Head of Internal Audit

Role Overview

Key Responsibilities

• Establish an independent, risk-based Internal Audit framework aligned with the Bank’s business model, risks, and regulatory requirements.
• Develop and maintain the Internal Audit Charter, methodology, policies, and annual risk-based audit plan.
• Build audit processes covering the audit universe, risk assessment, planning, fieldwork, reporting, and issue follow-up.
• Provide assurance over governance, risk management, and internal controls.
• Lead audits across banking operations, credit, treasury, finance, compliance, AML/CFT, technology, cybersecurity, data, outsourcing, and operational resilience.
• Assess control design and effectiveness, identify gaps and emerging risks, and recommend remediation.
• Report significant findings and risks to the Governing Body/Audit Committee and Senior Management.
• Monitor management remediation and escalate overdue or significant findings.
• Collaborate with control functions while preserving independence and objectivity.
• Ensure the function has appropriate resources and skills; promote accountability, control, and continuous improvement.
• Maintain awareness of ADGM/FSRA requirements and adapt the framework as the Bank’s environment evolves.
• Engage with the Governing Body, Audit Committee, Senior Management, external auditors, and regulators.

What We’re Looking For

• 16+ years of Internal Audit experience, preferably in banking or financial services.
• Experience establishing, building, or transforming Internal Audit functions, ideally in a regulated financial institution.
• Strong understanding of banking, governance, risk management, internal controls, and regulatory frameworks.
• Experience in digital banking, technology, cybersecurity, operational risk, and third-party/outsourcing risk is highly desirable.
• Professional qualification such as CIA, CISA, ACCA, ACA, CPA, or equivalent.
• Experience engaging with Boards, Audit Committees, regulators, and senior executives.
• Excellent analytical, communication, influencing, and stakeholder management skills; high integrity, independence, and sound judgement.
• Start-up, transformation, or newly established bank experience is an advantage.