Niraj Kumar
Summary
Dynamic and results-driven audit and governance professional with over 15 years of public sector auditing experience and more than six years in regional environmental governance. Skilled in conducting audits of multi-million-dollar programs, strengthening governance frameworks, ensuring statutory and donor compliance, and enhancing organisational accountability. Proven ability to provide strategic insights, improve operational efficiency, and lead teams across culturally diverse environments.
Overview
22
22
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Internal Auditor
SPREP
Apia, Samoa
08.2019 - Current
- Manage the Internal Audit function, providing strategic advice and support to senior management on audit, governance, and compliance matters.
- Advise leadership on significant audit findings, emerging risks, and opportunities to strengthen policies, systems, and processes.
- Support organizational oversight of multilateral and bilateral partnerships, ensuring compliance with donor requirements and regulatory standards.
- Evaluate the effectiveness of risk management policies and processes, contributing to continuous improvement initiatives.
- Develop and implement the annual Audit Plan; conduct audits, reviews, and investigations of programs and projects.
- Lead investigations into irregularities, whistleblower reports, and potential fraud, upholding ethical and governance standards.
- Provide Audit Committee Secretariat support: plan, organize, and coordinate meetings, implement committee decisions, and liaise with external auditors.
- Oversee the Internal Audit team, including team leadership, performance development, training, and quality assurance of outputs.
- Contribute to senior management meetings, providing insightful audit intelligence that informs strategic decision-making.
Audit Manager
Office of the Auditor General, Fiji
Suva
01.2004 - 07.2019
- Led compliance, financial, operational, and special audits of government departments, agencies, and multi-million-dollar programs, including foreign aid-funded projects.
- Evaluated policies, procedures, and systems to ensure accuracy of financial reporting, statutory compliance, asset safeguarding, and operational efficiency.
- Provided evidence-based recommendations to senior management and clients through verbal briefings and comprehensive written reports, including contributions to the Auditor General’s report to Parliament.
- Assisted senior management in audit planning, interpreting audit procedures, techniques, and analytics to ensure effective risk management, internal controls, and governance.
- Developed functional relationships with key stakeholders, including Public Accounts Committees, police, anti-corruption units, and development partners to facilitate audit activities.
- Exercised delegated authority for office administration, staff discipline, and staff development programs, fostering a high-performing audit team.
- Applied systematic, disciplined approaches to enhance organizational performance, accountability, and transparency.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Accounting & Financial Management And Economics
The University of The South Pacific
Master of Commerce - Professional Accounting
The University of The South Pacific
Postgraduate Diploma - Climate Change (In Progress) -
The University of The South Pacific
Skills
- Internal Audit & Risk Management
- Governance & Compliance
- Financial & Performance Audits
- Donor-Funded Project Oversight
- Strategic & Operational Planning
- Policy Review & Internal Controls
- Stakeholder Engagement
- Ethical Leadership & Transparency
- Team Leadership & Staff Development
- Analytical & Problem-Solving Skills
Certification
- Certified Practicing Accountant - CPA Australia
- Certified Fraud Examiner - Association of Certified Fraud Examiners
- Certified Internal Auditor - The Institute of Internal Auditor
Languages
French
First Language
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Internal Auditor
SPREP
08.2019 - Current
Audit Manager
Office of the Auditor General, Fiji
01.2004 - 07.2019
Bachelor of Arts - Accounting & Financial Management And Economics
The University of The South Pacific
Master of Commerce - Professional Accounting
The University of The South Pacific
Postgraduate Diploma - Climate Change (In Progress) -
The University of The South Pacific