Head Of Internal Audit

largest conglomerate in UAE; Dubai; On-site; AED 350,000 - 900,000; Full time

Job summary

Largest Conglomerate in UAE, headquartered in Dubai, is seeking a Head of Internal Audit to lead the internal audit function across the group on site. This full-time role focuses on developing and executing a comprehensive risk-based audit plan covering all business units and support functions.

You will oversee audit engagements, review reports, ensure internal controls, and monitor compliance with laws and policies, while providing independent assurance to the board and senior leadership.

Qualifications

• Strong analytical skills to assess complex data, identify trends and evaluate control environments.
• Experience in financial risk management and finance to understand exposures and impact on decisions.
• Experience in internal audit leadership, including planning, execution, reporting and remediation follow-up.
• Excellent communication, stakeholder management and influencing skills with senior management and board.
• Proven people management capabilities, mentoring audit professionals and building high-performing teams.
• Professional qualifications CIA, CPA, ACCA, CA or equivalent; degree in accounting/finance/business; regional conglomerate experience advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Lead the internal audit function across the conglomerate.
• Develop and execute a risk-based audit plan covering all business units and support functions.
• Oversee audit engagements and review audit reports.
• Ensure effectiveness of internal controls and compliance with laws and policies.
• Provide independent assurance to senior leadership and the board.
• Collaborate with finance, risk, operations and business leaders.
• Mentor the audit team and stay updated with best practices and regulatory changes.

Skills

Analytical Skills

Financial Risk Management

Internal Controls

Leadership

Communication

People Management

Education

CIA/CPA/ACCA/CA qualification

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting/Finance/Business

Job description

Company Description

The largest conglomerate in the UAE operates a diversified portfolio of businesses spanning multiple sectors, offering stability and long‑term growth opportunities for team members. Headquartered in Dubai, the group is recognized for its strong corporate governance, innovation, and commitment to operational excellence. The organization emphasizes ethical business practices, robust risk management, and sustainable development across its subsidiaries. Joining the conglomerate provides exposure to complex, high-impact projects and collaboration with a wide range of stakeholders across the region.

Role Description

This is a full‑time, on‑site Head of Internal Audit role based in Dubai. The Head of Internal Audit will lead the internal audit function across the conglomerate, developing and executing a comprehensive risk‑based audit plan covering all business units and support functions. Day‑to‑day responsibilities include overseeing audit engagements, reviewing audit reports, ensuring the effectiveness of internal controls, and monitoring compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and internal policies. The role involves providing independent assurance to senior leadership and the board on governance, risk management, and control processes, as well as recommending improvements to enhance efficiency and risk mitigation. The Head of Internal Audit will collaborate closely with finance, risk, operations, and business leaders, manage and mentor the audit team, and stay up to date with best practices and regulatory changes relevant to the group’s activities.

Qualifications

• Candidates should possess strong Analytical Skills to assess complex data, identify trends, and evaluate the effectiveness of control environments.


• Candidates should possess Financial Risk Management and Finance skills to understand risk exposures, financial performance, and their impact on strategic decision‑making.


• Candidates should possess Internal Controls and Accounting skills to design, evaluate, and improve control frameworks and ensure accurate financial reporting.


• Candidates should have experience in internal audit leadership, including audit planning, execution, reporting, and follow‑up on remediation activities.


• Candidates should demonstrate excellent communication, stakeholder management, and influencing skills to engage effectively with senior management and board‑level committees.


• Candidates should have proven people management capabilities, including mentoring and developing audit professionals and building a high‑performing audit team.


• Relevant professional qualifications such as CIA, CPA, ACCA, CA, or equivalent, and a bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business, or a related field are highly beneficial; experience in large, diversified groups or conglomerates in the region is an advantage.