
• Please be aware that promotions (band increments) may lead to changes in financial rewards. However, lateral moves only result in changes to job title and reporting lines.
• For Regional roles, knowledge of the Region local language is essential.

How to Apply. I f you feel that you are up to the challenge and possess the necessary qualification and experience, kindly proceed to create/ update your candidate profile on the recruitment portal and then Click on the apply button . Remember to attach your resume.