Head of Shariah Audit - Banking

Axiom Recruit; Abu Dhabi; On-site; AED 520,000 - 900,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid working model

Performance bonus

Full benefits package

Job summary

Axiom Recruit is seeking an experienced Internal Shari’ah Audit leader in Abu Dhabi to build and run the independent Shari’ah audit function for a fast-growing Islamic banking proposition.

You will develop the audit charter, risk assessment framework and annual plan, lead risk-based audits across products and platforms, and present findings to senior management, the Board Audit Committee and the ISSC, ensuring regulatory alignment and governance.

Qualifications

• 7–10+ years in Internal Shari’ah Audit, Shari’ah compliance or Shari’ah control within an Islamic bank or financial institution.
• Experience with AAOIFI Shari’ah Standards, HSA standards, CBUAE regulations and Shari’ah governance requirements.
• Ability to lead risk-based audits across products, contracts, operations, technology and digital banking.

Responsibilities

• Build and lead the Internal Shari’ah Audit function for the Islamic banking proposition.
• Develop the Shari’ah audit charter, methodology, manuals, risk-assessment framework and annual audit plan.
• Lead risk-based audits across products, transactions, contracts, operations, technology, treasury and digital banking activity.
• Assess the effectiveness of the Internal Shari’ah Control System and adherence to regulatory requirements.
• Issue audit reports and oversee remediation through to closure.
• Partner with Compliance, Risk and business teams while maintaining independence of the audit function.
• Strengthen Shari’ah audit capability and accountability across the organisation.

Skills

Internal Shari’ah Audit

Shari’ah compliance

Audit leadership

Education

Islamic finance/audit qualification

Job description

This is a full-time position based in Abu Dhabi. The client offers a full family-relocation package, but the role requires rapid relocation and regular on-site presence in the UAE.

Axiom is looking for an experienced Internal Shari’ah Audit leader to take on a key role within a fast-growing digital bank in Abu Dhabi.

This is a high-visibility mandate to establish and lead independent Shari’ah audit assurance across a growing Islamic banking proposition, with exposure to products, operations, technology, governance and regulatory engagement.

The Company

Our client is an ambitious, technology-led financial institution modernising how individuals and businesses manage their finances across the region.

Combining strong regulatory foundations with the pace and innovation of a fintech, the business offers a digital-first platform across a growing range of financial products and services.

As the organisation expands its Islamic banking offering, it is seeking an accomplished audit leader to build a robust Internal Shari’ah Audit framework and provide clear assurance to senior management, the Board and the Internal Shari’ah Supervisory Committee.

What You’ll Be Responsible For

• Build and lead the Internal Shari’ah Audit function for the Islamic banking proposition.
• Develop the Shari’ah audit charter, methodology, manuals, risk-assessment framework and annual audit plan.
• Lead risk-based audits across products, transactions, contracts, operations, technology, treasury and digital banking activity.
• Assess the effectiveness of the Internal Shari’ah Control System, including adherence to HSA resolutions, ISSC decisions, AAOIFI standards and CBUAE requirements.
• Issue clear audit reports, present findings to senior management, the Board Audit Committee and the ISSC, and oversee remediation through to closure.
• Partner with Internal Shari’ah Control, Compliance, Risk and business teams while maintaining the independence of the audit function.
• Strengthen Shari’ah audit capability, awareness and accountability across the organisation.

What We’re Looking For

• 7–10+ years’ experience in Internal Shari’ah Audit, Shari’ah compliance or Shari’ah control within an Islamic bank, Islamic Window or financial institution.
• Strong hands‑on experience with risk-based audit planning, audit execution, reporting, issue management and remediation.
• In-depth knowledge of AAOIFI Shari’ah Standards, HSA standards, CBUAE regulations and Shari’ah governance requirements.
• Experience auditing Islamic banking products, contracts, operations, treasury, technology or digital banking platforms.
• Credibility presenting findings to senior stakeholders, Audit Committees and Shari’ah Supervisory Committees.
• Relevant degree required; CSAA, CIPA, CIA or a comparable Islamic finance / audit qualification is highly valued.
• A confident, independent leader with sound judgement and the ability to build a function in a fast-moving environment.

Why This Opportunity?

The chance to lead Internal Shari’ah Audit within a leading regional neobank and help shape the assurance framework around its next generation of Islamic banking products and platforms.

• Tax‑free base salary, excellent performance bonus and full benefits package.
• Hybrid working model from a regional HQ alongside global technology and fintech talent.
• High exposure to senior management, Board‑level governance and regulatory stakeholders.
• Genuine opportunity to establish and lead a critical control function from the ground up.