Head of Internal Audit, UAE & EMEA

Airwallex; Abu Dhabi; On-site; AED 220,000 - 320,000; Full time

Job summary

Airwallex is seeking a seasoned internal audit leader to establish and run the UAE function, driving regulatory readiness and robust controls across the UAE, EMEA, and international footprint. You will serve as a key regulator-facing function, shaping risk assessments and audit plans while collaborating with the local Board.

You will communicate complex compliance issues to senior stakeholders, lead audits of financial crime controls, and drive timely remediation actions across multiple

Qualifications

• 8+ years of audit experience, able to step into regulatory Key Function Holder role.
• Deep knowledge of UAE regulatory frameworks (CB UAE, DFSA, FSRA).
• Experience auditing financial crime, AML/CFT, sanctions screening, payment systems, or enterprise risk.
• Experience developing risk-based audit plans and evaluating controls.
• Strong ability to communicate risks and audit findings to senior stakeholders and regulators.
• Excellent written and spoken English; degree in Accounting/Finance or related field.

Responsibilities

• Establish and lead the UAE internal audit function and act as Key Function Holder.
• Design and execute risk-based audit plans, charters and testing procedures for UAE.
• Lead regulatory compliance audits across EMEA and contribute to global audits.
• Assess design and operating effectiveness of controls across financial crime and related domains.
• Use data analytics to improve audit efficiency and continuous monitoring.
• Communicate complex issues to senior management, Boards and regulators.
• Track management action plans and ensure timely remediation.
• Stay updated on UAE and EMEA regulatory developments and embed best practices.

Skills

Audit leadership

Regulatory knowledge

Financial crime auditing

Stakeholder comms

English fluency

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting/Finance

Tools

Python

SQL

Databricks

Looker

Job description

Airwallex is seeking a seasoned internal audit leader to establish and run the UAE function, driving regulatory readiness and robust controls across the UAE, EMEA, and international footprint. You will serve as a key regulator-facing function, shaping risk assessments and audit plans while collaborating with the local Board.

You will communicate complex compliance issues to senior stakeholders, lead audits of financial crime controls, and drive timely remediation actions across multiple