Internal Auditor

Ghazanfar Group; Dubai; On-site; AED 120,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading private entity in the region seeks a Head of Internal Audit to establish its audit department and ensure robust governance. The ideal candidate will have over 10 years of relevant experience, strong skills in risk management and internal control frameworks, and proficiency with audit tools. This position emphasizes real estate joint ventures and requires excellent stakeholder management skills. The role is based in Dubai, UAE.

Qualifications

• Over 10 years of internal or external audit experience, especially in real estate.
• Deep understanding of JV accounting and regulatory compliance.
• Proficient in audit tools and ERP systems.

Responsibilities

• Establish internal audit department and annual audit plan.
• Conduct audits of internal controls over financial processes.
• Prepare clear audit reports and present findings to management.

Skills

Internal control frameworks

Risk management

Data analytics

Communication skills

Stakeholder management

Education

CIA, CPA, ACCA, CA or equivalent

Tools

ACL

Power BI

IDEA

Job description

Role

Department: Finance. Reporting to Audit Committee. Location: Dubai, Family Office.

Job Purpose: Establish internal audit department, design internal audit charter, and annual audit plan. The role is an independent assurance function responsible for evaluating the design and operational effectiveness of internal controls, risk management, financial processes and governance across the Family Office, with emphasis on Real Estate Joint Ventures and governance structures.

Responsibilities

• Audit Planning & Risk Assessment – develop and maintain a risk‑based annual audit plan, prioritize high‑risk areas (real estate JV operations, escrow, cash collections, project cost overruns, governance, compliance), perform periodic enterprise risk assessments across all entities (Family Office, Real Estate JVs, Energy JVs), and coordinate with management to gain audit access and understand evolving business operations and regulatory changes.
• Real Estate JV / Project Audits & Governance Reviews – audit project financials, escrow accounts, sales collections, cash calls, and cost allocations within Real Estate JV structure; verify that JV accounting aligns with project plans, escalation clauses, JV agreements, and regulatory (RERA / escrow) guidelines; evaluate governance frameworks, board/committee structures, decision rights, reporting flows, and segregation of duties; examine deviations from budgets, cost overruns, unapproved change orders.
• Audit of Family Office & Other JVs / Entities – conduct audits of internal controls over payables, receivables, payroll, treasury, procurement, corporate tax and VAT processes; review intercompany and related‑party transactions for arm’s‑length pricing, contract compliance and transfer pricing integrity; evaluate bank compliance, facility documentation, covenant adherence, and finance operations.
• Compliance, Control Testing & Analytics – design and execute control testing (operational & financial) to assess the effectiveness of key controls; use data analytics techniques to mine trends, identify anomalies or red flags (variable variances, duplicate invoices, deviations); monitor compliance with policies, DOA, internal standards, UAE regulatory requirements (VAT, Corporate Tax); test ERP system controls, user access, segregation of duties, change management and data integrity.
• Audit Reporting & Stakeholder Engagement – prepare clear, concise audit reports highlighting findings, root causes, control gaps, risk impact and actionable recommendations; present results to senior management and Audit / Governance Committee; track and follow up on corrective action plans; produce periodic dashboards / summary reports (quarterly/annual).
• Governance & Oversight Support – serve as co‑advisor on governance matters related to JV partners, investor relations, board reporting, and internal policy updates; collaborate with legal, compliance, tax, and operations to embed a robust control environment; provide guidance on emerging risk areas (ESG, regulatory changes, market volatility) and pre‑audit reviews.
• Continuous Improvement & Methodology Upkeep – maintain and enhance internal audit methodology, templates, tools and best practices; benchmark internal audit practices, introduce automation (workflow tools, analytics, dashboarding); stay updated on industry standards (COSO, IFRS, JV accounting practices) and integrate lessons learned.

Requirements

• Professional qualification: CIA, CPA, ACCA, CA or equivalent.
• 10+ years of internal audit / assurance or external audit experience, especially in real estate, construction, joint ventures or asset‑heavy businesses.
• Deep understanding of JV accounting, real‑estate project controls, escrow mechanics and regulatory compliance (RERA, escrow laws).
• Strong command of internal control frameworks (COSO), risk management, control testing, and data analytics.
• Proficiency in audit tools and analytics (ACL, Power BI, IDEA or similar) and ERP systems.
• Excellent communication, report writing, stakeholder management and presentation skills.
• High integrity, independent mindset and ability to work with senior executives and multiple entities.

About the Company

The Ghazanfar Group began as a small trading enterprise along the historic Silk Road and has evolved into one of Afghanistan’s leading private entities. From our roots in Andkhoi as traders, we expanded into the wholesale market of consumable commodities, entered the petroleum industry in 1989, and have since diversified into banking with the establishment of Ghazanfar Bank, and construction through Ghazanfar Construction. Our strategic focus is on making meaningful investments in Afghanistan’s infrastructure and human capital. We are committed to projects that contribute to the nation’s recovery and development, aiming to improve living standards, create jobs, and enhance economic stability. As Afghanistan navigates significant challenges, our efforts are directed toward supporting the country’s growth through sustainable real estate, banking, and large‑scale construction projects.