- Mon Dec 01, 2025 12:09 pm#9775
PREPARATION GUIDE FOR THE AUDIT OFFICER POSITION (PBBI Internal Audit Division)
1. VERIFY THE BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
• Educational Requirement – A bachelor’s or master’s degree in Accounting, Finance or Management from any recognized institution. No third‑class/second‑class division is acceptable. If you have completed Chartered Accountancy (CA) or Cost & Management Accounting (CC), you will be given priority.
• Age – Must be 35 years or younger. (Applicants with more experience may be considered on a case‑by‑case basis.)
• Experience – Minimum three (3) years of internal audit work in a reputable micro‑finance NGO, preferably with an MRA‑registered and PKSF partner organization.
• Legal – Must possess a valid driving licence and be able to ride a motorbike for field duties.
2. DOCUMENTATION TO BE COLLECTED
– Certified copies of academic transcripts and degree certificates (including any CA/CC qualifications).
– Detailed experience letters from previous NGOs, stating the exact period of service, job title, key responsibilities, and confirmation of internal audit work.
– Reference letters from senior supervisors or auditors who can attest to your integrity, diligence and audit competence.
– A copy of your valid driving licence and, if available, a motorbike registration document.
– Recent passport‑size photographs (white background).
– National ID or passport copy for verification of citizenship.
3. CURRICULUM VITAE AND COVER LETTER
• Format the CV in chronological order, highlighting:
– Educational background (degrees, institutions, %/CGPA).
– Professional certifications (CA, CC, any audit‑related trainings).
– Detailed audit experience: number of branches audited, types of audits performed (financial, compliance, operational), audit tools used, major findings and corrective actions you recommended.
– IT skills: MS Word, Excel (pivot tables, VLOOKUP, macros), PowerPoint, accounting software, and typing speed in Bangla and English.
– Soft skills: communication, teamwork, stress management, field work adaptability.
– Driving licence details and willingness to work in remote villages.
• In the cover letter, address each essential requirement listed in the advertisement, demonstrating with concrete examples how you meet them. Emphasise your commitment to work in rural/remote areas and your ethical stance.
4. STRENGTHEN KEY COMPETENCIES
a. Technical Audit Skills
– Review the latest MRA/NGO Bureau guidelines, PKSF operational manuals and donor compliance requirements.
– Practice cash book reconciliation, bank reconciliation, loan ledger verification, asset verification and MIS data cross‑checking.
– Familiarise yourself with audit software commonly used in the micro‑finance sector (e.g., T24, Finacle, or any custom PKSF‑approved platform).
– Conduct mock audit cycles on sample data to sharpen risk identification (fraud, misappropriation, errors) and recommendation drafting.
b. Report Writing
– Study sample audit reports to understand structure: executive summary, scope, methodology, findings, recommendations and follow‑up action plan.
– Practice writing concise, objective and neutral language. Use bullet points for findings and clear headings for each audit area.
c. Communication & Interpersonal Skills
– Role‑play interview scenarios where you must explain technical audit issues to non‑technical staff or senior management.
– Prepare to discuss how you would handle resistance from branch staff during surprise visits.
d. Computer Literacy
– Refresh MS Excel functions (IF, SUMIF, conditional formatting, data validation).
– Practice creating presentations in PowerPoint that summarise audit findings for senior management.
– Improve typing speed: aim for at least 40 wpm in Bangla and 45 wpm in English.
5. FIELD READINESS
– Ensure you have a reliable motorbike and are comfortable riding on rural roads.
– Pack a basic field kit: notebook, pens, highlighter, portable charger, a USB drive for backup of audit documents, and a small first‑aid kit.
– Familiarise yourself with the geography of the districts where the organization operates; map out the branch locations you may be assigned to.
6. PRE‑INTERVIEW PREPARATION
a. Study the organization – PBBI’s mission, its micro‑credit regulatory authority certification (Certificate No. 0052‑0399‑00190), its partnership with PKSF, and its major programmes in various districts.
b. Review recent annual reports and audit summaries (if publicly available) to understand current challenges and achievement metrics.
c. Prepare answers for typical audit‑focused interview questions:
– “Describe a time when you identified a major financial irregularity and how you handled it.”
– “How do you ensure compliance with MRA/NGO Bureau and donor guidelines during an audit?”
– “Explain your approach to conducting surprise visits and dealing with uncooperative staff.”
– “What steps would you take if you discover a discrepancy between cash book and MIS data?”
d. Anticipate behavioural questions on integrity, teamwork, and willingness to work in remote areas; provide specific examples from past experience.
7. DAY‑OF‑INTERVIEW TIPS
– Dress in formal business attire; a clean, pressed shirt and trousers are sufficient.
– Arrive at least ten (10) minutes early; if the interview is at a branch office far from your location, plan the travel route in advance.
– Bring a folder containing: printed CV, cover letter, copies of certificates, experience letters, driving licence, and a list of references.
– Keep a notebook and pen for taking notes during the interview.
8. POST‑INTERVIEW FOLLOW‑UP
– Send a thank‑you email within 24 hours, reiterating your enthusiasm for the role, highlighting one key strength that matches the job, and confirming your readiness to commence field work in any location.
9. CONTINUAL IMPROVEMENT AFTER APPLICATION
– If you are shortlisted, be prepared for a practical audit test or a case study. Review sample case scenarios and practice delivering findings within a limited time.
– Keep updated on any regulatory changes from MRA, PKSF, or major donors that could affect internal audit standards.
By systematically meeting each eligibility criterion, polishing your technical and soft skills, and presenting a well‑organized application package, you will position yourself as a strong candidate for the Audit Officer role in PBBI’s Internal Audit Division. Good luck!
1. VERIFY THE BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
• Educational Requirement – A bachelor’s or master’s degree in Accounting, Finance or Management from any recognized institution. No third‑class/second‑class division is acceptable. If you have completed Chartered Accountancy (CA) or Cost & Management Accounting (CC), you will be given priority.
• Age – Must be 35 years or younger. (Applicants with more experience may be considered on a case‑by‑case basis.)
• Experience – Minimum three (3) years of internal audit work in a reputable micro‑finance NGO, preferably with an MRA‑registered and PKSF partner organization.
• Legal – Must possess a valid driving licence and be able to ride a motorbike for field duties.
2. DOCUMENTATION TO BE COLLECTED
– Certified copies of academic transcripts and degree certificates (including any CA/CC qualifications).
– Detailed experience letters from previous NGOs, stating the exact period of service, job title, key responsibilities, and confirmation of internal audit work.
– Reference letters from senior supervisors or auditors who can attest to your integrity, diligence and audit competence.
– A copy of your valid driving licence and, if available, a motorbike registration document.
– Recent passport‑size photographs (white background).
– National ID or passport copy for verification of citizenship.
3. CURRICULUM VITAE AND COVER LETTER
• Format the CV in chronological order, highlighting:
– Educational background (degrees, institutions, %/CGPA).
– Professional certifications (CA, CC, any audit‑related trainings).
– Detailed audit experience: number of branches audited, types of audits performed (financial, compliance, operational), audit tools used, major findings and corrective actions you recommended.
– IT skills: MS Word, Excel (pivot tables, VLOOKUP, macros), PowerPoint, accounting software, and typing speed in Bangla and English.
– Soft skills: communication, teamwork, stress management, field work adaptability.
– Driving licence details and willingness to work in remote villages.
• In the cover letter, address each essential requirement listed in the advertisement, demonstrating with concrete examples how you meet them. Emphasise your commitment to work in rural/remote areas and your ethical stance.
4. STRENGTHEN KEY COMPETENCIES
a. Technical Audit Skills
– Review the latest MRA/NGO Bureau guidelines, PKSF operational manuals and donor compliance requirements.
– Practice cash book reconciliation, bank reconciliation, loan ledger verification, asset verification and MIS data cross‑checking.
– Familiarise yourself with audit software commonly used in the micro‑finance sector (e.g., T24, Finacle, or any custom PKSF‑approved platform).
– Conduct mock audit cycles on sample data to sharpen risk identification (fraud, misappropriation, errors) and recommendation drafting.
b. Report Writing
– Study sample audit reports to understand structure: executive summary, scope, methodology, findings, recommendations and follow‑up action plan.
– Practice writing concise, objective and neutral language. Use bullet points for findings and clear headings for each audit area.
c. Communication & Interpersonal Skills
– Role‑play interview scenarios where you must explain technical audit issues to non‑technical staff or senior management.
– Prepare to discuss how you would handle resistance from branch staff during surprise visits.
d. Computer Literacy
– Refresh MS Excel functions (IF, SUMIF, conditional formatting, data validation).
– Practice creating presentations in PowerPoint that summarise audit findings for senior management.
– Improve typing speed: aim for at least 40 wpm in Bangla and 45 wpm in English.
5. FIELD READINESS
– Ensure you have a reliable motorbike and are comfortable riding on rural roads.
– Pack a basic field kit: notebook, pens, highlighter, portable charger, a USB drive for backup of audit documents, and a small first‑aid kit.
– Familiarise yourself with the geography of the districts where the organization operates; map out the branch locations you may be assigned to.
6. PRE‑INTERVIEW PREPARATION
a. Study the organization – PBBI’s mission, its micro‑credit regulatory authority certification (Certificate No. 0052‑0399‑00190), its partnership with PKSF, and its major programmes in various districts.
b. Review recent annual reports and audit summaries (if publicly available) to understand current challenges and achievement metrics.
c. Prepare answers for typical audit‑focused interview questions:
– “Describe a time when you identified a major financial irregularity and how you handled it.”
– “How do you ensure compliance with MRA/NGO Bureau and donor guidelines during an audit?”
– “Explain your approach to conducting surprise visits and dealing with uncooperative staff.”
– “What steps would you take if you discover a discrepancy between cash book and MIS data?”
d. Anticipate behavioural questions on integrity, teamwork, and willingness to work in remote areas; provide specific examples from past experience.
7. DAY‑OF‑INTERVIEW TIPS
– Dress in formal business attire; a clean, pressed shirt and trousers are sufficient.
– Arrive at least ten (10) minutes early; if the interview is at a branch office far from your location, plan the travel route in advance.
– Bring a folder containing: printed CV, cover letter, copies of certificates, experience letters, driving licence, and a list of references.
– Keep a notebook and pen for taking notes during the interview.
8. POST‑INTERVIEW FOLLOW‑UP
– Send a thank‑you email within 24 hours, reiterating your enthusiasm for the role, highlighting one key strength that matches the job, and confirming your readiness to commence field work in any location.
9. CONTINUAL IMPROVEMENT AFTER APPLICATION
– If you are shortlisted, be prepared for a practical audit test or a case study. Review sample case scenarios and practice delivering findings within a limited time.
– Keep updated on any regulatory changes from MRA, PKSF, or major donors that could affect internal audit standards.
By systematically meeting each eligibility criterion, polishing your technical and soft skills, and presenting a well‑organized application package, you will position yourself as a strong candidate for the Audit Officer role in PBBI’s Internal Audit Division. Good luck!
