Senior Audit Officer

Alef Education; Abu Dhabi; On-site; AED 180,000 - 300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual performance bonus

Health and Life insurance

Enhanced leave policy

Hybrid work model

Job summary

Alef Education in Abu Dhabi seeks an experienced Internal Audit professional to strengthen our risk management and governance framework. You will lead audit engagements, develop annual risk-based plans, and collaborate with management to improve controls.

The role requires 6–9 years in internal or external audit, UAE experience, Big 4 background, and proficiency with Power BI and MS Office. You will oversee consultants and report findings to senior leadership.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in business administration or accounting.
• CIA, CFE, CISA, CPA certifications preferred.
• 6–9 years of internal or external audit, risk management or fraud experience.
• UAE regional experience; Big 4 background advantageous.
• Proficiency with data analysis tools such as Power BI and MS Office.

Responsibilities

• Audit planning and execution for internal engagements.
• Lead audit engagements, ensuring timely and within-budget delivery.
• Develop risk-based annual audit plans for review.
• Execute audit programs and conduct testing per objectives.
• Review processes to identify risks and control weaknesses.
• Oversee consultants and external auditors to ensure quality.
• Prepare audit reports and present findings to management.
• Identify opportunities to improve governance and risk management.

Skills

Strong communication

Analytical skills

Integrity

Teamwork

Continuous learning

Education

Bachelor's degree in business administration or accounting

CIA, CFE, CISA, CPA certifications

Tools

Power BI

Excel

PowerPoint

Job description

• Posted 4 Days Ago
• Office - Flexible

Who we are

Founded in 2016, Alef Education (ALEFEDT on the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange) is an award-winning AI powered learning solutions provider redefining K to 12 education. Headquartered in Abu Dhabi, the company serves approximately 2.0 million students and 84,000 educators across 19,000 schools in the UAE, Indonesia, and Morocco.

Its flagship Alef Platform delivers personalized learning experiences that enhance student engagement and outcomes, while its supplemental solutions Alef Pathways, Abjadiyat, and Arabits extend learning across subjects and languages.

Through its innovative use of artificial intelligence, data insights, and culturally relevant content, Alef Education is transforming teaching and learning to advance equity, access, and excellence for every student.

About the Role

The Internal Audit department's role is to provide regular independent, objective assurance to Alef Management, the Audit, Risk and Compliance Committee, and the Board regarding the effectiveness of the internal control system.

Play a key role in providing objective reviews, assurance, and consulting services to improve the company’s operations by evaluating and improving risk management, controls, and governance effectiveness.

You will be involved in performing special reviews, which may be conducted as requested by the Audit, Risk and Compliance Committee; you may also be required to participate in specific control initiatives and company-wide process changes.

Responsibilities

• Responsibilities include
• Audit Planning and Execution:
• Develop Annual Risk Based Internal Audit Plan for the Internal Audit Manager Review.
• Lead audit engagements, ensuring they are completed on time and within budget.
• Develop comprehensive audit plans and programs based on risk assessments for the Internal Audit Manager review.
• Execute approved audit programs, performing testing and evaluations in accordance with audit objectives.
• Review and analyze financial and operational processes to identify risks and control weaknesses.
• Provide leadership and oversight to the hired consultant and external auditor to ensure the assigned project is completed effectively and accurately.
• Foster a collaborative team environment that encourages professional development and knowledge sharing.
• Reporting and Communication:
• Provide formal periodic updates to the Internal Audit Manager to keep them updated on the engagement’s progress and ensure corrective action is taken to address any identified issues impacting the engagement plan.
• Prepare detailed audit reports summarizing findings, recommendations, and action plans for the Internal Audit Manager review.
• Prepare audit results for the Internal Audit Manager to review and present to senior management and the Audit, Risk and Compliance Committee, articulating risks and proposed solutions.
• Conduct ongoing risk assessments to identify emerging risks and areas requiring further attention.
• Collaborate with departments to enhance risk management practices across the organization.
• Compliance and Standards:
• Ensure compliance with relevant regulatory requirements and internal policies.
• Stay current with industry trends, best practices, and changes in regulations affecting internal auditing.
• Identify opportunities for improving the efficiency and effectiveness of audit processes.
• Implement best practices and innovative approaches to enhance the internal audit department.
• Others:
• Lead the investigation of significant suspected fraudulent activities within Alef.
• Assist in any other ad-hoc assignment requested by Alef management, the audit committee, or the board of directors.
• Maintain effective relationships with Alef staff at all levels of seniority.
• Involvement in the development and maintenance of the procedures and methods for the work of the Internal Audit Department.
• Assist in conducting workshops or presentations to create awareness about internal audit and risk and demonstrate value addition across the company.

Education, Experience and Required Skills

Educational degree(s): Bachelor is in business administration or accounting from an accredited university.

Certification(s)/Licenses: Relevant professional qualifications a distinctive advantage (i.e., CIA, CFE, CISA, GRC, CA, ACCA, or CPA).

6- 9 Years Experience in Internal Audit or External Audit, Risk Management, Fraud investigation.

Regional experience: UAE

Industry experience: Big 4, audit firm/consultant experience is essential.

Understanding of internal audit methodology and standards, ability to use data analysis tools such as Power BI, proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, especially Excel and PowerPoint.

Strong communication and interpersonal skills, strong analytical skills, Integrity, teamwork, and continuous learning.

What we offer

We believe our people are our greatest advantage. We value curiosity, purpose, and the drive to make a real difference. When you join Alef, you join a mission — and a team that’s just as passionate about transforming education as you are.

Here’s a glimpse of what we offer:

Annual performance bonus

Health and Life insurance

Enhanced leave policy

A hybrid work model and remote working days to work from anywhere

At Alef, we don’t just imagine a better future for education. We build it — together.