Seeing Risks Before They Roar: Inside the Mind of Simba Group’s Head of Audit
Most people walk into a room and see what’s working. Geoffrey walks in and sees what could go wrong, and how to make sure it never does.
As the Head of Audit at Simba Group, Godfrey occupies a role that’s both vital and often misunderstood. Audit isn’t just about red tape or regulatory checklists; for a company like Simba Group, it’s about foresight. It's about making sure the organisation is not only compliant but also resilient, efficient, and always ready for what’s next.
We caught up with Geoffrey to get a closer look at what audit leadership entails and why it’s more about trust and transformation than it is about fault-finding.
More Than Numbers: A Wide-Angle View of Risk and Opportunity
Godfrey’s responsibilities are broad, and his lens is sharp. His department is charged with evaluating risk across all levels of the business and determining whether internal controls are strong enough to keep things running smoothly. He oversees audits across the Group’s different companies and focuses on four key areas:
Integrity of financial and operational information – Are we getting the right data to make the right decisions?
Effectiveness of business processes – Are our systems and workflows delivering results, or wasting time?
Safeguarding of assets – Are we protecting what we own and what we’ve built?
Compliance with laws, regulations, policies, and contracts – Are we holding ourselves to the standards that matter?
But more than that, Godfrey’s role is about making sense of what the data and processes say, and then working with teams to improve.
“Audit helps people pause and think,” Godfrey explains. “Control only matters when it helps the company run at its best.”
Why Audit Is a Strategic Function at Simba Group
In a company with Simba Group’s reach, touching everything from telecom, hospitality, to properties, there are no two days in the Audit department that are ever the same. But what stays constant is the value Godfrey’s team brings to the table.
“Audit gives an objective perspective that many teams can’t always see from inside,” he says.
Here’s how audit adds value, according to Godfrey:
It uncovers blind spots that can cost the company time, money, or even reputation.
It streamlines operations by identifying inefficiencies.
It ensures assets are protected, whether physical or digital.
It keeps everyone honest, encouraging a culture of compliance and responsibility.
It follows through, ensuring that any issues flagged don’t just sit in a report but are addressed and resolved.
And for Godfrey, that follow-through is key. “We don’t just raise issues, we track them until they’re closed. That’s how we build trust.”
The Wins That Matter Most
For someone in a role so detail-oriented, he has his eyes on the big picture too. When asked what he’s most proud of since taking on the role, his answer is layered:
A measurable reduction in risk exposure across the group.
Noticeable improvements in compliance at the company level.
Stronger internal systems that set a new standard.
A culture shift—with staff more aware, more engaged, and more committed to doing things right.
“Audit used to be something people feared or avoided. Now, many see it as a value-add,” he says. “It’s helped change how people think.”
Leadership with Integrity
Leading the Audit function isn’t just about reports and recommendations for him; it’s about people.
“You can’t lead with integrity unless you first build trust,” he shares. “And trust comes from being consistent, honest, and supportive, even when pointing out gaps.”
His leadership style is clear-eyed but human. He believes in:
Transparency – Explaining the ‘why’ behind decisions.
Support – Being available when the team needs guidance.
Goal-setting – Creating clarity and alignment across the function.
Patience and accountability – Allowing space for learning while still upholding high standards.
Active listening – Showing interest in people, not just processes.
“It’s not about catching people out. It’s about helping them do better,” he says.
A Final Word: The Auditor’s Perspective
If there’s one quote that sums up Geoffrey’s philosophy, it’s this:
“An internal auditor is just like any other employee, but we see things from a different perspective. We’re here to help the company perform better.”
That professional skepticism, the ability to ask the hard questions, to spot the gap others might miss, and to turn insights into improvements, is what makes Godfrey work so essential to Simba Group’s long-term growth and stability.
And in a business that roars with ambition, Godfrey is making sure the foundation stays firm.