Vice President - Audit & Risk

Confidential; Dubai; On-site; AED 600,000 - 1,100,000; Full time

Job summary

Confidential in Dubai seeks a Vice President of Audit & Risk to lead the Internal Audit function across a complex multi-business environment. The role reports to the Board and oversees governance, internal controls, and risk management with a focus on value delivery through operational excellence.

The ideal candidate will drive a risk-based audit strategy, lead cross-functional audits, and mentor a high-performing team while engaging senior stakeholders and reinforcing independence.

Qualifications

• Extensive experience leading Internal Audit functions within large, multi-business organizations.
• Proven ability to strengthen governance, internal controls, and risk management.
• Experience translating audit insights into practical business improvements.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute a risk-based Internal Audit strategy and annual plan.
• Lead audits across operational, financial, compliance, and functional areas.
• Evaluate governance, controls, and key business processes for effectiveness.
• Identify opportunities to strengthen controls and enhance efficiency.
• Drive process improvement initiatives and support continuous improvement.
• Monitor remediation plans and ensure timely audit actions are completed.
• Present findings and strategic insights to the Board and executive leadership.
• Build strong relationships with senior stakeholders while maintaining independence.
• Provide guidance on Enterprise Risk Management frameworks.

Skills

Internal Audit leadership

Governance

Stakeholder management

Risk assessment

Process improvement

Education

CIA/CPA/ACCA/CISA/CRMA

Job description

Our client is a large, diversified organization seeking to appoint an accomplished Vice President - Audit & Risk to lead its Internal Audit function across a complex, multi-business environment.

Reporting to the Board, this executive leadership role will be responsible for providing independent assurance over the effectiveness of governance, internal controls, and operational processes, while driving continuous improvement across the business. Although the role includes oversight of Enterprise Risk Management, the primary focus is on delivering a best-in-class Internal Audit function that creates measurable business value through operational excellence and process enhancement.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute a comprehensive risk-based Internal Audit strategy and annual audit plan.
• Lead operational, financial, compliance, and functional audits across multiple business units.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of governance, internal controls, and key business processes.
• Identify opportunities to strengthen controls, improve operational efficiency, and enhance business performance.
• Drive process improvement initiatives and support continuous improvement across the organization.
• Monitor remediation plans and ensure timely implementation of agreed audit actions.
• Present audit findings, recommendations, and strategic insights to executive leadership and the Board.
• Build trusted relationships with senior stakeholders while maintaining the independence and integrity of the Internal Audit function.
• Provide oversight and guidance on Enterprise Risk Management and governance frameworks.
• Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing Internal Audit team.

The Ideal Candidate

The successful candidate will be an experienced Internal Audit leader with a proven ability to strengthen governance, improve operational performance, and influence senior stakeholders within large, complex organizations.

You will bring:

• Extensive experience leading Internal Audit functions within large, multi-business organizations.
• Strong expertise in operational, process, financial, and internal control audits.
• Demonstrated success in driving process improvement, operational excellence, and governance initiatives.
• The ability to translate audit findings into practical business improvements and measurable outcomes.
• Experience engaging with executive leadership and Board-level stakeholders.
• Exposure to Enterprise Risk Management frameworks is advantageous.
• Professional qualifications such as CIA, CPA, ACCA, CISA, CRMA, or equivalent are highly desirable.

Why Join?

This is a unique opportunity to shape and elevate the Internal Audit function within a highly respected organization. The successful individual will play a critical role in strengthening governance, enhancing operational effectiveness, improving business processes, and supporting the organization's long-term strategic objectives.