Branch Audit Officer ( South Mindanao)

RAFI MICRO-FINANCE; Davao del Sur; On-site; PHP 420,000 - 660,000; Full time

Job summary

RAFI Micro Finance, Inc. is seeking a Branch Audit Officer to plan, execute, document and report risk-based audits across branches, including special audits. The role covers operational, financial, information systems, compliance, governance, and advisory engagements.

The candidate will identify risks, evaluate internal controls, detect irregularities, and recommend practical improvements to strengthen operational effectiveness and compliance, including follow-up actions.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in the specified fields; postgraduate degree not required.
• Academic honors are preferred but not mandatory.
• At least 3 years of relevant work experience in internal/audit functions.
• Experience in banking, microfinance, cooperatives, lending institutions, or related firms is an advantage.

Responsibilities

• Plan audit work programs with tasks, timelines, and resources.
• Conduct audit testing across operational, financial, compliance, and IT areas.
• Prepare complete audit documentation and reports; monitor progress.
• Identify risks, control weaknesses, and irregularities; perform root-cause analysis.
• Contribute to planning, exit conferences, and follow-up actions.
• Maintain records and validation of management actions.

Skills

Internal audit standards

Risk-based auditing

Data analysis

Root-cause analysis

Fraud detection

Compliance

IT risks & controls

Communication

Education

BS Accountancy

BS Management

BS Finance

BS Management Accounting

BS Accounting Technology

Tools

CAATs

Job description

The Branch Audit Officer is responsible for planning, executing, documenting, reporting, and following up on risk-based integrated audits and special audits of RAFI Micro Finance, Inc. branches.

The role covers operational, performance, financial, information systems, compliance, governance, continuous, and other assurance or consultancy engagements. The position also assists in identifying risks, evaluating internal controls, detecting irregularities, and providing practical recommendations to improve operational effectiveness and compliance.

II. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Audit Planning

• Prepare audit work programs, including tasks, timelines, and resource requirements.

• Conduct audit sampling and planning data analytics.

• Review the auditee's objectives, risks, controls, policies, and operations.

• Prepare audit document requests and engagement communications.

• Develop or contribute to audit procedures, scorecards, and checklists.

• Conduct planning and wrap-up meetings with auditees.

2. Audit Execution

• Conduct operational, financial, compliance, information systems, and other audit procedures.

• Perform testing and prepare complete audit documentation.

• Monitor audit engagement progress and update audit work programs.

• Identify potential fraud, irregularities, and internal control weaknesses.

• Conduct investigations of fraud and other irregularities when assigned.

• Consolidate audit ratings and findings.

• Participate in entrance and exit conferences.

• Ensure proper documentation and liquidation of audit-related expenses.

3. Audit Reporting

• Evaluate the sufficiency and appropriateness of audit evidence.

• Conduct root-cause analysis of audit findings.

• Develop practical recommendations addressing control deficiencies and process inefficiencies.

• Prepare and update draft audit reports.

• Participate in exit conferences at Branch, Area, and Management Committee levels.

• Provide supporting information for finalization of audit reports.

• Assist in communicating significant audit findings to management.

4. Follow-Up and Monitoring

• Maintain records of agreed management actions.

• Monitor and follow up on corrective actions.

• Respond to and verify clearance requests.

• Conduct testing to validate completion of agreed management actions.

• Conduct follow-up audits as required by the approved audit plan.

5. Risk, Internal Control, and Compliance

• Perform risk-based audits in accordance with the approved audit plan.

• Assess whether identified risks are properly treated and monitored.

• Evaluate the effectiveness and adequacy of internal controls.

• Identify and report material control deficiencies.

• Remain alert to fraud, irregularities, illegal acts, and unethical practices.

• Maintain awareness of applicable compliance and legal requirements.

6. Administrative and Team Responsibilities

• Comply with Internal Audit policies, procedures, and professional standards.

• Participate in training and professional development activities.

• Contribute to team planning and workload management.

• Maintain professional and ethical conduct.

• Support onboarding and integration of new team members when assigned.

