Senior Internal Auditor – Banking (UAE National)

LHH; Abu Dhabi; On-site; AED 220,000 - 340,000; Full time

Job summary

Our client, a prominent Italian banking group, seeks a Senior Internal Auditor based in Abu Dhabi, UAE. You will join a respected international audit team, collaborating with regional leadership and regulatory authorities to strengthen governance, risk management and internal controls across the Middle East & Africa region.

The ideal candidate has 5+ years in internal audit within banking, a degree in Finance/ Economics/ Accounting or related field, and solid knowledge of banking regulations,

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of Internal Audit experience in banking or financial services.
• Solid knowledge of Basel Frameworks, ICAAP and Pillar III.
• Proficiency in English; certifications (CIA, CISA, CAMS) advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Plan, lead and execute risk-based internal audit engagements across banking lines and support functions.
• Develop audit programs in line with Group methodologies and IIA standards.
• Assess internal controls, governance and risk management; prepare high-quality reports.
• Monitor remediation actions and validate closure of issues.
• Conduct risk assessments to support annual audit planning and review regulatory developments.
• Collaborate with cross-functional audit teams and interact with local regulators.
• Travel frequently across UAE and Middle East & Africa region.
• Contribute to regional and international audit projects.

Skills

Internal Audit

Banking sector

Regulatory knowledge

Audit reporting

Education

Finance/Economics/Accounting/Business Administration/Risk Management

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 & Africa and the Group's International Network Audit function.

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.

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.

Candidate Profile

The ideal candidate will bring:

• 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:

• Non-Performing Loans (NPLs).
• Exposure classification and provisioning.
• Banking accounting principles.
• 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 Opportunity

This position offers the opportunity to join the Internal Audit function of one of Italy's most prestigious banking groups, operating within a truly international environment and working alongside senior leadership, Group Headquarters and regulatory authorities.

The role provides significant autonomy, broad regional exposure and excellent long-term career development within an organization committed to the highest standards of governance, compliance and risk management.

Location:

Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates