Head of Internal Audit, Middle East & Africa

Cigna Services Middle East FZE; Dubai; On-site; AED 350,000 - 500,000; Full time

Job summary

Cigna Services Middle East FZE is seeking a Head of Internal Audit for the Middle East & Africa, responsible for leading the internal audit function with a focus on UAE regulatory compliance. This position requires strong leadership in a dynamic environment and offers a competitive salary package, with opportunities for career growth within a reputed organization.

Qualifications

• 10+ years experience in Internal Audit within the insurance sector.
• 3+ years experience in UAE.
• Professional certifications such as CA, CPA, or CIA highly desirable.

Responsibilities

• Lead audit team to deliver risk-based audits across the region.
• Manage execution of audits, including planning and reporting.
• Engage with regulatory bodies, particularly the UAE Central Bank.

Skills

Leadership

Analytical thinking

Communication

Project Management

Interpersonal Skills

Ethics and Integrity

Education

Bachelors degree in Accounting, Finance or related field

Postgraduate degree (Masters) preferred

Job description

Head of Internal Audit Middle East & Africa

UAE Regulatory Role with UAE Central Bank Registration

Cigna has a unique opportunity for experienced and talented audit leaders who are motivated to be a part of Cignas rapidly growing business in the Middle East and Africa. This opportunity provides a unique experience to be responsible for leading the internal audit function for Cigna Healthcares Middle East and Africa businesses while also being a part of a fortune 15 global organization and internal audit function. This role carriesregulatory responsibility with the Central Bank of the UAEand plays a key part in ensuring strong governance risk management and internal controls. The ideal candidate will bring extensive experience in the insurance sector a strong understanding of UAE regulatory requirements and the ability to lead audit teams in a dynamic and multicultural environment.

The Head of Internal Audit Middle East and Africa has a direct reporting line to Cigna Healthcares International Health Chief Auditor. In addition to collaborating with senior leadership and stakeholders the Head of Internal Audit Middle East and Africa will have responsibility for engaging directly with internal governance committees and various regulators to deliver insights and to present the results of our audit activities including recommendations for solutions to strengthen and drive efficiencies in the control environment. Additionally this leadership role includes the following responsibilities:

Key Responsibilities

• Lead coach and develop the Internal Audit team to deliver risk-based audits across the region while also ensuring adequate coverage relative to core businesses processes and functions.
• Design and maintain a strategic audit plan aligned with the Companies objectives risks and both UAE and broader Middle East regulatory obligations.
• Manage execution of audits including scoping planning supervision documentation and reporting.
• Prepare and deliver presentations regarding audit findings to stakeholders including senior management and the Executive Committees.
• Monitor the implementation of audit recommendations and escalate overdue actions.
• Engage with stakeholders on key initiatives to provide consultation regarding governance and internal control best practices.
• Build strong business relationships and work collaboratively with key functions ensuring close coordination with Compliance and Risk Management to support a unified approach to control effectiveness and risk mitigation.
• Collaborate with Internal Audit teams operating globally to ensure alignment on audit coverage knowledge sharing and consistent application of best practices across the region.
• Act as the primary Internal Audit contact for regulatory matters across the Middle East including ongoing engagement with regulators such as the Central Bank of the UAE.

Qualifications:

• Bacehelors degree in Accounting Finance or a related field with a Postgraduate degree (i.e. Masters) preferred.
• Professional certifications such as CA CPA or CIA are highly desirable.
• Minimum of10 years experience in Internal Auditwithin the insurance sector includingat least 3 years experience in the UAE.

Knowledge and Abilities:

• Sound knowledge ofUAE regulatory frameworksand financial reporting requirements.
• Strong technical expertise inaccounting principles control procedures audit standards and best practices.
• Excellentoral and written communication skills in English; proficiency in Arabic is an advantage.
• Strong interpersonal and presentation skills with the ability to engage and influence stakeholders at all levels.
• Proven leadership and project management skills; capable of motivating and guiding cross-functional teams.
• Demonstrated ability tobuild and sustain effective relationships across global and multicultural teams.
• High level ofanalytical thinking and sound judgment with a track record of making effective well-reasoned decisions.
• Innovative mindset with the courage to challenge conventional thinking and improve processes.
• Strong organizational agility ability tomulti-task and adapt to changing priorities.
• Comfortable operating in bothoffice-based and virtual collaborative environments.
• Willingness totravel up to 30% with a strong commitment to working in multicultural settings.
• Demonstratesunquestionable ethics and integrityin all professional dealings.

The appointment is contingent upon obtaining all necessary regulatory approvals.

About Cigna Healthcare

Cigna Healthcare a division of The Cigna Group is an advocate for better health through every stage of life. We guide our customers through the health care system empowering them with the information and insight they need to make the best choices for improving their health and vitality. Join us in driving growth and improving lives.

Qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race color age disability sex childbirth (including pregnancy) or related medical conditions including but not limited to lactation sexual orientation gender identity or expression veteran or military status religion national origin ancestry marital or familial status genetic information status with regard to public assistance citizenship status or any other characteristic protected by applicable equal employment opportunity laws.

If you require reasonable accommodation in completing the online application process please email: for support. Do not email for an update on your application or to provide your resume as you will not receive a response.

Required Experience:

Director