VACANCY NOTICE
Applications are invited from suitably qualified persons for appointment to the post of INTERNAL AUDITOR, MINISTRY OF FINANCE, ECONOMIC GROWTH, JOB CREATION, EXTERNAL AFFAIRS AND PUBLIC SERVICE (INLAND REVENUE DEPARTMENT).
RESPONSIBILITIES AND RELATIONSHIPS
1.To develop, implement and monitor internal audit policies, programmes and plans; examine and optimize financial and risk management operations; and provide recommendations to foster establishment of and adherence to internal controls, ensure statutory compliance, and enable the achievement of the strategic objectives of the Inland Revenue Department.
2.Responds to the Permanent Secretary/Director of Finance, Deputy Comptroller Strategic Design Planning and Monitoring and Legal Officer, and liaises with the Attorney General’s Chambers, Financial Intelligence Authority, Office of the Director of Audit, heads of divisions, line agencies and other internal and external stakeholders on matters relating to work in progress.
DUTIES AND TASKS
1.Develops an annual internal audit plan by conducting risk assessments, reviewing work plans and reports and preparing relevant documentation, to permit the determination of priorities, targets, milestones and deadlines.
2.Conducts audits, in accordance with established auditing standards and guidelines, by undertaking pre-audits, reviewing reports, recorded transactions and other relevant documentation, conducting site visits, providing audit recommendations and preparing reports, to ensure compliance with legislative requirements and established standards related to tax administration.
3.Supports the formulation and implementation of control and risk management strategies, policies, plans and procedures by conducting research, analysing assessment results, consulting with stakeholders and participating in the development of the quality assurance framework and corrective action plans, to promote operational efficiency and effectiveness.
4.Supports the annual audit process by collaborating with the Office of the Director of Audit, compiling and providing information, developing interview schedules/appointments with team members and preparing relevant documentation, to facilitate reporting to Parliament, in accordance with legislative requirements.
5.Facilitates processing of contract payment and travelling allowance claims, in collaboration with the Accounts Unit, through consultation with stakeholders, validating relevant documentation and applying monitoring and evaluation frameworks, to ensure accuracy, accountability and compliance with established policies, procedures and legislative requirements.
6.Supports the formulation, implementation and monitoring of quality control measures, by conducting sport checks/site visits at sub-offices; reviewing standard operating procedures for office security protocols, tax administration systems and processes; preparing relevant documentation, and using established frameworks including internal financial and disclosure controls, to establish performance benchmark and ensure compliance with standards.
7.Participates in fraud detection and prevention initiatives, in collaboration with key stakeholders, by evaluating variances/anomalies, analysing and assessing relevant documentation and preparing reports for submission to the Financial Intelligence Authority (FIA), to enable investigations of suspicious transactions or activities, provide evidence that support the prosecution process and foster adherence to legislative requirements and established standards.
8.Establishes quality assurance standards and guidelines including monitoring mechanisms for responding to and resolving inquiries and/or complaints from internal and external customers, and ensuring the maintenance of an issues log, so that excellent service delivery and customer satisfaction are maintained.
9.Provides advice and guidance to stakeholders on matter pertaining to systematic approaches to control and risk management, governance and tax administration processes, by conducting research, reviewing relevant documentation, consulting with stakeholders and making recommendations, to aid decision making and foster compliance with laws and regulations.
10.Supports the review of relevant legislation, policies and procedures through consultation with stakeholders and making recommendations that are constitutionally sound to enable legal reform and decision making.
11.Maintains proficient records management systems, in accordance with standard operating procedures, to ensure the retention and accessibility of data that serve the information needs of stakeholders, enable reporting obligations and promote accountability and transparency.
12.Collaborates with stakeholders in the design, implementation and delivery of training exercises, workshops and educational activities targeted at communities, institutions and other relevant parties, to promote awareness in taxpayer services.
13.Establishes linkages with relevant stakeholders through collaboration and networking at the local, regional and international levels, to enable information sharing, knowledge transfer and the identification of requisite resources to fulfil the mandate of the Department.
14.Prepares status reports on work plans, in accordance with standard operating procedures, to allow for a review of set targets and objectives, facilitate decisionmaking and promote accountability.
15.Represents the Department on committees, conferences and meetings at the local, regional and international levels to articulate government’s policy position and foster networking and alliances.
16.Performs any other job-related duties as may be assigned.
CONDITIONS
1.Congenial accommodation is provided within a general administrative office.
2.Institutional support is provided through the Constitution of Saint Lucia, civil service rules and regulations, standard operating procedures, collective agreements, Estimates of Revenue and Expenditure, Income Tax Act, Stamp Duty Act, Value Added Tax (VAT), Travel Tax Act, Property Tax Ordinance, Insurance Premium Act, Land and House Tax Act, Audit Act, Finance (Administration) Act and attendant and other relevant policy documents.
3.Opportunities exist for personal development through established orientation and training programmes, as outlined in the Public Service Training and Development Policy.
4.May be required to work beyond the normal working hours.
5.Required to remain current on practices and developments in auditing and tax administration.
