Arada | Senior Director Internal Audit, Dubai

Arada; Dubai; On-site; AED 900,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Job summary

Arada in Dubai seeks a Senior Director – Internal Audit to lead the Group's Internal Audit across business units, subsidiaries and corporate functions, delivering independent assurance on governance, risk management, controls, and compliance. You will shape risk-based audit strategy and drive continuous improvement across the organization.

The role requires 18+ years in internal audit with at least 7 years in senior leadership, extensive real estate or related-sector experience, ERP proficiency

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or related field; professional certifications (CIA, CISA, CA, ACCA, CFE) preferred.
• Master’s degree preferred.
• 18+ years of progressive Internal Audit experience, including at least 7 years in a senior leadership role.

Responsibilities

• Lead Group Internal Audit Strategy and annual risk-based plan.
• Provide independent assurance on governance, risk, and internal controls across the Group.
• Develop methodologies and reporting standards in line with IPPF and best practices.
• Manage audit resources and external consultants; mentor and develop team.
• Identify emerging risks and provide actionable recommendations to strengthen controls.

Skills

Internal auditing standards

COSO framework

Financial analysis

Procurement controls

Contract management

ERP systems

Audit analytics

Excel/ PowerPoint/ Power BI

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting/Finance/Business Admin

Master’s degree

Tools

SAP

Oracle

Microsoft Dynamics

Job description

About Us

At Arada, we create communities that inspire healthier, happier and more meaningful lives. Through innovative developments, exceptional customer experiences and a commitment to sustainability, we are shaping places where people can live, work and thrive.

About Us

At Arada, we create communities that inspire healthier, happier and more meaningful lives. Through innovative developments, exceptional customer experiences and a commitment to sustainability, we are shaping places where people can live, work and thrive.

Joining Arada means becoming part of a collaborative, ambitious and forward-thinking team dedicated to delivering excellence across every aspect of our business.

Role Purpose

The Senior Director – Internal Audit is responsible for leading and overseeing the Group's Internal Audit function across all business units, subsidiaries, and corporate functions. The role provides independent and objective assurance on the adequacy and effectiveness of governance, risk management, internal controls, compliance, operational efficiency, and financial reporting processes.

The Senior Director will develop and execute a risk-based audit strategy, identify emerging risks, assess the effectiveness of internal controls, and provide actionable recommendations to strengthen business performance, safeguard organizational assets, and enhance operational excellence. The role requires extensive experience in internal audit leadership, enterprise risk management, governance frameworks, procurement controls, project management, contract administration, and real estate development activities.

Key Responsibilities

Internal Audit Strategy & Leadership

• Develop, implement, and continuously enhance the Group Internal Audit Strategy in alignment with organizational objectives and risk appetite.
• Lead the preparation of the annual risk-based audit plan for approval by senior management and the Audit Committee.
• Establish audit methodologies, policies, procedures, and reporting standards in accordance with International Professional Practices Framework (IPPF) and industry best practices.
• Provide independent assurance on the effectiveness of governance, risk management, and internal control systems throughout the Group.
• Lead and manage internal audit resources, including audit managers, auditors, and external consultants.
• Build a high-performing internal audit function through coaching, mentoring, succession planning, and professional development initiatives.
• Promote a culture of accountability, ethics, integrity, and continuous improvement across the organization.

Risk Management & Governance

• Evaluate the effectiveness of enterprise risk management frameworks and risk mitigation strategies.
• Identify key business, operational, financial, regulatory, strategic, and project-related risks across the Group.
• Assess the adequacy of risk management processes and recommend improvements to strengthen control environments.
• Review governance structures and decision‑making processes to ensure alignment with corporate objectives and regulatory requirements.
• Provide insights on emerging business risks, market developments, and regulatory changes impacting the organization.

What You'll Bring

QUALIFICATION

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or related field; professional certifications (CIA, CISA, CA, ACCA, CFE) preferred.
• Master’s degree preferred.

Experience

• 18+ years of progressive Internal Audit experience, including at least 7 years in a senior leadership role.
• Extensive experience managing enterprise-wide audit functions within large and complex organizations.
• Strong experience in real estate development, construction, infrastructure, property management, or diversified group environments.
• Proven experience auditing procurement, contract management, commercial operations, project delivery, and capital expenditure projects.
• Strong knowledge of enterprise risk management, corporate governance, compliance frameworks, and internal control systems.
• Experience presenting to Audit Committees, Executive Leadership Teams, and Board members.
• Experience leading fraud investigations and conducting special audit reviews.
• Exposure to ERP environments such as SAP, Oracle, Microsoft Dynamics, or similar enterprise systems.
• Experience in implementing data analytics within internal audit functions is highly preferred.

Skills

• Expert knowledge of internal auditing standards, methodologies, and best practices.
• Strong understanding of COSO Internal Control Framework and Risk Management principles.
• Advanced financial analysis and audit testing capabilities.
• Strong knowledge of procurement, contract, and project management controls.
• Understanding of IFRS and financial reporting requirements.
• Proficiency in ERP systems and audit analytics tools.
• Advanced Microsoft Office skills, particularly Excel, PowerPoint, and Power BI.

Using GenAI in Your Application Process

To support a fair and consistent experience for all candidates, we ask that assessments and interviews are completed independently and without assistance from generative AI tools. This ensures we understand your strengths, your thinking, and how you approach real situations.

Why join Arada?

At Arada, you'll have the opportunity to contribute to projects that transform communities while working alongside talented professionals in a culture that values innovation, collaboration and continuous growth. We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone has the opportunity to thrive and make a meaningful impact.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Arada is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace. We welcome applications from all qualified individuals and make employment decisions based on merit, experience and business needs.