Internal Auditor

Kreston Awni Farsakh & Co.; Abu Dhabi; On-site; AED 180,000 - 300,000; Full time

Job summary

Kreston Awni Farsakh & Co. is seeking an experienced Internal Auditor to join our UAE team. The role involves planning and executing internal audits, evaluating controls and risk management, and delivering practical recommendations to enhance governance and efficiency.

The ideal candidate holds a minimum of 5 years in internal audit, with strong analytical skills and knowledge of IIA standards and UAE-specific compliance. Travel to client sites within the UAE may be required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field.
• At least 5 years of relevant internal audit experience.
• Strong knowledge of internal auditing methodologies and risk assessment techniques.
• Familiarity with IIA standards and UAE regulatory requirements is preferred.
• Professional qualification such as CIA, ACCA, CA, CPA or equivalent is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Plan and execute internal audit engagements across financial, operational, and compliance functions.
• Assess adequacy and effectiveness of internal controls, risk management, and governance practices.
• Conduct risk assessments and develop risk-based audit plans and programmes.
• Review financial records and processes to identify control weaknesses and inefficiencies.
• Prepare audit working papers, reports and management letters with findings and recommendations.
• Discuss audit findings with clients and management and establish action plans and timelines.
• Follow up on implementation of corrective actions and monitor progress.
• Review controls over financial reporting, procurement, inventory, payroll, and other key processes.

Skills

Internal auditing

Risk assessment

Reporting & documentation

Communication skills

Excel

Education

Bachelor's degree in accounting

CIA/ACCA/CA/CPA preferred

Tools

Audit management software

Data analytics tools

Job description

Job description

We are seeking an experienced Internal Auditor to join our team in the UAE. The successful candidate will be responsible for planning and executing internal audit assignments, evaluating internal controls and risk management processes, identifying operational and financial weaknesses, and providing practical recommendations to improve governance, compliance, and operational efficiency.

The ideal candidate will have strong analytical skills, sound knowledge of internal auditing methodologies, and the ability to work independently while maintaining effective relationships with clients and management.

Key Responsibilities

• Plan and execute internal audit engagements across financial, operational, and compliance functions.
• Assess the adequacy and effectiveness of internal controls, risk management processes, and corporate governance practices.
• Conduct risk assessments and develop risk-based internal audit plans and audit programmes.
• Review financial records, business processes, operational procedures, and internal policies to identify control weaknesses, inefficiencies, and potential risks.
• Evaluate compliance with applicable laws and regulations, internal policies, contractual obligations, and established procedures.
• Identify control deficiencies, process inefficiencies, and areas of potential fraud or financial misstatement, and recommend appropriate corrective actions.
• Prepare clear and comprehensive internal audit working papers, reports, and management letters, highlighting findings, risks, and recommendations.
• Discuss audit findings with clients and management, agree on corrective action plans, and establish implementation timelines.
• Conduct follow-up reviews to assess the implementation and effectiveness of agreed corrective actions.
• Review the design and operating effectiveness of internal controls over financial reporting, procurement, inventory, payroll, revenue, expenditure, and other key business processes.
• Evaluate the reliability and integrity of financial and operational information and the effectiveness of systems and procedures.
• Assist in developing and improving internal audit methodologies, risk assessment frameworks, and internal control documentation.
• Maintain effective communication with clients, management, and engagement teams throughout the audit process.
• Ensure that audit assignments are completed within agreed timelines and in accordance with applicable professional standards and the firm's quality requirements.
• Support managers and partners in addressing complex internal control, risk management, and governance matters.

Skills

Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field.
• At least 5 years of relevant internal audit experience, preferably within a professional services firm or a large corporate organization.
• Strong knowledge of internal auditing methodologies, risk assessment techniques, and internal control frameworks.
• Familiarity with the International Standards for the Professional Practice of Internal Auditing and the Global Internal Audit Standards issued by the Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA).
• Good understanding of financial reporting, accounting principles, and business processes.
• Knowledge of UAE regulatory requirements, corporate tax, VAT, and relevant compliance obligations would be an advantage.
• Professional qualification such as CIA, ACCA, CA, CPA, or an equivalent qualification is preferred.
• Experience conducting operational, financial, and compliance audits across different industries.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and report-writing skills, with the ability to identify root causes and develop practical recommendations.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, including the ability to discuss audit findings constructively with management.
• Ability to manage multiple assignments, work independently, and meet deadlines.
• Good command of written and spoken English.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel; familiarity with audit management software and data analytics tools would be an advantage.

Preferred Attributes

• Experience working with a professional services firm and managing internal audit assignments for multiple clients.
• Ability to understand business processes, identify key risks, and assess the adequacy of internal controls.
• Strong attention to detail and the ability to exercise sound professional judgment.
• A practical, solutions-oriented approach to identifying control weaknesses and recommending improvements.
• Ability to build effective relationships with clients while maintaining independence, objectivity, and professional skepticism.
• Willingness to travel to client premises within the UAE as required.