6.Required to demonstrate political acuity.
7.Required to maintain integrity, confidentiality, and professionalism in the conduct of duties.
8.Required to be punctual and present for work, meetings and other official appointments and activities.
9.Salary and benefits are in accordance with that stipulated in the terms and conditions of employment.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES
1.Expert knowledge of, and ability to interpret and apply auditing, government accounting and tax administration theories, standards and practices.
2.Advanced knowledge of the structure of the public service and ability to interpret and apply its administrative policies and procedures.
3.Advanced knowledge of, and ability to interpret and apply the provisions of the Constitution of Saint Lucia, civil service rules and regulations, standard operating procedures, collective agreements, Estimates of Revenue and Expenditure, Income Tax Act, Stamp Duty Act, Value Added Tax (VAT), Travel Tax Act, Property Tax Ordinance, Insurance Premium Act, Land and House Tax Act, Audit Act, Finance (Administration) Act and attendant regulations and other relevant policy documents.
4.Advanced analytical and conceptualisation skills.
5.Advanced interpersonal skills and consistently demonstrates emotional intelligence.
6.Advanced oral and written communication, listening and presentation skills.
7.Advanced negotiation and mediation skills.
8.Advanced business process management and organizational skills.
9.Advanced computer literacy skills, with the ability to manipulate software applications such as word processing, databases, spreadsheets, presentation programmes and Government’s tax administration system and receipting programme.
10.Ability to effectively develop and maintain working relationships with team members and other stakeholders.
11.Ability to manage time, meet deadlines and remain calm under pressure.
12.Ability to exercise initiative and judgement in the execution of duties.
13.Intellectually acute, visionary and innovative.
14.Ability to adapt to organisational change.
EVALUATION CRITERIA
1.Demonstrated knowledge of, and ability to interpret and apply auditing, government accounting and tax administration theories, standards and practices.
2.Demonstrated knowledge of the structure of the public service and ability to interpret and apply its administrative policies and procedures.
3.Demonstrated knowledge of, and ability to interpret and apply the provisions of the Constitution of Saint Lucia, civil service rules and regulations, standard operating procedures, collective agreements, Estimates of Revenue and Expenditure, Income Tax Act, Stamp Duty Act, Value Added Tax (VAT), Travel Tax Act, Property Tax Ordinance, Insurance Premium Act, Land and House Tax Act, Audit Act, Finance (Administration) Act and attendant regulations and other relevant policy documents.
4.Demonstrated analytical and conceptualisation skills.
5.Demonstrated interpersonal skills and emotional intelligence.
6.Demonstrated effectiveness of oral and written communication, listening and presentation skills.
7.Demonstrated negotiation and mediation skills.
8.Demonstrated business process management and organisational skills.
9.Demonstrated computer literacy skills.
10.Demonstrated ability to effectively develop and maintain working relationships with team members and other stakeholders.
11.Demonstrated ability to manage time, meet deadlines and remain calm under pressure.
12.Demonstrated ability to maintain integrity, confidentiality and professionalism in the conduct of duties.
13.Demonstrated ability to exercise initiative and judgment in the execution of duties.
14.Demonstrated intellectual acuity and ability to be a visionary and innovative.
15.Demonstrated ability to complete assignments and tasks as defined by performance targets.
16.Demonstrated political acuity.
17.Demonstrated ability to remain current on practices and developments in auditing and tax administration.
18.Demonstrated ability to prepare and submit reports that meet established standards.
19.Demonstrated ability to adapt to organisational change.
QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE
1.Master’s Degree in Accounting, Finance, Economics, Auditing, Management or related field of study; or Professional Accreditation ACCA, CGA, CPA, CIMA, ICMA or Certified Internal Auditor, plus one (1) year experience in a post of Grade 14 or above; or one (1) year relevant professional experience; OR
2.Bachelor’s Degree plus Post Graduate Diploma in Accounting, Finance, Economics, Auditing or related field of study or Professional Accreditation ACCA, CGA, CPA, CIMA, ICMA or Certified Internal Auditor, plus two (2) years’ experience in a post at Grade 14 or above; or two (2) years relevant professional experience; OR
3 Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting, Finance, Economics, Auditing, Management or related field of study or Processional Accreditation ACCA, CGA, CPA, CIMA, ICMA or Certified Internal Auditor, plus three (3) years relevant professional experience.
SALARY
Salary is at the rate of EC $75,011.86 per annum (Grade 17 Step 1).
HOW TO APPLY
Applications should be made on the prescribed Government of Saint Lucia Employment Application Form and should be accompanied by certified copies of documents pertaining to qualifications, two (2) recent references and one (1) passport sized photograph along with other specified requirements.
Applications should be addressed to:
The Secretary
Public Service Commission
Sir Stanislaus James Building
The Waterfront
Castries, St. Lucia
Applications should reach the address no later than August 20, 2021.
Only suitable candidates will be acknowledged.
Please be advised that only the candidates with the best qualifications and experience will be short listed for interviews. Therefore, candidates who meet the minimum qualifications and experience may not be considered for an interview.
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