Spearheading internal auditing excellence at GIPF

Aini Kanime assumed the role of chief audit executive at the Government Institutions Pension Fund (GIPF) in August.

As a certified internal auditor (CIA), she boasts a wealth of professional experience.

GIPF was her second employer in internal auditing, where she spent nine years before pursuing other opportunities at NamPower.

“NamPower, as an organisation, had a significant impact on my career growth, and I will forever be grateful for that. Nevertheless, it became clear that my heart was still with GIPF, which is why I returned,” she said.

She understands GIPF’s mission to safeguard and grow pension benefits for the fund’s members and beneficiaries - driven by the core value of 'care' to positively impact communities and the environment. This, she said, deeply resonates with her passion for helping people grow and flourish.

“The opportunity to influence how members' funds are managed gives me a sense of responsibility and inspires me to ensure the fund's proper management,” Kanime said.

Achievements and responsibilities

Her educational qualifications include a master’s degree in business administration (MBA) from the University of Stellenbosch; a honours degree in accounting science from the University of South Africa; a bachelor's degree accounting and finance, and a national diploma in cost accounting, both from the Polytechnic of Namibia (now the Namibia University of Science and Technology).

“I am a member of the Institute of Internal Auditors of Southern Africa and have attended several professional and business management courses,” Kanime added.

As GIPF’s chief audit executive, she leads the internal audit department, overseeing a team of auditors. She said the department ensures compliance with policies, laws and regulations.

Kanime is thus responsible for providing assurance to management and the board of trustees on the adequacy, effectiveness and efficiency of internal controls, risk management and governance processes.

Progress and innovation

On her achievements in the internal audit space, she cautioned that most of them are not easy to publicly discuss due to the confidential nature of her work.

Kanime, however, indicated that she was part of a team that modernised internal audit processes. They implemented auditing software and created an automated system for tracking issues and findings.

She also played a key role in developing and implementing a risk-based internal audit strategy, introducing the combined assurance model, and launching a whistleblower hotline.

“My proudest accomplishment is my journey through the ranks, having started at the bottom as an internal audit clerk many moons ago. This is testament that actions speak louder than words.”

More exciting than they sound

Kanime said while internal auditing is often regarded as “boring”, it is actually a fascinating profession. She said it gives one a deep understanding of the organisation, as they get to work with diverse professionals daily. She added that she personally enjoys it as she likes working with people, and internal auditing allows her to work with people at different levels in the organisation - from the cleaner to the CEO.

Embracing advanced technology like artificial intelligence (AI) tools makes it even more thrilling, she said.

“They enhance auditing processes, improving accuracy and speed in identifying risks and preventing errors and fraudulent activities before they occur.”

When she's not working, Kanime enjoys reading and watching soccer. Her family is her primary source of energy, and she spends most of her time with them.