VP - Internal Audit

Client of James Douglas Middle East; Dubai; On-site; AED 300,000 - 600,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player in online trading is seeking a VP of Internal Audit to innovate and enhance their internal control systems. In this pivotal role, you will shape the internal audit function to align with strategic business goals while ensuring compliance and risk management in a fast-paced fintech environment. You will leverage advanced analytics to identify trends and provide actionable insights, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and integrity within your team. This is a unique opportunity to make a significant impact in a dynamic organization that values customer-centric solutions and operational excellence.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in internal audit, risk management, or compliance.
• Strong understanding of auditing standards and regulatory requirements.

Responsibilities

• Design and execute a risk-based internal audit plan for key business functions.
• Lead audits covering transaction verification and regulatory compliance.
• Develop and lead a high-performing internal audit team.

Skills

Internal Audit

Risk Management

Regulatory Compliance

Analytical Skills

Communication Skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting

Bachelor's degree in Finance

Tools

Advanced Analytics Tools

Risk Assessment Tools

Job description

Our client is a pioneer in online trading. They enable customers to trade on the world's financial markets. Focused on customer-centric solutions, they aspire to be the world's leading online trading service provider.

As the VP of Internal Audit, you will lead the charge in ensuring the effectiveness of the firm's internal control systems, risk management practices, and regulatory compliance processes. This role isn't just about ticking boxes; it's about shaping and innovating the internal audit function to support the firm's strategic business goals and safeguard our global operations.

Our client operates in a fast-paced, high-impact fintech environment and expects the internal audit function to stay a step ahead. With access to advanced analytics and modern risk assessment tools, you will help our client identify trends, prevent issues, and provide real-time insights that empower confident decision-making.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and execute a risk-based internal audit plan covering key business functions, including trading platforms, customer data protection, AML, and operational controls.
• Identify and assess key risks in trading, investments, financing, and compliance. Determine levels of assurance and required audit coverage.
• Lead and oversee audits covering areas such as transaction verification, cash reconciliations, collateral management, and regulatory compliance.
• Ensure audits align with Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA) standards and result in clear, timely, and actionable reports.
• Stay on top of industry trends and best practices in fintech and global financial markets to strengthen our risk and compliance frameworks.
• Maintain strong, collaborative relationships with management to ensure timely implementation of audit findings.
• Regularly present audit updates, risks, and resource plans to senior leadership.
• Develop and lead a high-performing internal audit team. Foster a culture of continuous learning, innovation, and integrity.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field
• Minimum 10+ years of experience in internal audit, risk management, or compliance
• Solid understanding of auditing standards, risk methodologies, and regulatory requirements
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to identify control gaps and recommend effective solutions
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with an ability to simplify complex findings

Preferred Qualifications

• Certifications such as CIA, CPA, or CISA
• Experience working in the fintech or financial services industry