Head of Internal Audit - Banking, FSRA & Compliance

Weekday AI; Abu Dhabi; On-site; AED 154,000 - 270,000; Full time

Job summary

Weekday AI in Abu Dhabi seeks a Head of Internal Audit to establish and lead the in-house internal audit function for a regulated banking institution. The role focuses on transitioning from outsourced to in-house, and aligning with FSRA, IIA standards, and relevant banking regulations.

You will oversee audits across credit, treasury, liquidity, financial reporting, and regulatory compliance, reporting to the Board and Audit Committee with objective assurance and strategic guidance.

Qualifications

• 13+ years of experience in internal audit, banking assurance, risk management, or financial services governance.
• Experience establishing or transforming internal audit functions and developing risk-based audit plans.
• Strong understanding of UAE banking regulations, FSRA requirements, prudential frameworks, and internal audit standards.

Responsibilities

• Establish the in-house Internal Audit function, managing the transition from outsourced arrangements and presenting a structured implementation roadmap to the Board Audit Committee.
• Develop and maintain the Internal Audit Charter, audit methodology, governance framework, and risk-based multi-year audit plan.
• Ensure audit independence, objectivity, professional standards, and compliance with FSRA requirements and IIA Global Internal Audit Standards.
• Serve as the principal Internal Audit adviser to the Board Audit Committee, providing clear reporting on control weaknesses, emerging risks, and remediation progress.
• Lead independent audits across credit, corporate and SME financing, treasury, capital adequacy, liquidity, financial reporting, and operational risk.
• Review ICAAP, ILAAP, IRAP, IFRS 9 Expected Credit Loss (ECL), and other relevant prudential and regulatory processes.
• Oversee audits of AML/CFT, proliferation financing, sanctions screening, customer due diligence, transaction monitoring, and financial crime controls.
• Provide assurance over HR governance, employee conduct, customer-facing practices, conduct risk, and people-related controls.
• Conduct or oversee internal Shari’ah reviews, including product approvals, contract execution, and non-Shari’ah-compliant income, where applicable.
• Assess technology governance, core banking systems, digital channels, cybersecurity, data protection, cloud environments, AI/ML models, and change management.
• Review outsourcing, third-party risk, business continuity, and operational resilience arrangements.
• Monitor regulatory and external audit findings through to independently validated closure.
• Build and mentor an effective audit team, engage specialist co-sourcing partners, and implement quality assurance and continuous auditing practices.

Skills

Leadership

Stakeholder management

Analytical thinking

Communication

Risk management

Education

Professional qualifications (CA/CIA/CISA/ACCA/CPA)

Job description

Weekday AI in Abu Dhabi seeks a Head of Internal Audit to establish and lead the in-house internal audit function for a regulated banking institution. The role focuses on transitioning from outsourced to in-house, and aligning with FSRA, IIA standards, and relevant banking regulations.

You will oversee audits across credit, treasury, liquidity, financial reporting, and regulatory compliance, reporting to the Board and Audit Committee with objective assurance and strategic guidance.