Senior Internal Auditor

MAIN PURPOSE

Richemont Internal Audit is a Group function reporting to the Audit Committee of Compagnie Financière Richemont (CFR). Its overall mission is to provide the Audit Committee and Management independent assurance that risks are promptly identified and adequately managed, with the aim to improve the organisation’s activities, to protect shareholder value and to ensure the safeguard of Richemont assets and reputation in response to evolving environmental, social and governance (ESG) risks. The scope of audit activity includes the operations of CFR, and all Group operating entities.

The department uses a risk register derived from and supporting the overall Group Enterprise Risk Management concept to conduct its engagements in the following fields: 

•    Risk assessments & Business Processes Audits (mainly Maisons and distribution entities)
•    Transversal Process and Regulatory Compliance Audits
•    Local Effectiveness Testing Activity & Special Investigations

The position of Senior Internal Auditor is open in Hong Kong for the APAC Region. It will join an Internal Audit Manager the same office. 

As the relay of a globally operating team, the Senior Internal Auditor will be the audit point of reference for China and Regional Senior Management. Acting as 3rd line of defence, the role will ensure that effective controls are in place and will support the increased need for compliance to local laws and anti-fraud measures.

This job ideally will suit a proactive, empathic, and culturally versatile person, able to work in a team with colleagues from around the World. Key responsibilities are detailed below.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES: 

LOCAL EFFECTIVENESS TESTING ACTIVITY & FRAUD MANAGEMENT

Ensure that Internal Control levels in the regional entities are adequate, effective, and compliant with Richemont’s framework and applicable local regulations.
•    Develop close but independent working relationships with management at all levels to ensure open communication and regional risk consultation support.
•    Regularly meet with local Maison teams and Regional Functions such as Retail, Logistics, Finance Back Office, Internal Controls, Security, HR and Legal to keep the internal audit department up to date on emerging compliance topics.
•    As the 3rd line of defence, and by leveraging on data analysis tools available, schedule and perform substantive testing in the markets to ensure adequate control effectiveness and sustained compliance. Synthesize observations and recommendations in both, factual reports addressed to Group headquarter and/or Regional Management. Monitor the resolution of issues and analyze remaining deficiencies or net risks.
•    Support the Maisons and Richemont Functions with advice through participation in control related projects such as anti-fraud workshops.
•    Stay abreast of fraud schemes that could be relevant to the business and participate in fraud investigations.

TRANSVERSAL PROCESS AND REGULATORY COMPLIANCE AUDITS

Assess and evaluate, from an operational and documentary perspective, the business risk intrinsic to transversal processes and, where applicable, the regulatory compliance framework.
•    Conduct independent assessment of the process set-up throughout multiple Maisons and Regional Functions.
•    Ascertain that the underlying processes have a transversal control owner, a global reach and coordination.
•    Identify, analyse, and report on the applicable compliance aspects and assess the effectiveness of the related Group regulatory and control framework in place.

RISK ASSESSMENTS & BUSINESS PROCESS AUDITS

Become a referent in terms of controls also on worldwide internal audit assignments in Maisons, Regions and through project activities as per the audit plan approved by the Audit Committee.
•    Conduct independent financial and operational audits in accordance with the global plan approved by the Audit Committee.
•    Identify, analyse, and report on business risks, process, and control weaknesses, provide sound recommendations for solutions, and follow up on corrective measures.

PROFILE

Requirements 
•    6-8 years of audit or other relevant business experience
•    Good understanding of retail luxury industry, logistics & distribution
•    Experience in China market. Knowledge of APAC region as a plus
•    Experience in fraud investigations 
•    Strong leadership and networking skills
•    Proactive, empathic, and culturally versatile team player
•    Excellent presentation, written and oral communication skills
•    Competencies in data analytics, data extraction, and data visualisation tools (ACL, Power BI). Functional and technical knowledge of SAP (FI, MM, SD) is a plus
•    Fluent in Mandarin and English; French language is a plus
•    Bachelors or higher degree in Business. CIA, CISA, ACFE certifications are a plus
•    Flexibility: willing to travel between 35 - 40% of the time

CAREER PATH AND PERSPECTIVES

The career path within RIA relies upon the skills, motivation, and performance as well as a predefined internal career plan, including promotions to Internal Audit Manager or a Business Risk Auditing career path. Audit Management will closely accompany the internal auditor in this journey, allowing the person to familiarise with the various businesses and processes in the Richemont Group.

The fast-paced and supportive environment at RIA will offer the candidate never ending opportunities for development on the job, but also within the team retreats or external training. These benefits for the future career will then serve as a steppingstone and facilitate a management career within Maisons, Regional operations, or other functions in the Group.