Upstream Drilling Internal Audit Consultant

MBG Corporate Services UAE; United Arab Emirates; On-site; AED 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player in the energy sector is on the lookout for a highly skilled Upstream Drilling Internal Audit Consultant. This pivotal role involves evaluating and auditing drilling operations to ensure compliance with industry standards and internal controls. You will collaborate with various teams to identify risks and inefficiencies while recommending improvements to enhance operational performance. If you have a strong background in auditing and a passion for the oil and gas industry, this is an excellent opportunity to make a significant impact in a forward-thinking organization.

Qualifications

• 5-8 years of experience in auditing within the upstream oil and gas sector.
• Strong knowledge of drilling operations and internal controls.
• Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) or equivalent preferred.

Responsibilities

• Conduct internal audits of drilling operations and processes.
• Identify risks and recommend improvements for operational efficiency.
• Prepare clear audit reports and present findings to management.

Skills

Internal Controls

Risk Management

Auditing Techniques

Well Planning

Drilling Operations

Analytical Skills

Problem-Solving

Communication Skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting

Bachelor's degree in Finance

Bachelor's degree in Petroleum Engineering

Tools

SAP

ACL

TeamMate

Landmark

Drilling Office

Job description

About Us: MBG is a leading energy firm committed to providing sustainable solutions in the upstream oil and gas sector. We are currently seeking a highly skilled Upstream Drilling Internal Audit Consultant to join our team. This role will be crucial in ensuring the integrity, efficiency, and compliance of our drilling operations with internal controls, industry standards, and regulations.

Position Overview: The Upstream Drilling Internal Audit Consultant will be responsible for evaluating, reviewing, and auditing drilling operations, systems, and processes to ensure adherence to company policies, industry regulations, and best practices. This role will work closely with the drilling and finance teams to assess risk, identify inefficiencies, and recommend improvements for overall operational and financial performance.

Key Responsibilities:

• Internal Audits and Reviews:
• Conduct internal audits of drilling operations, processes, and systems, ensuring compliance with company policies, regulatory requirements, and industry standards.
• Perform detailed audits on well planning, well construction, operational procedures, and equipment management to identify any inefficiencies, gaps, or risks.
• Review drilling-related financials, cost reporting, and budget adherence to ensure accuracy, transparency, and cost control.
• Risk Assessment and Mitigation:
• Identify and assess risks related to drilling operations and provide recommendations to mitigate financial, operational, and safety risks.
• Analyze internal controls within drilling processes to ensure they are functioning effectively and meet required standards.
• Provide advice on how to enhance internal controls and improve overall efficiency and compliance within drilling operations.
• Compliance and Regulatory Adherence:
• Ensure that drilling activities comply with all relevant local, regional, and international regulations, as well as corporate governance standards.
• Collaborate with regulatory bodies and legal teams to ensure that audits meet legal and compliance requirements.
• Stay up to date with industry regulations, safety standards, and emerging risks that may impact drilling operations and internal controls.
• Audit Reports and Documentation:
• Prepare clear, concise, and actionable audit reports outlining findings, recommendations, and corrective actions required.
• Provide regular updates to senior management on audit progress, findings, and areas for improvement.
• Work with various departments to implement corrective actions and track progress to ensure compliance and efficiency improvements.
• Stakeholder Engagement and Advisory:
• Partner with drilling operations teams, project managers, and senior leaders to provide advice and guidance on improving operational controls and performance.
• Conduct training and workshops on internal controls, auditing processes, and best practices for drilling operations.
• Advise on financial and operational reporting processes to enhance transparency and accuracy.
• Continuous Improvement and Best Practices:
• Recommend and drive process improvements, system enhancements, and best practices for internal auditing procedures within the drilling function.
• Promote a culture of continuous improvement within the team by implementing lessons learned from audits and feedback from stakeholders.

Required Qualifications and Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Petroleum Engineering, or a related discipline.
• Minimum of 5-8 years of experience in auditing, internal control management, or risk management in the upstream oil and gas industry, with a focus on drilling operations.
• Proven experience in performing internal audits, particularly in drilling, production, or similar operational environments.
• Strong knowledge of drilling operations, including well planning, wellbore design, drilling techniques, and operational processes.
• Familiarity with industry standards, regulatory frameworks, and compliance requirements related to upstream drilling operations.
• Certified Internal Auditor (CIA), Certified Public Accountant (CPA), or equivalent certification is preferred.
• Experience with audit tools and software (e.g., SAP, ACL, TeamMate) is a plus.

Strong understanding of industry standards, regulations, and best practices in drilling operations.

Previous experience with well control, directional drilling, and complex well planning is preferred.

Familiarity with drilling software and modeling tools (e.g., Landmark, Drilling Office, etc.) is a plus.

Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

Key Skills:

• Strong knowledge of internal controls, risk management, and auditing techniques.

Expertise in well planning, wellbore design, and drilling techniques.

In-depth knowledge of drilling fluids, well control, and drilling equipment.

Strong ability to manage and optimize drilling costs and operational resources.

• Ability to analyze complex drilling operations and financial reports.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to prepare clear audit reports and present findings to senior management.
• High attention to detail and ability to identify operational inefficiencies and financial discrepancies.
• Ability to work independently, prioritize tasks, and manage multiple audit projects simultaneously.
• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills.

Desired Attributes:

• A deep understanding of drilling operations, well design, cost management, and operational performance.
• Ability to influence and engage stakeholders at all levels of the organization.
• Strong leadership skills with a proactive, solutions-driven approach.
• A commitment to the highest ethical standards and a strong understanding of corporate governance.