Corporate Director – Group Internal Audit (GIA)

IHCL and its subsidiaries bring together a group of brands and businesses that offer a fusion of warm hospitality and world-class service. These include Taj – the iconic brand for the most discerning travellers, and ranked as ‘World’s Strongest Hotel Brand’ and ‘India’s Strongest Brand’ across sectors as per Brand Finance Hotels 50 and India 100 reports 2024 respectively; SeleQtions, a named collection of handpicked, storied hotels; Vivanta, a chain of contemporary upscale hotels that celebrate joie de vivre; Ginger, a brand that is revolutionizing the lean-luxe segment, and amã Stays & Trails, a charming portfolio of private bungalows and villas set in picturesque locales. Along with our varied and latest offerings like Gateway, The Claridges Collection, Tree of Life, The Clarks Hotels and Resorts and TajSATs, IHCL has evolved from a Branded House to a House of Brands, offering a diverse portfolio across luxury, upscale, lean luxe, and homestay segments.

Location: Mumbai

Function: Group Internal Audit

Reports to: AVP / VP – Group Internal Audit

Governance related Criticality of the Function:

• Section 138 of the Companies Act 2013 specifies that Internal Auditor should either be a chartered accountant or a cost accountant, or such other professional as may be decided by the board to conduct Internal Audit of functions and activities of the company.
• Section 143(11) of the Companies Act 2013 requires that the auditor’s report of certain class of companies should include a statement on certain prescribed matters. The Companies (Auditor’s Report) Order (CARO) should include statement whether the company has an internal control system commensurate with size and nature of its business.

Purpose / Significance:

Responsible for providing assurance to GIA and through him/her to the Board / Management of IHCL and its Group entities that effective controls exist to maintain process integrity; measures and reporting are accurate and reliable; and compliance with policies and regulations is ensured.

Contribution to the overall mission / objective of the organization:

• Strategy & Business Partnering
• Customer Satisfaction
• Add value to the growth vision of the organisation
• Organizing & Continuous professional development

Profile:

• Independent, objective assurance and auditing profile, designed to add value & improve the organization's operations.
• Providing guidance and help the Internal Audit functions in the conduct of audit engagement as per the defined audit plan and ensure assessment & review of internal controls, systems & procedures.

The incumbent’s reporting hierarchy ensures the IA team’s independence and conducts independent appraisal activities.

Key Performance Areas:

1. Providing Assurance (35%)

Helping GIA in setting up the Annual Internal Audit Plan on its timely completion and as per the desired quality standards of Company & IIA.

This covers the review of identified process and sub processes at various Properties and/or corporate level.

Major Activities:

• Conducting IA Risk Assessment for defining the IA Plan
• Finalize the Annual IA Plan in consultation with GIA and as per IA methodology & Audit Committee (AC) guidelines
• Execution of risk-based audit projects on the basis as defined under Annual IA Plan
• Ensure timely reporting of key findings
• Issue Flash / management reports on high risk / red flag exceptions

Key Performance Indicators:

• Approved IA plan by Audit Committee
• Timely completion of field work and adherence to audit cycle timelines
• Audits conducted as per IA methodology & AC guidelines
• Submission of implementation tracker
• Identification of potential business value addition areas

2. IT Audit (15%)

Encompasses review and evaluation of automated information processing systems.

Major Activities:

• System control risk assessment
• Review IT organization / architecture, IT control environment, policies & procedures
• ITGC testing
• Interface testing
• IT systems application control testing
• Cyber security review
• Cyber security testing (with HSSA)
• Real-time data analysis

KPIs:

• Quality output
• Accuracy of IT risk identification and timely reporting

3. Use of Data Analytics (10%)

Optimum utilization of available tools for data analysis and audit scoping.

Major Activities:

• Ensure use of in-house tools available within IHCL
• Ideation for data analytics script writing
• Real-time analytics for early warning to management

KPIs:

• Maximized use of data analytics to optimize IA resources

4. Reporting & MIS (5%)

Major Activities:

• Submission of quarterly and annual reports to GIA
• Exception reporting as per IA methodology templates

KPIs:

• No delay and adverse comments

5. Follow-up (15%)

Major Activities:

• Conduct follow-up reviews
• Ensure compliance of agreed actions
• Support management in implementation

KPIs:

• Timely completion and reporting to management / Audit Committee

6. Strategy & Business Partnering (10%)

Major Activities:

• Benchmarking of key processes
• Helping management implement best practices
• Identification of cost control and savings opportunities

7. Organization & Continuous Professional Development (10%)

Major Activities:

• Development of subordinates
• Define coaching and development agenda
• Conduct training for audit, soft skills & personality development
• Review QAIP results and action

KPIs:

• Training needs assessed and addressed
• Adherence to annual training calendar

Stakeholders:

Internal:

• Ex-Com Members / Audit Committee
• Functional Heads
• Regional / Zone Heads
• Legal / Compliance / Company Secretary
• Other support functions

External:

• External auditors
• External professionals
• Third-party agencies
• IT audit and cyber security specialists

Key Skill & Competencies:

Education: CA and/or CIA (with IT audit knowledge / experience)

Experience: 12–14 years

Computer Skills: SAP, ERP systems, Office 365, Audit tools & Data Analytics tools

Professional Memberships: ICAI / IIA (preferred)

Languages: English, Hindi, local language (preferred)

Behavioral / Managerial Competencies

• Guiding successful execution and leading by example
• Forward planning, coordination and strategic vision
• Business and commercial acumen
• Adherence to timelines and customer orientation
• Result orientation with attention to detail
• High-impact communication skills

Note:

The IIA is the highest governing body for internal audit professionals with global headquarters in Florida, USA.

CIA – Certified Internal Auditor (IIA, USA)