Sr. Internal Audit Specialist (UAEN)

Sundus; Abu Dhabi; On-site; AED 300,000 - 520,000; Full time

Job summary

Sundus seeks a Senior Internal Audit Specialist to lead risk-based audits in Abu Dhabi, strengthen governance, risk management and compliance, and deliver practical recommendations.

The role requires a Bachelor’s degree and 5+ years in Internal or External Audit, with Big 4 experience preferred and professional certifications such as CIA, CPA, CRMA, CFE, or CISA.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, Economics, or a related discipline.
• Minimum 5 years of experience in Internal Audit or External Audit.
• Hands-on experience leading and executing end-to-end audit engagements.
• Big 4 or reputable consulting firm background is a plus.
• Certifications such as CIA, CPA, CRMA, CFE, or CISA are preferred.

Responsibilities

• Plan, lead, and execute end-to-end internal audit engagements in line with the approved audit plan.
• Assess adequacy and effectiveness of internal controls, governance processes and risk management.
• Identify control gaps and operational risks and propose practical solutions.
• Prepare high-quality audit reports with clear findings and recommendations.
• Present findings to Chief Internal Auditor or Audit Manager and stakeholders.
• Monitor implementation of audit recommendations and validate corrective actions.
• Support development of annual risk assessments and internal audit plan.
• Ensure compliance with policies, regulatory requirements, and internal auditing standards.
• Maintain independence and objectivity while building relationships with business units.

Skills

Audit planning

Communication skills

Governance & risk

Stakeholder management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting/Finance/Business

Job description

We are seeking a Senior Internal Audit Specialist (UAEN) to join our client’s Internal Audit function in Abu Dhabi. The role will focus on delivering risk-based audits, evaluating internal controls, identifying process improvements, and providing practical recommendations to strengthen governance, risk management, and compliance.

In support of Emiratization initiatives and the organization's commitment to developing local talent, qualified Emirati professionals are encouraged to apply.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, Economics, or a related discipline


• Minimum 5 years of experience in Internal Audit or External Audit


• Hands-on experience leading and executing end-to-end audit engagements


• Background with a Big 4 or a reputable consulting firm is a plus


• Proven experience reporting directly to the Chief Internal Auditor or Audit Manager


• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to present complex audit findings clearly and professionally.


• Strong report-writing and presentation skills for senior management and executive stakeholders.


• Professional certifications such as CIA, CPA, CRMA, CFE, or CISA

Key Responsibilities:

• Plan, lead, and execute end-to-end internal audit engagements in accordance with the approved audit plan.


• Assess the adequacy and effectiveness of internal controls, governance processes, and risk management frameworks.


• Identify control gaps, operational risks, and process inefficiencies, and recommend practical solutions.


• Prepare high-quality audit reports with clear findings, risk assessments, and actionable recommendations.


• Present audit findings and recommendations to the Chief Internal Auditor, Audit Manager, and relevant business stakeholders.


• Monitor the implementation of agreed audit recommendations and validate the effectiveness of corrective actions.


• Conduct follow-up audits to ensure timely resolution of identified issues.


• Support the development of annual risk assessments and the internal audit plan.


• Ensure compliance with internal policies, regulatory requirements, and professional internal auditing standards.


• Build strong relationships with business units while maintaining independence and objectivity throughout audit engagements.


• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives within the Internal Audit function and mentor junior team members when required.