• Participate in institutional activities and other tasks as required.

III. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education

Bachelor's degree in any of the following:

• BS Accountancy

• BS Management

• BS Finance

• BS Management Accounting

• BS Accounting Technology

A postgraduate degree is not required.

Academic honors are preferred but not mandatory.

Professional Experience

• At least 3 years of relevant work experience.

• Experience in internal audit, operational audit, compliance audit, financial audit, or related functions is preferred.

• Experience in banking, microfinance, cooperatives, lending institutions, remittance companies, auditing, accounting, or consultancy firms is an advantage.

• Experience in conducting audits across multiple branches or business units is preferred.

Professional Certification

• No professional certification is required for Branch Audits.

• CPA certification is preferred for candidates who may be assigned to Home Office Audits.

IV. TECHNICAL SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES

The successful candidate should demonstrate knowledge and/or capability in:

• Internal audit standards and methodology

• Risk-based auditing

• Internal control evaluation and testing

• Business process analysis

• Audit engagement management

• Financial and management accounting

• Data sampling and analysis

• Audit documentation and reporting

• Root-cause analysis

• Fraud detection and investigation

• Compliance and regulatory requirements

• Information technology risks and controls

• Data privacy

• Business continuity

• Computer-Aided Audit Techniques (CAATs)

• Problem-solving and analytical techniques

• Performance management and evaluation

V. INTERPERSONAL AND BEHAVIORAL COMPETENCIES

The position requires the ability to:

• Communicate clearly and effectively

• Build and maintain professional relationships

• Collaborate with different teams and stakeholders

• Manage conflicts professionally

• Influence and engage auditees

• Work independently and as part of a team

• Adapt to changing business requirements

• Demonstrate integrity, professionalism, and ethical behavior

• Manage priorities and deliver results

• Demonstrate critical and strategic thinking

• Embrace change, innovation, and continuous improvement

RAFI's behavioral competency profile also includes Growth Mindset, Self-Awareness, Motivation & Drive, Empathy, Adaptability, Trust & Collaboration, Communication & Influence, Developing Others, Valuing Culture and Diversity, Achieving Results, Leadership & Navigation, Strategic Thinking, Change Management, Innovation and Transformation, and Social Entrepreneurship.

VI. OTHER JOB REQUIREMENTS

• Preferably 25-35 years old, based on the existing JD specification.

• Open to male or female applicants.

• Preferably residing within RAFI MFI's geographical areas of operation.

• Must be willing to travel extensively to different branches and audit locations.

• Approximately 95% of the role involves branch-based audit engagements, with approximately 5% spent at the Home or Regional Office.

• Must be willing to use public transportation and stay in staff houses, lodging houses, or pension houses when required.

• Must be willing to transfer between branches and geographical areas for specific audit engagements.

• Must be able to work effectively with internal and external stakeholders.

VII. IDEAL CANDIDATE PROFILE

The ideal Branch Audit Officer is a detail-oriented, analytical, ethical, and highly mobile audit professional with at least three years of relevant experience. The candidate should be comfortable conducting field audits, analyzing financial and operational information, evaluating internal controls, identifying risks and irregularities, communicating findings to auditees and management, and developing practical recommendations.

Experience in microfinance, banking, lending, cooperative, accounting, audit, or related financial-services environments is an advantage.

The candidate must also demonstrate strong integrity, communication, collaboration, problem-solving, adaptability, and commitment to professional audit standards.

VIII. KEY SUCCESS INDICATORS

Success in the role may be demonstrated through the employee's ability to:

1. Complete audit engagements according to approved plans and timelines.

2. Produce accurate, sufficient, and well-documented audit evidence.

3. Identify material risks, control weaknesses, and irregularities.

4. Develop practical and actionable audit recommendations.

5. Communicate audit findings effectively to auditees and management.

6. Maintain proper follow-up and verification of agreed management actions.

7. Consistently comply with audit methodology, policies, ethical standards, and professional requirements.

8. Maintain objectivity, independence, and professional judgment throughout audit engagements.