Head of Internal Audit

Confidential; Abu Dhabi; On-site; AED 2,100,000 - 2,500,000; Full time

Job summary

Confidential in Abu Dhabi seeks a Head of Internal Audit to establish and lead an independent function. You will provide objective assurance across governance, risk, controls, regulatory compliance, technology, and operations. Fokus on risk-based plans and strong stakeholder engagement.

You will build a high-performing team, work with executives and the Board, and leverage data analytics and AI-enabled tools to strengthen assurance coverage.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting/Finance/Business or related field.
• Strong understanding of IIA Internal Audit Standards and methodologies.
• Proven experience leading an Internal Audit function in a regulated environment.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute a risk-based annual Internal Audit plan.
• Lead independent reviews of governance, risk management, and controls.
• Assess controls across FinTech products, payments, lending, tech, and data.
• Audit AML/CFT, sanctions, KYC, fraud risk and regulatory compliance.
• Review ITGC, cybersecurity, cloud, access management, and tech risks.
• Evaluate third-party/vendor controls and outsourcing risks.
• Provide actionable, risk-based recommendations and track remediation.
• Prepare audit reports with findings, root causes and risk ratings.
• Present to executives, Audit Committee, and Board as needed.
• Build and lead a high-performing Internal Audit team.

Skills

Internal audit

Risk-based planning

Executive communication

Leadership

Governance

Regulatory knowledge

Cybersecurity auditing

ITGC & controls

Data analytics

Fraud risk management

Education

Bachelor's degree

CIA/CISA/CPA/ACCA desirable

Tools

AI-enabled audit tools

Job description

A UAE-regulated FinTech and financial services company is seeking an experienced Head of Internal Audit to establish and lead its independent Internal Audit function.

The role will provide objective and independent assurance over governance, risk management, internal controls, regulatory compliance, technology, cybersecurity, finance, operations, and business processes.

The successful candidate will develop and execute a risk-based internal audit plan across a growing financial services business, while working closely with Executive Management, Risk, Compliance, and other senior stakeholders while maintaining full audit independence and objectivity.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute a risk-based annual Internal Audit plan aligned with business and regulatory priorities.
• Lead independent reviews of governance, risk management, internal controls, and operational effectiveness.
• Assess controls across FinTech products, payment operations, lending, finance, technology, cybersecurity, and data management.
• Conduct audits covering AML/CFT, sanctions, KYC, fraud risk, regulatory compliance, and consumer protection.
• Review IT General Controls (ITGC), application controls, cybersecurity, cloud infrastructure, access management, and technology risks.
• Evaluate third-party/vendor controls, outsourcing arrangements, and associated operational risks.
• Identify control gaps, assess their impact, and provide practical, risk-based recommendations.
• Prepare clear and comprehensive audit reports covering findings, root causes, risk ratings, agreed actions, and management accountability.
• Monitor remediation of audit findings and ensure timely closure of agreed actions.
• Establish and maintain effective Internal Audit methodologies, policies, standards, and governance frameworks.
• Present key audit findings, emerging risks, and remediation updates to Executive Management, Audit Committee, and/or Board-level governance forums.
• Maintain independence and objectivity while developing strong relationships with business and control functions.
• Coordinate with external auditors, regulators, and other assurance providers where required.
• Leverage data analytics, automation, and AI-enabled audit tools to enhance audit coverage and continuous monitoring.
• Build, lead, and develop a high-performing Internal Audit team.
• Continuously assess emerging risks arising from new products, technologies, regulations, partnerships, and business models.

Key Skills & Experience

• Strong experience in Internal Audit and risk-based audit planning.
• Proven experience working within a CBUAE-regulated financial institution or regulated financial services environment.
• Strong understanding of governance, risk management, and internal controls.
• Experience within FinTech, payments, banking, lending, or financial services.
• Good understanding of AML/CFT, KYC, regulatory compliance, fraud, and financial crime risks.
• Experience in technology, cybersecurity, ITGC, cloud, and application controls auditing.
• Strong analytical, investigative, and problem-solving capabilities.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively with C-suite executives, senior management, and Board/Audit Committee stakeholders.
• Strong leadership and team-building capabilities.
• High level of integrity, confidentiality, independence, and professional ethics.
• Ability to challenge constructively and influence senior stakeholders.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business, Technology, or a related discipline.
• Strong understanding of IIA Internal Audit Standards and risk-based audit methodologies.
• Proven experience leading an Internal Audit function within a regulated financial services environment.
• Strong understanding of financial services, payment systems, technology, operational, and regulatory risks.
• Professional certifications such as CIA, CISA, CPA, ACCA, or equivalent would be advantageous.