Head of Internal Audit UAE National (Emiratisation)

Intelligent Solutions; Dubai; On-site; AED 300,000 - 450,000; Full time

Job summary

Intelligent Solutions seeks a Head of Internal Audit in the United Arab Emirates to establish and lead a risk-based internal audit function aligned with international standards and UAE requirements. The role reports to the Audit Committee and executive management, shaping governance, risk management and controls at a nationally significant organisation.

The candidate will direct audits across operations, finance and IT, engage with regulators and boards, and mentor a high-performance team while

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, business administration or related discipline.
• Master’s degree preferred.
• CIA/CPA/ACCA/CISA or equivalent certifications desirable.
• 10–15 years of progressive internal audit experience in regulated environments.

Responsibilities

• Develop and lead a risk-based internal audit strategy and annual plan.
• Oversee operational, financial, IT, compliance and governance audits.
• Provide independent assurance to Audit Committee and senior management on internal controls.
• Ensure compliance with UAE regulatory requirements and international standards.
• Identify gaps and coordinate corrective actions with management.
• Engage with external auditors, regulators and key stakeholders.
• Present audit findings and recommendations to the Audit Committee and Board.
• Mentor the internal audit team and uphold integrity and independence.

Skills

UAE National

Internal Audit Leadership

Stakeholder Management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in accounting/finance/business

Master’s degree preferred

Job description

General Overview

We are partnering with a prominent semi‑government organisation within the UAE insurance and healthcare ecosystem to hire a Head of Internal Audit. This is a senior leadership role reporting to the Audit Committee and executive management with responsibility for establishing and leading an independent risk‑based internal audit function aligned with international standards and UAE regulatory requirements. The role offers a strategic opportunity to strengthen governance, risk management and internal controls within a highly regulated and nationally significant organization.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, implement and maintain a risk‑based Internal Audit strategy and annual audit plan aligned with organizational objectives and regulatory expectations.
• Lead and oversee all internal audit activities including operational, financial, IT, compliance and governance audits.
• Provide independent assurance to the Audit Committee and senior management on the effectiveness of internal controls, risk management and governance frameworks.
• Evaluate compliance with UAE regulatory requirements, internal policies and international standards (e.g. IIA Standards COSO).
• Identify control gaps, emerging risks and systemic issues ensuring timely follow‑up and closure of audit findings and management action plans.
• Manage and maintain strong relationships with external auditors, regulators and key internal stakeholders.
• Prepare and present clear, insightful audit reports and executive summaries to the Audit Committee and Board.
• Lead, mentor and develop the internal audit team fostering a culture of integrity, independence and high performance.
• Advise senior leadership on governance, risk and control improvements as a trusted assurance partner.

Key Requirements

• UAE National with strong expertise in internal audit risk and governance.
• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, business administration or a related discipline; Master’s degree preferred.
• Professional certifications such as CIA, CPA, ACCA, CISA or equivalent are highly desirable.
• 1015 years of progressive internal audit experience with significant exposure to regulated environments (insurance, healthcare, financial services or government/semi‑government).
• Proven experience operating at a senior leadership level including direct engagement with Boards and Audit Committees.
• Strong knowledge of UAE regulatory frameworks, enterprise risk management and internal control systems.
• Excellent leadership, communication and stakeholder management skills.
• High ethical standards, sound judgment and the ability to operate independently with authority.