Head of Internal Audit

UOB; Hong Kong; On-site; HKD 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Job summary

1201 UOB Hong Kong is seeking a seasoned Head of Internal Audit to lead and oversee the branch's internal audit functions, ensuring effective risk management, compliance, and controls. You will develop audit plans, assess risks, and manage audits across business and operations, aligning with regulatory standards and internal policies.

You will report to Group Audit, guide the team, and drive continuous improvement while maintaining strong relationships with regulators and external auditors.

Qualifications

• Minimum 15 years of relevant experience in audit or risk related functions.
• 8 years of management experience in the banking industry.
• Strong knowledge of business management, accounting, economics and finance.
• Extensive knowledge of banking products and operations, including lending, treasury, derivatives and investments.
• Excellent communication, negotiation and analytical skills.
• Proven experience leading and managing an Internal Audit function.

Responsibilities

• Lead the internal audit function for UOB Hong Kong, developing and executing the annual audit plan.
• Oversee risk identification and evaluation across the bank to ensure adequate coverage.
• Direct and manage internal audits ensuring thoroughness and regulatory compliance.
• Report findings and recommendations to the HK CEO, Branch management and stakeholders.
• Ensure adherence to Group policies, professional standards and regulatory requirements.
• Lead and develop the internal audit team and foster continuous improvement.
• Collaborate with Branch management to enhance risk management and governance.
• Manage the audit function budget and resources, ensuring adequate staffing.
• Maintain relationships with regulators and external auditors, aligning on audit matters.

Education

Degree in Business Management, Accounting, Finance, or related disciplines

Job description

Company: 1201 UOB Hong Kong

About UOB

United Overseas Bank Limited (UOB) is a leading bank in ASEAN with a global network in Southeast Asia, Asia Pacific, Europe and North America. Operating through our head office in Singapore and banking subsidiaries in China, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand and Vietnam, we have a global network of about 430 branches and offices in 19 markets. At the heart of UOB is our culture, shaped by the UOB Way and anchored on our four values – Honourable, Enterprising, United and Committed. For more than 90 years, these values have guided how we do right by our customers, collaborate with one another and create long-term value for the communities we operate in. As One Bank, we are committed to helping our colleagues build sustainable careers grounded in purpose, supported by strong values, and enriched with meaningful opportunities to grow.

Job Description

The Head of Internal Audit, Hong Kong is responsible for leading and overseeing UOB Hong Kong Branch’s internal audit functions, ensuring effective risk management, compliance, and control processes.

The role involves developing audit plans, conducting risk assessments, and managing audits of UOB Hong Kong Branch’s business and operational processes. The role ensures alignment with regulatory standards and internal policies, provides strategic insights to the UOB Hong Kong CEO and Management Committee, and works with external auditors. The role requires fostering a culture of continuous improvement and accountability within the internal audit team, reporting to Group Audit.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the internal audit function for UOB Hong Kong, developing and executing the annual audit plan aligned with Group objectives and risk assessments.
• Oversee the identification and evaluation of key risks across the bank, ensure the audit coverage is adequate
• Direct and manage the execution of internal audits, ensuring audits are thorough, efficient, and compliant with professional standards
• Report audit findings, risks and recommendations to UOB HK CEO, Branch management, and relevant stakeholders in a timely and transparaent manner.
• Ensure the audit team adheres to Group policies, professional standards, and regulatory requirements, maintaining high-quality audit practices
• Lead, mentor, and develop the internal audit team, fostering continuous improvement, skill-building, and knowledge sharing
• Collaborate with Branch management and key functions to enhance risk management, internal controls, and governance across UOB Hong Kong
• Manage the internal audit function’s budget and resources efficiently, ensuring that audits are adequately staffed and supported
• Maintain effective relationships with regulators, external auditors, Group Audit and other relevant parties, ensuring cooperation and alignment on audit matters

Job Requirements

• Degree in Business Management, Accounting, Finance, or related disciplines
• Minimum 15 years of relevant experience in audit or risk related, with 8 years of management experience in banking industry
• Good knowledge of business management, accounting, economics, and finance as well as exposure to different lending situations
• Extensive knowledge of banking products and operations, including lending, treasury, derivative, investment, and other core business
• Competence in communication, including flexibility and resourcefulness in negotiation
• Ability to analyse and consolidate complex information into meaningful insights and recommendations
• Proven experience in leading and managing an Internal Audit function

Additional Requirements

Develop (Competency), Engage (Competency), Execute (Competency), Strategise (Competency)

Be a Part of the UOB Family

UOB is an equal opportunity employer. UOB does not discriminate on the basis of a candidate’s age, race, gender, color, religion, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, or other non-merit factors. All employment decisions at UOB are based on business needs, job requirements and qualifications. If you require any assistance or accommodations to be made for the recruitment process, please inform us when you submit your online application.