HEAD OF INTERNAL AUDIT

MP DOMINIC AND CO; Dubai; On-site; AED 300,000 - 400,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading auditing firm in Dubai is seeking a Head of Internal Audit to develop and implement audit strategies across business units. The candidate will design risk-based annual plans, lead audit teams, and ensure compliance with regulations. Qualified applicants should have a Bachelor's degree in a relevant field and mandatory professional certifications alongside significant leadership experience in internal audit. Fluency in English is essential, and knowledge of Arabic is a plus. The role offers a dynamic environment focused on governance and risk management.

Qualifications

• Minimum 6 years of internal audit leadership and technical experience.
• At least 3 years in a managerial role.
• Previous experience in Gulf countries is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement the internal audit strategy.
• Design and execute a risk-based annual internal audit plan.
• Lead and supervise internal audit teams.

Skills

Risk management auditing techniques

Leadership

Communication

Analytical planning

Fluency in English

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, Law or related field

Mandatory professional certifications (CPA, CIA, CFE, CMA, CISA)

Masters degree

Tools

Audit software

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

Job Summary (List Format) Head of Internal Audit

• Develop and implement the internal audit strategy across all business units and subsidiaries.
• Design and execute a risk-based annual internal audit plan in alignment with the organization's risk management framework.
• Establish and maintain audit policy frameworks and standards based on industry best practices and regulatory requirements.
• Lead and supervise internal audit teams ensuring consistent audit execution and quality across all locations and subsidiaries.
• Conduct and oversee financial, operational and compliance audits as well as special investigations.
• Coordinate audit activities with external auditors and consultants.
• Perform organization-wide risk assessments; evaluate internal controls and recommend mitigation strategies.
• Monitor the implementation of audit recommendations and corrective actions.
• Promote ethical conduct and sound corporate governance throughout the organization.
• Advise senior management on risk appetite and internal controls; ensure compliance with relevant health, safety and environmental regulations.
• Prepare and present comprehensive audit reports to the Board of Directors.
• Maintain thorough audit documentation and ensure quality control in all audit activities.
• Conduct training programs on audit requirements and best practices for staff.
• Develop competency frameworks for audit staff recruitment, performance assessment and succession planning.
• Ensure adherence to audit standards and regulatory requirements.
• Support strategic decision-making by providing insights into operational efficiency, governance and risk management.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, Law or related field (Masters a plus).
• Mandatory professional certifications (CPA, CIA, CFE, CMA, CISA).
• Minimum 6 years of internal audit leadership and technical experience with at least 1 3 years in a managerial role.
• Previous experience in Gulf countries is advantageous.

Key Skills & Competencies

• Expert knowledge of risk management auditing techniques and accounting principles.
• Experience developing internal audit policies and procedures.
• Familiarity with regulatory frameworks (GAAP, GAAS, IIA, IFRS) and regional laws.
• Strong leadership, people management, communication, negotiation and presentation skills.
• Analytical planning and decision-making abilities.
• Proficiency in audit software and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Fluency in English; Arabic is an added advantage.