Head of Internal Audit — Fintech, Build & Lead

Ziina زينة; Dubai; On-site; AED 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Job summary

Ziina is seeking a Head of Internal Audit to establish and lead our new IA function in Dubai. You will own audit planning, execution, and reporting with direct access to the Board, shaping governance and controls across regulated operations.

You will leverage data analytics and automation to enhance testing, oversee remediation, and coordinate with CBUAE and external auditors. A fintech/regulatory background and strong leadership are essential.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of Internal Audit experience in fintech or regulated financial services.
• Strong understanding of risk-based auditing, internal controls, and governance.
• Experience in UAE/Central Bank of UAE (CBUAE) regulatory environments.
• Professional certification such as CIA, CPA, ACCA or equivalent.
• Ability to develop audit plans, perform testing, and communicate results to senior leadership or Board.

Responsibilities

• Build and lead the Internal Audit function from the ground up.
• Develop and execute a risk-based Internal Audit Plan.
• Conduct end-to-end audits with planning, risk assessment, testing, reporting, and remediation.
• Provide independent assurance across financial, operational, regulatory and technology risks.
• Leverage data analytics and automation to enhance audit testing and coverage.
• Report to the Board with clear, actionable recommendations and remediation tracking.
• Coordinate regulatory and external assurance activities with CBUAE and external auditors.
• Extend audit coverage to new regulated entities as Ziina grows.
• Continuously improve audit effectiveness with scalable processes and tech-enabled testing.

Skills

Fintech audit

Regulatory experience

Data analytics

Cybersecurity governance

Stakeholder communication

Education

CIA/CPA/ACCA

Tools

SQL

Python

Power BI

Job description

Ziina is seeking a Head of Internal Audit to establish and lead our new IA function in Dubai. You will own audit planning, execution, and reporting with direct access to the Board, shaping governance and controls across regulated operations.

You will leverage data analytics and automation to enhance testing, oversee remediation, and coordinate with CBUAE and external auditors. A fintech/regulatory background and strong leadership are essential.