Simon Peter Umoh

Seasoned audit, risk and compliance executive with over 20 years of progressive experience across financial services, insurance, manufacturing, and technology sectors in Nigeria and West Africa. Proven track record in building and leading internal audit, enterprise risk management, regulatory compliance, information security, and data privacy functions from the ground up. Holds a robust portfolio of internationally recognised certifications including CIA, CFE, ACA, ISO/IEC 27001 Lead Auditor, SOC 2 Analyst, NIST Cybersecurity, and multiple ISO Lead Implementer and Auditor designations.

Adept at reporting to Boards, Audit Committees and regulatory authorities, with deep expertise in NDPA, GDPR, FIRS, CBN, SEC/NSE, AML/CFT, and ISO standards.

Head, Internal Audit, Risk Management & Compliance at NetSecure Technologies Solutions Limited (2024-04 – Present)

• Design and implement integrated, risk-based annual audit plans covering regulatory compliance, company policies, and industry standards.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of internal controls, risk management frameworks, and governance processes; prepare clear and concise audit reports for executive management.
• Conduct special audits, investigations, and follow-up reviews; provide assurance on the accuracy and reliability of financial reporting.
• Monitor and ensure compliance with NDPA, FRCN, FIRS, GDPR, ITF, NSITF, Pension and CAC regulatory requirements.
• Lead risk assessments aligned with the NIST Cybersecurity Framework and ISO/IEC 27001; deliver compliance training across the organisation.
• Oversee Business Continuity Management (BCM) components including BCP, IT DRP, Crisis Management, and Incident Response in line with ISO 22301.
• Develop and implement enterprise risk management frameworks; maintain an updated risk register and periodic risk dashboards covering operational, financial, reputational, strategic, and compliance risks.
• Develop business continuity and disaster recovery plans; establish risk manuals and supporting documentation for audit and regulatory inspection.
• Present compliance and audit reports to the Board of Directors and Audit Committee; foster relationships with regulatory agencies and liaise between internal stakeholders and external auditors.
• Lead, coach, and manage the internal audit, compliance, information security, and risk management teams; develop and oversee departmental budgets.

Group Head, Internal Audit, Compliance & Risk Management at Bluechip Technologies Limited (2020-12 – 2024-03)

• Led development and implementation of internal audit, regulatory compliance, information security, data privacy, and risk management strategies across the group.
• Conducted QMS and ISMS audits using ISO 9001:2015 and ISO 27001:2018 standards; implemented and maintained security controls including firewalls and access controls.
• Served as Data Protection Officer (DPO): oversaw NDPR compliance, conducted data protection impact assessments, managed DPCO external audit liaison, and led staff data privacy training.
• Coordinated compliance with NDPA, FIRS, GDPR, Pension, PAYE, ITF, NSITF, and CAC requirements; prepared and presented audit and compliance reports to the Board and Audit Committee.
• Led and mentored the internal audit, compliance, information security, and risk management teams; managed departmental budgets and fostered cross-departmental collaboration.

Group Head, Internal Audit, Risk Management & Compliance at FCSL Group (Asset Management, Capital Market Operator & Finance House) (2014-02 – 2020-12)

• Coordinated external audits and CBN/SEC/NSE regulatory inspections and examinations; ensured timely regulatory licensing and renewals (SEC, CBN, CAC, NSE, FMDQ, NASD, CSCS).
• Led enterprise risk management framework design and implementation; conducted risk assessments covering credit, market, operational, compliance, and strategic risks.
• Served as Team Lead for loan recovery: monitored and analysed NPLs, prepared weekly/monthly/quarterly/annual reports for senior management and the CBN; liaised with law enforcement, external debt recovery agents, and legal counsel.
• Prepared and filed AML, CFT, and KYC compliance reports to regulatory authorities; assisted the Board in establishing ethics policy and whistle-blowing procedures.
• Served on ALCO, Investment Committee, Cost Cutting Committee, Asset Disposal Committee, and Management Credit Committee.
• Developed risk-based annual audit plans; reviewed and ensured accuracy of financial reporting; monitored implementation of audit recommendations.

Chief Financial Officer (CFO) at Elblast Industries Limited (Manufacturing) (2012-04 – 2014-01)

• Developed and implemented the company's financial strategy, aligning with overall business objectives; provided financial guidance to the CEO and senior executives.
• Oversaw preparation of annual budgets, financial plans, statutory returns (VAT, WHT, Company Income Tax), and financial statements compliant with IFRS and Nigerian GAAP.
• Managed cash flow, bank relationships, loan facility negotiations, and foreign exchange hedging strategies.
• Designed and implemented internal controls, risk management strategies, and oversaw the internal audit function; led and developed the finance team.

Internal Audit Manager – Internal Control, Systems & Compliance at Industrial and General Insurance Plc (2008 – 2012)

• Conducted pre- and post-payment audits of head office, branches, and subsidiaries (Nigeria, Uganda, Rwanda, Gambia, Ghana); reviewed life and non-life insurance claim files.
• Represented the Director, Internal Control System & Compliance on the NIA Risk Committee; prepared AML reports to NAICOM for cash payments exceeding statutory thresholds.
• Carried out compliance audits, cash counts, and ad hoc investigations; trained staff on internal audit methodology.

Internal Audit Manager – Group Internal Audit at Frigoglass Industries (Nig.) Ltd. (A.G. Leventis Group) (2003 – 2008)

• Developed and implemented risk-based annual audit plans focused on procurement, production efficiency, and supply chain within a manufacturing environment.
• Oversaw inventory audits (raw materials and finished goods) to prevent leakage; evaluated financial and operational information integrity in compliance with IFRS and local tax laws.
• Strengthened the Internal Control over Financial Reporting (ICFR) framework; monitored ESG and anti-corruption governance standards; liaised with external auditors at year-end.
• Led and mentored a team of internal auditors; prepared audit reports for senior management and tracked implementation of audit recommendations.

HND in Accountancy – The Polytechnic, Ibadan (2001 – 2004)