Head of Internal Audit

Black & Grey HR Consultancy FZE; Dubai; On-site; AED 300,000 - 400,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading HR consultancy is seeking a Head of Internal Audit for a prominent investment group in the UAE. This senior leadership position involves building and leading the internal audit function across diverse portfolios. The ideal candidate should have over 12 years of audit experience in financial services, strong governance skills, and the ability to engage with senior leadership. This role offers an attractive salary and benefits, along with opportunities to shape risk management and governance frameworks.

Benefits

Attractive Salary + Benefits

Strategic leadership role

High visibility with Board

Qualifications

• 12+ years of internal audit experience in financial services or investment firms.
• Strong governance and risk management skills.
• Experience with Boards and senior management.

Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee the group-wide internal audit function.
• Develop and execute a comprehensive risk-based audit plan.
• Evaluate governance, compliance, and internal control systems.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Stakeholder management

Risk management

Governance expertise

Education

CIA certification

CPA/ACCA/CFA/CISA

Tools

ERP systems

Digital audit tools

Job description

Overview

Black & Grey HR is hiring a Head of Internal Audit for a leading investment and asset management group based in the UAE. This is a senior leadership role responsible for building, strengthening, and leading the internal audit function across diversified investment portfolios and operating entities. The role is ideal for a seasoned audit professional with strong governance expertise, leadership presence, and experience working with complex financial and investment structures.

Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee the group-wide internal audit function across investment and operating entities
• Develop and execute a comprehensive risk-based annual audit plan
• Establish and maintain a robust enterprise-wide risk and control framework
• Evaluate governance, compliance, and internal control systems
• Conduct audits covering financial reporting, investments, asset management, treasury, procurement, and operations
• Review and strengthen policies, procedures, and risk management practices
• Present audit findings, risk assessments, and recommendations to senior management and audit committees
• Provide independent assurance to the Board and executive leadership
• Lead special reviews, investigations, and regulatory-related audits when required
• Identify fraud risks, compliance gaps, and control weaknesses
• Drive remediation and closure of audit findings across business units
• Implement data analytics and technology-enabled auditing practices
• Strengthen audit governance and reporting frameworks
• Build, mentor, and lead a high-performing internal audit team
• Promote a strong risk-aware and compliance-driven culture across the organization

Requirements

• 12+ years of internal audit experience within financial services, investment groups, asset management firms, or diversified holding companies
• Professional certification such as CIA (mandatory)
• Strong exposure to investment structures, fund operations, and financial controls
• Proven experience engaging with Boards, Audit Committees, and senior leadership
• Strong leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills
• Experience managing complex, multi-entity audit environments
• High level of integrity, independence, and professional judgment
• Preferred Qualifications
• Big 4 audit background combined with in-house leadership experience
• Additional certifications such as CPA, ACCA, CFA, or CISA
• Experience with regulatory audits and compliance frameworks in the UAE
• Strong understanding of ERP and financial systems
• Exposure to digital audit and continuous monitoring tools

Benefits

• Attractive Salary + Benefits
• Strategic leadership role within a growing investment platform
• High visibility with Board and senior stakeholders
• Opportunity to shape governance and risk frameworks