Internal Audit Specialist

Sharjah Education Academy; Sharjah; On-site; AED 150,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

An educational institution in Sharjah seeks an Internal Audit Specialist to evaluate and enhance internal controls, risk management, and governance across all operations. With 5 to 8 years of experience, the ideal candidate will conduct audits, prepare detailed reports, and provide advisory support while ensuring compliance with applicable regulations. Strong communication skills in both English and Arabic are essential. This role plays a crucial part in optimizing the Academy's operational efficiency and risk frameworks.

Qualifications

• 5 to 8 years of experience in internal audit or related assurance role.
• Strong knowledge of Global Internal Audit Standards and audit reporting best practices.
• Fluent in English and Arabic, both written and verbal.

Responsibilities

• Conduct regular internal audits according to the annual audit plan.
• Evaluate internal controls and risk management frameworks.
• Draft evidence-based audit reports with actionable insights.

Skills

Internal audit methodologies

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Microsoft Office proficiency

Time management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related discipline

Certified Internal Auditor (CIA)

Tools

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft PowerPoint

Job description

The Internal Audit Specialist supports the Academy’s assurance function by independently evaluating and improving the effectiveness of internal controls, risk management, compliance, and governance frameworks across all departments and operations.

Key Duties & Responsibilities

• Conduct regular internal audits in accordance with the approved annual internal audit plan, audit scope, and professional audit standards.
• Attend meetings with auditees to understand departmental functions, processes, workflows, and risk areas.
• Perform audit fieldwork including interviews, walkthroughs, audit testing, evidence gathering, and review of documentation.
• Travel to Academy sites as required to meet relevant staff and obtain documents and information.
• Facilitate special ad hoc assignments as directed by the Director of Legal Affairs & Internal Audit or the Internal Audit Committee / Audit Committee.
• Conduct regular internal audit and compliance reviews and assessments of the Academy’s internal control and governance frameworks, financials, and other related functions, policies, and procedures.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of internal controls, operational procedures, financial processes, and governance mechanisms across the Academy.
• Oversee the review of the audit process and its implementation within the Academy by delivering a comprehensive, ongoing risk assessment process to evaluate the effectiveness of legal, financial, and operational control mechanisms.
• Conduct audits to measure the effectiveness of the Academy’s risk management frameworks and contribute to strengthening risk-based decision making.
• Identify, assess, and document areas of risk, control weaknesses, process gaps, and non-compliance issues; propose practical recommendations for improvement.
• Develop related corrective plans and recommendations and submit audit reports.
• Draft clear, evidence-based audit reports with actionable insights, root cause analysis, impact assessment, and practical recommendations.
• Prepare concise reports and presentations (as required) for senior management and governance committees.
• Coordinate with respective divisions/departments to follow up on implementing risk mitigation plans and corrective measures.
• Monitor and ensure the implementation and effectiveness of audit-related corrective measures requirements and submit follow-up reports accordingly.
• Agree improvement recommendations with stakeholders to strengthen departmental performance, service delivery, compliance, and governance outcomes.
• Provide advisory support to stakeholders/department heads on improving systems and processes based on internal audit findings, considering Academy growth, reputation, and ethics.
• Coordinate with external auditors and ensure they fulfil the Academy’s audit requirements, including facilitating access to documents, stakeholders, and evidence.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders to ensure external audit actions are tracked and implemented where applicable.
• Ensure audit activities and recommendations align with applicable laws, regulations, and internal policies.
• Perform other duties at different locations as requested by the Line Manager or Academy management.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related discipline.
• Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) (preferred) or equivalent professional certification (e.g., CISA, CPA, ACCA).
• Minimum 5 to 8 years of proven experience in internal audit, compliance, governance, risk management, or a related assurance role.
• Strong working knowledge and practical application of: Global Internal Audit Standards (2025) and IIA Standards / IPPF, audit methodologies, and audit documentation and reporting best practices.
• Strong research capability, analytical skills, and professional judgement.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office tools (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and audit tracking documentation.
• High standards of integrity, confidentiality, objectivity, and professionalism.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills, including diplomacy and tact.
• Strong time management and ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines.
• Resilience and ability to perform under pressure and within tight timelines.

Language Requirements

• Excellent written and verbal communication in English and Arabic (Required).