Head of Internal Audit

ASTRI - Hong Kong Applied Science and Technology Research Institute; Hong Kong; On-site; HKD 900,000 - 1,150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid leave

Medical insurance

MPF contribution

Five‑day work week

Job summary

ASTRI, Hong Kong’s leading government‑funded R&D centre, seeks an experienced Internal Audit and Risk leader to head the function and drive governance, risk management and compliance across the organisation. You will design rolling audits, oversee reviews, and report to the Audit Committee to strengthen controls.

The role requires a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting/Finance, 12+ years in internal or external audit, risk management or compliance, and professional qualifications (CIA/CPA/ACCA/CISA

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or above in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, Risk Management, Finance or a related discipline.
• A minimum of 12 years’ relevant experience in internal audit, external audit, risk management or compliance, with at least 5 years in a supervisory role.
• A relevant professional qualification such as CIA, CPA, ACCA, CISA prefers.
• Experience in a large corporation, public sector organization or regulated industry will be an advantage.
• Ability to think critically and demonstrate risk and control mindset to understand complex businesses and processes.

Responsibilities

• Develop a risk‑based rolling 3‑year internal audit plan for the Audit Committee’s approval; oversee implementation of the approved plan and periodically report to the Audit Committee on its progress; ensure proper resourcing for the implementation of the plan.
• Oversee individual internal audit reviews; provide reasonable assurance that the internal controls and governance processes of ASTRI are implemented and operating effectively and recommending improvements as appropriate; provide advisory service as appropriate; follow up on the status of implementation of audit recommendations made; be proactive in identifying any operation / execution issues and recommending changes.
• Facilitate the risk management process and provide quarterly risk updates to the Audit Committee; ensure mitigation actions are put in place by management on key risks.
• In the capacity of Compliance Officer, report to Audit Committee and management significant compliance matters brought to his attention on a quarterly basis; review whistleblowing report received, evaluate the matters reported, and provide investigation report to Audit Committee and / or CEO as appropriate.
• Lead Internal Audit team to extend the audit coverage to address ASTRI’s operations in PRC; enhance and facilitate risk management process of ASTRI’s operations in PRC to ensure key PRC risks are monitored and mitigated; work closely with various risk owners and senior management to enhance the PRC’s Risk Management process.
• Oversee and manage team performance through goal setting and performance appraisal; manage the function’s recruitment and deploying of resources as appropriate.
• Perform ad hoc exercises assigned by the Board / Audit Committee.

Skills

Risk management

Audit leadership

Stakeholder management

Report writing

Strong communication

Analytical thinking

Integrity

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting/Finance

CIA/CPA/ACCA/CISA preferred

Job description

Hong Kong Applied Science and Technology Research Institute (ASTRI) is founded in 2000 by the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. As Hong Kong’s largest government-funded research and development centre, ASTRI is a key force and super‑connector driving innovation and technology advancement in Hong Kong, the Greater Bay Area, and the global innovation ecosystem. This role is strengthened through its merger with Nano and Advanced Materials Institute (NAMI).

Committed to bringing high‑impact research from lab to market, ASTRI advances interdisciplinary, market‑driven R&D that delivers practical innovations for industry and meaningful benefits for society.

Its technological strengths and capabilities enable AI‑powered, cross‑disciplinary ICT and advanced materials solutions across Smart City, Financial Technologies, Digital Health and Life Sciences, New Industrialisation and Intelligent Manufacturing, Application‑Specific Integrated Circuits (ASIC) and Advanced Electronics, New Energy and Energy Storage, and Green and ESG Technologies.

Over the years, ASTRI has cultivated a strong pool of I&T talent and earned numerous international awards for its pioneering innovations and contributions to industry and the community. Following the merger with NAMI, ASTRI’s cumulative global patent portfolio has grown to over 1,500, with more than 2,200 technologies successfully transferred to industry.

With enhanced scale and capabilities, ASTRI is uniquely positioned to elevate Hong Kong’s innovation capacity, accelerate technology commercialisation, and drive societal and economic progress through world‑class applied research.

Job Responsibilities

• Develop a risk‑based rolling 3‑year internal audit plan for the Audit Committee’s approval; oversee implementation of the approved plan and periodically report to the Audit Committee on its progress; ensure proper resourcing for the implementation of the plan.
• Oversee individual internal audit reviews; provide reasonable assurance that the internal controls and governance processes of ASTRI are implemented and operating effectively and recommending improvements as appropriate; provide advisory service as appropriate; follow up on the status of implementation of audit recommendations made; be proactive in identifying any operation / execution issues and recommending changes.
• Facilitate the risk management process and provide quarterly risk updates to the Audit Committee; ensure mitigation actions are put in place by management on key risks.
• In the capacity of Compliance Officer, report to Audit Committee and management significant compliance matters brought to his attention on a quarterly basis; review whistleblowing report received, evaluate the matters reported, and provide investigation report to Audit Committee and / or CEO as appropriate.
• Lead Internal Audit team to extend the audit coverage to address ASTRI’s operations in PRC; enhance and facilitate risk management process of ASTRI’s operations in PRC to ensure key PRC risks are monitored and mitigated; work closely with various risk owners and senior management to enhance the PRC’s Risk Management process.
• Oversee and manage team performance through goal setting and performance appraisal; manage the function’s recruitment and deploying of resources as appropriate.
• Perform ad hoc exercises assigned by the Board / Audit Committee.

Job Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree or above in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, Risk Management, Finance or a related discipline.
• A minimum of 12 years’ relevant experience in internal audit, external audit, risk management or compliance, with at least 5 years in a supervisory role. Candidates with less experience will be considered for a junior position.
• A relevant professional qualification such as CIA, CPA, ACCA, CISA prefers.
• Experience in a large corporation, public sector organization or regulated industry will be an advantage.
• Ability to think critically and demonstrate risk and control mindset to understand complex businesses and processes.
• Solid knowledge of the latest trends and best practices in internal audit and risk management.
• Experience in interacting with the Boards, Audit Committees, regulators, and senior executives.
• Proactive with strong analytical, communication, influencing, stakeholder management and report‑writing skills.
• Leadership in managing and developing audit team, overseeing complex audit programs and driving continuous improvement.
• High integrity, sound judgment, and a commitment to professional excellence.

The appointment will be on renewable contract terms with a competitive salary and performance‑linked variable pay. Fringe benefits include paid leave, medical, insurance coverage and contribution to MPF. The incumbent will normally work a five‑day week.

Position offer is subject to the applicant’s experience and academic qualification. Only short‑listed candidates will be notified. ASTRI reserves the right not to fill the position.

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