Open to opportunities

Stella Kariuki

@stellakariuki

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Experienced Internal Auditor with a focus on strategic oversight.

Kenya

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What I'm looking for

I am looking for a senior management role that values strategic oversight and rigorous audit processes, with opportunities for professional growth and development.

I am an experienced Internal Auditor with over 11 years of expertise in leading audit teams and enhancing financial and operational controls within the financial services industry. My career has been marked by the successful management and implementation of strategic audit plans that have significantly improved risk management and achieved cost savings across multiple organizations. I specialize in fraud detection, regulatory compliance, and talent management, consistently promoting a culture of compliance and ethical standards.

Currently, I serve as the Group Head of Internal Audit at Jubilee Insurance, where I lead the development of comprehensive, risk-based annual audit plans that enhance governance and control systems. My efforts in spearheading fraud detection initiatives and improving risk management processes have resulted in actionable insights for the Group Board Audit Committee. I am passionate about mentoring and developing audit teams, ensuring adherence to global audit standards while fostering a collaborative environment.

Experience

Work history, roles, and key accomplishments

Current

Group Head of Internal Audit

Current

Jubilee Insurance

Aug 2023 - Present (1 year 9 months)

Led the development and oversight of a comprehensive, risk-based annual audit plan, enhancing governance and control systems. Spearheaded fraud detection initiatives and improved risk management processes, delivering actionable audit reports to the Group Board Audit Committee.

Risk Assessment Audit Plans Fraud Detection Regulatory Compliance Data Analytics Financial Analysis Project Management Leadership Development IT Governance

Group Head of Internal Audit

Apollo Group

Apr 2022 - Aug 2023 (1 year 4 months)

Developed and executed a strategic risk-based audit plan, enhancing audit processes and ensuring timely completion of audits. Facilitated virtual audits and implemented cost control measures, improving financial performance.

Audit Plans Risk Management Fraud Detection Data Analytics Project Management Financial Analysis Virtual Audits Process Improvement Team Leadership

Acting Group Head of Internal Audit

Apollo Group

Oct 2020 - Jan 2022 (1 year 3 months)

Led the execution of the annual audit plan, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements and recovering fraudulent transactions through advanced data analytics. Presented detailed reports to the Board Audit and Risk Committee.

Audit Plans Fraud Detection Data Analytics Risk Management Project Management Internal Controls Reporting Team Leadership Strategic Planning

Internal Audit Manager

Apollo Group

Jul 2019 - Sep 2020 (1 year 2 months)

Developed a risk-based internal audit plan, leading a team to achieve high completion rates of audit assignments. Enhanced regulatory compliance and delivered training on risk management and internal controls.

Internal Audit Risk Management Team Leadership Regulatory Compliance Training Project Management Audit Plans Process Improvement Data Analytics Quality Assurance

Senior Auditor

Jubilee Insurance Kenya

Jan 2019 - Jul 2019 (6 months)

Conducted audits and assessments to ensure compliance with internal policies and regulatory standards, contributing to the overall improvement of internal controls.

Risk Assessment Internal Controls Financial Analysis Reporting Data Analytics Team Collaboration Project Management Regulatory Compliance

Senior Systems Auditor

Jubilee Insurance Kenya

Jul 2017 - Jan 2019 (1 year 6 months)

Performed systems audits to evaluate the effectiveness of IT controls and compliance with regulatory requirements, enhancing the organization's overall risk management framework.

IT Governance Risk Assessment Data Analytics Project Management Internal Controls Reporting Team Collaboration Quality Assurance

Systems Auditor

Jubilee Insurance Company of Kenya

Aug 2016 - Jul 2017 (11 months)

Conducted audits of IT systems to ensure compliance with internal policies and regulatory standards, contributing to the organization's risk management efforts.

IT Governance Risk Assessment Data Analytics Internal Controls Reporting Project Management Quality Assurance Team Collaboration

Associate IT Advisor

KPMG Kenya

Sep 2013 - Jul 2016 (2 years 10 months)

Provided IT advisory services, focusing on risk management and compliance, and assisted clients in improving their internal control frameworks.

Risk Management Compliance Internal Controls Data Analytics Project Management Client Engagement Reporting Team Collaboration Quality Assurance

Education

Degrees, certifications, and relevant coursework

Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture & Technology

Master of Business Administration, Business Administration

Pursuing an MBA in Business Administration, enhancing knowledge in strategic management, finance, and organizational behavior.

College of Insurance

Diploma, Insurance

2023 - 2023

Completed a Diploma in Insurance, gaining insights into risk management, underwriting, and insurance regulations.

Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture & Technology

Bachelor of Science, Information Technology

2013 - 2016

Completed a Bachelor of Science in Information Technology, focusing on the principles of computing, programming, and systems analysis. Developed skills in software development and IT project management.