Head of Internal Audit (m/f/d)

HAGER Executive Consulting GmbH; Deutschland; On-site; EUR 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Our client, a well-established banking institution in the Rhine-Main region, seeks an experienced Head of Internal Audit to lead and further develop an independent, risk-based audit function.

You will head the Internal Audit team, shape the annual and multi-year audit plan, and oversee audits across credit, liquidity, operational and IT risks, AML/compliance and information security, ensuring timely remediation and independence.

Qualifications

• Degree in business, law or a comparable discipline; equivalent banking qualification accepted.
• Several years of internal or external audit, banking supervision, risk management or compliance experience in financial sector.
• Proven leadership experience, including leading audit teams or engagements.
• Hands-on knowledge of banking products, internal control systems and regulatory requirements (e.g. MaRisk, DORA).
• CIA certification a plus; German written reporting excellence; good English skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop the Internal Audit team, including resource planning, staff development and performance management.
• Develop and deliver the risk-based annual and multi-year audit plan.
• Conduct and oversee regular, ad-hoc and special audits across banking areas including credit, liquidity, operations, IT, financial reporting, AML/compliance, outsourcing and information security; track remediation.
• Report material findings, risks and remediation status to Management Board and Supervisory Board; safeguard independence and objectivity.
• Develop audit methodology, documentation standards and quality assurance in line with regulatory requirements and professional standards.
• Coordinate with external audit providers and collaborate with other control functions, external auditors and supervision authorities.

Skills

Leadership experience

German language proficiency

English proficiency

Integrity and discretion

Auditing knowledge

Education

Degree in business, law or equivalent banking qualification

Job description

For a well-established banking institution in the Rhine-Main region, we are seeking an experienced Head of Internal Audit to lead and further develop an independent, risk-based audit function.

Your responsibilities

• Lead and develop the Internal Audit team, including resource planning, staff development and performance management
• Develop and deliver the risk-based annual and multi-year audit plan
• Conduct and oversee regular, ad-hoc and special audits across all relevant areas, including credit, liquidity, operational and IT risks, financial reporting, AML/compliance, outsourcing and information security, and track the implementation of agreed actions
• Report material findings, risks and remediation status directly to the Management Board and the Supervisory Board, safeguarding the independence and objectivity of the function
• Further develop audit methodology, documentation standards and quality assurance in line with regulatory requirements and professional standards
• Steer external audit providers and work closely with the other control functions, external auditors and supervisory authorities

Your profile

• Degree in business, law or a comparable discipline, or an equivalent banking qualification
• Several years of experience in internal or external audit, banking supervision, risk management or compliance within the financial sector
• Proven leadership experience, whether as a line manager or in leading audit teams and engagements
• In-depth knowledge of banking products, internal control systems and regulatory requirements (e.g. MaRisk, DORA), with hands‑on experience across the full audit cycle
• A professional certification such as CIA is a plus
• Excellent German, particularly in written reporting; good English skills
• High integrity, discretion and the confidence to raise critical matters constructively with senior stakeholders

What this role offers

• A senior, independent role with direct access to the Management Board and Supervisory Board
• Broad responsibility across a varied banking environment and genuine scope to shape the function
• A lean, professional organisation with short decision-making paths

This is a confidential search. Further information will be shared during the recruitment process.