Head of Internal Audit

Intelligent Solutions HR Consultancy; Dubai; On-site; AED 300,000 - 400,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading consultancy firm in Dubai is seeking a senior Head of Internal Audit to establish a risk-based audit function. The role requires UAE National with extensive experience in internal audit, risk management, and governance. The successful candidate will lead audit activities, ensure compliance with regulations, and engage with senior leadership and Audit Committees. Strong leadership and communication skills are essential for this pivotal position, which offers a strategic opportunity to enhance governance within a significant organization.

Qualifications

• 10–15 years of progressive internal audit experience.
• Experience in regulated environments (insurance, healthcare, financial services).
• Proven senior leadership engagement with Boards and Audit Committees.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement risk-based internal audit strategies.
• Lead all internal audit activities across various functions.
• Provide independent assurance to the Audit Committee.

Skills

Internal audit expertise

Risk management

Governance knowledge

Leadership skills

Stakeholder management

UAE regulatory compliance

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance or related field

Master’s degree (preferred)

Professional certifications (CIA, CPA, ACCA, CISA)

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.
• 10–15 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.