Head of Internal Audit - UAE National

Michael Page; Dubai; On-site; AED 63,000 - 77,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Benefits package

Job summary

Michael Page is seeking an experienced UAE National to lead an independent internal audit function across a diversified group. The role provides assurance and advisory support to senior governance stakeholders while overseeing risk-based audits, controls, compliance, and enterprise risk management activities.

The successful candidate will have 15+ years in internal audit or risk management, 5+ years in senior leadership, and professional qualifications such as CIA; GCC experience preferred.

Qualifications

• UAE National only
• CIA preferred; other certifications (CPA/CA/ACCA/CISA/CRMA) advantageous
• Minimum 15 years' experience in internal audit, assurance, or risk management
• At least 5 years in a senior leadership capacity
• Experience reporting to board-level or audit committees
• Strong background in risk-based auditing within complex or multi-entity environments
• Expertise across governance, enterprise risk management, compliance, fraud risk, and internal controls
• Experience with ERP systems, technology assurance, IT controls, and data analytics

Responsibilities

• Lead and maintain an independent internal audit function.
• Develop and execute risk-based annual and multi-year audit plans.
• Conduct enterprise-wide risk assessments across strategic, financial, operational, tech, and governance risks.
• Oversee financial, operational, compliance, governance, cybersecurity, and IT audits.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of internal controls, policies, and key business processes.
• Present audit findings, emerging risks, and performance updates to governance committees.
• Monitor remediation actions and validate corrective measures.
• Lead investigations, fraud reviews, and special assignments as required.
• Assess governance, risk management frameworks, and technology controls.
• Lead, mentor, and develop the internal audit team while maintaining standards.

Skills

Audit

Education

Bachelor's degree in Finance and related field

Tools

ERP systems

Data analytics

Job description

An experienced UAE National internal audit leader is required to establish and lead an independent audit function across a diversified group environment. The role provides assurance and advisory support to senior governance stakeholders while overseeing risk-based audits, controls, compliance, and enterprise risk management activities.

Client Details

A large diversified regional organisation with operations across multiple sectors

Description

• Lead and maintain an independent internal audit function.
• Develop and execute risk-based annual and multi-year audit plans.
• Conduct enterprise-wide risk assessments covering strategic, financial, operational, technology, and governance risks.
• Oversee financial, operational, compliance, governance, cybersecurity, and technology audits.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of internal controls, policies, and key business processes.
• Present audit findings, emerging risks, and performance updates to governance committees.
• Monitor remediation actions and validate corrective measures.
• Lead investigations, fraud reviews, and special assignments as required.
• Assess governance, compliance, risk management frameworks, and technology controls.
• Lead, mentor, and develop the internal audit team while maintaining professional standards and quality assurance.

Profile

• UAE National ONLYBachelor's degree in Finance, Auditing, Business Administration, Risk Management, or a related field.
• Professional qualification such as CIA preferred; CPA, CA, ACCA, CISA, CRMA, or equivalent advantageous.
• Minimum 15 years' experience in internal audit, assurance, or risk management roles.
• At least 5 years' experience in a senior leadership capacity.
• Demonstrated experience reporting to board-level or audit committee stakeholders.
• Strong background in risk-based auditing within complex or multi-entity environments.
• Expertise across governance, enterprise risk management, compliance, fraud risk, and internal controls.
• Experience with ERP systems, technology assurance, IT controls, and data analytics.
• Regional experience within the GCC is preferred.

Job Offer

This is a fantastic opportunity to lead and shape a highly visible internal audit function. With exposure to a broad and diversified business environment. There is a package of up to 70,000 AED depending on experience + Benefits.

Skills

• Audit