Senior Internal Auditor Banking

Client of LHH; United Arab Emirates; On-site; AED 240,000 - 360,000; Full time

Job summary

Client of LHH seeks a Senior Internal Auditor for its Internal Audit function in Abu Dhabi, UAE. The role involves leading risk-based audits across banking lines, developing programs per IIA standards, and reporting findings to senior management.

The candidate should have at least 5 years in internal audit within banking or financial services, solid knowledge of credit risk, NPLs, provisioning and banking regulations, and travel willingness across the UAE and region.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of Internal Audit experience in banking or financial services.
• Strong knowledge of credit risk, NPLs, exposure classification and provisioning in banking.
• Experience with AML, international sanctions and banking operations is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Plan, lead and execute risk-based internal audit engagements across banking lines and support functions.
• Develop audit programs per group methodologies and IIA standards.
• Assess internal controls, governance and risk management; prepare high-quality audit reports.

Skills

Credit risk assessment

NPLs

Exposure classification

Provisioning

Banking accounting principles

Education

Degree in Finance, Economics, Accounting, Business Administration, Risk Management or related discipline

Job description

Our client one of Italy s leading banking groups and a major European financial institution with a well-established international footprint has exclusively retained us to identify a Senior Internal Auditor to join its Internal Audit function based in Abu Dhabi UAE This is a unique opportunity to become part of a highly respected international audit team working closely with both the Regional Internal Audit leadership for the Middle East amp Africa and the Group s International Network Audit function

Key Responsibilities

• Plan lead and execute risk-based internal audit engagements across multiple banking business lines and support functions
• Develop audit programs in accordance with Group methodologies and the International Standards for the Professional Practice of Internal Auditing IIA
• Assess the effectiveness of internal controls governance processes and enterprise risk management frameworks
• Prepare high-quality audit reports clearly identifying findings risks and practical recommendations
• Monitor the implementation of agreed corrective actions and validate remediation plans
• Conduct periodic risk assessments supporting the annual audit planning process
• Review developments affecting the Branch s business activities credit portfolio and regulatory environment
• Collaborate with specialist audit teams across the Group on cross-functional reviews and strategic initiatives
• Support interactions with local regulatory authorities alongside Audit Management
• Contribute to regional and international audit projects involving multiple jurisdictions

Minimum 5 years of Internal Audit experience within the banking or financial services industry.

Degree in Finance, Economics, Accounting, Business Administration, Risk Management or a related discipline.

Strong knowledge of: Credit risk assessment. Non-Performing Loans (NPLs). Exposure classification and provisioning. Banking accounting principles.

Proven audit experience covering: Anti-Money Laundering (AML). International Sanctions. Banking Operations.

Solid understanding of banking regulations, governance frameworks and risk management methodologies, including Basel Frameworks, ICAAP and Pillar III.

Ability to perform cross-functional audits across multiple banking activities. Excellent analytical, communication and report-writing skills. Professional proficiency in English. CIA, CISA, CAMS or equivalent certifications will be considered a strong advantage. Willingness to travel frequently across the UAE and the Middle East & Africa region.

The successful candidate will play a key role in strengthening governance, risk management and internal control frameworks across the region while interacting with senior management and regulatory authorities.