Principal Auditor

Warehouse Receipt System Council is seeking an experienced and highly analytical Principal Auditor to provide strategic leadership in internal audit, risk management, compliance oversight, and institutional accountability. This position is ideal for professionals pursuing auditing job opportunities at WRSC, internal audit careers in Kenya, and senior-level audit and compliance roles within public sector regulatory institutions. The role plays a vital function in strengthening governance, enhancing operational controls, and ensuring proper stewardship of public resources.

Key Job Information

• Position: Principal Auditor
• Job Grade: WRSC 5
• Location: Nairobi, Kenya
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Experience Level: Senior-level
• Application Deadline: 15th December 2025, 1700hrs EAT

About Warehouse Receipt System Council (WRSC)

The Warehouse Receipt System Council (WRSC) is a State Corporation established under the Warehouse Receipt System Act No. 8 of 2019. As the national regulator for the Warehouse Receipt System, WRSC oversees the storage, documentation, and financial integration of agricultural commodities across the country. Through robust standards, accreditation processes, and oversight mechanisms, the Council ensures market transparency, quality assurance, and improved access to structured trade and agricultural finance.

WRSC plays a central role in enabling secure and efficient commodity markets by regulating warehouse operators, maintaining a central registry for warehouse receipts, and safeguarding the credibility of agricultural value chains. The Council promotes a culture driven by ethics, accountability, innovation, and strong internal controls—ensuring that public resources are protected and that regulatory operations meet the highest standards of governance.

Joining WRSC offers professionals exposure to national-level audit frameworks, opportunities for continuous skill development, and a collaborative environment aligned with Kenya’s agricultural transformation and institutional strengthening priorities.

Job Description

The Principal Auditor will lead the Internal Audit function in planning, executing, and reviewing audit assignments across all WRSC departments and operational areas. The officer will ensure that internal controls, risk management frameworks, financial systems, and operational processes comply with statutory requirements, internal policies, and regulatory standards.

In this senior role, the officer will oversee the development of audit plans, guide audit teams, evaluate audit evidence, and prepare comprehensive audit reports that support informed decision-making at management and Council levels. The position requires strong expertise in risk assessment, financial audits, systems audits, compliance evaluations, fraud risk management, and process optimization.

Professionals exploring senior internal audit jobs in Kenya or Principal Auditor vacancies will find this role well-aligned with strategic oversight responsibilities, advisory functions, and leadership in institutional control systems.

Key Responsibilities

I. Audit Planning and Execution

• Undertaking audit assignments and preparing detailed audit observations and reports.
• Conducting institutional risk evaluation and efficiency audits across departmental operations.
• Carrying out both financial and systems audits to ensure compliance and effectiveness of internal controls.
• Leading audit teams in implementing audit work plans and providing professional supervision during fieldwork.
• Executing audit fieldwork strategies and ensuring high-quality audit procedures.
• Examining vouchers, cashbooks, ledgers, and related financial documents to verify propriety and transactional accuracy.
• Verifying utilization of Council resources to ensure accountability and adherence to internal and regulatory requirements.
• Auditing institutional systems, processes, policies, and operational frameworks.
• Evaluating, analyzing, and documenting audit evidence for reliability and completeness.

II. Risk & Compliance Management

• Carrying out risk assessment and implementing risk management guidelines.
• Coordinating risk assessment, corruption prevention, and anti-corruption awareness initiatives.
• Conducting audit investigations and special reviews where necessary.
• Performing audit follow-ups on implementation of recommendations and preparing related status reports.

III. Support & Documentation

• Providing support in developing, reviewing, and updating the internal audit manual.
• Carrying out audit inspections of Council records, returns, and performance indicators.
• Collecting and verifying data on periodical financial returns, expenditure, and budget estimates.
• Preparing departmental audit operational plans aligned with institutional goals.

Required Qualifications

• Cumulative experience of nine (9) years, with at least three (3) years served at the level of Senior Auditor or an equivalent position in a comparable organization.
• Bachelor’s degree in Commerce (Accounting/Finance option), Economics, Business Administration (Accounting/Finance option), or an equivalent qualification from a recognized institution.
• Professional certification including CPA (K), ACCA Part III, or a recognized equivalent.
• Membership in good standing with at least one professional body: Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA), Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Kenya (ICPAK), or Information Systems Audit and Control Association (ISACA).
• Certificate in Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) from KASNEB.
• Certificate in Management from a recognized institution.
• Proficiency in computer applications relevant to audit and financial analysis.
• Demonstrated merit, performance excellence, and ability in previous audit roles.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience leading audit teams in public sector organizations.
• Knowledge of enterprise risk management frameworks and internal control systems.
• Strong analytical skills in fraud detection, systems auditing, and compliance monitoring.
• Experience with audit software tools and digital audit methodologies.

Benefits and Compensation

WRSC offers competitive remuneration aligned with public sector standards. Employees benefit from continuous professional development, exposure to national-level audit frameworks, leadership growth opportunities, and a work environment built on ethics, transparency, and accountability.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should apply using the Apply Now button below. Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.