Director (Internal Audit)- Business Audit Lead

The Japan Research Institute, Limited (Singapore Branch); Mumbai; On-site; INR 6,000,000 - 9,000,000; Full time

Job summary

Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation (SMBC) India is seeking a Director (Internal Audit) – Business Audit Lead to oversee risk-based audit plans across assigned portfolios. You will lead audits, deploy data analytics, and supervise a diverse team while coordinating with regulators and Head Office.

The role requires 15+ years in audit within banking/FS, strong governance knowledge, and excellent communication.

Qualifications

• 15+ years of internal or external audit experience in banking/FS.
• Strong knowledge of banking products, risk management and internal controls.
• Proven ability to lead complex audits and manage audit teams.
• Proven people leadership, resource planning and succession.
• Excellent stakeholder management with regulators and Head Office.
• Experience with data analytics and technology-enabled auditing.
• Strong project management and ability to deliver in a dynamic environment.
• Excellent verbal and written communication; executive reporting.

Responsibilities

• Support the Head of India Audit in delivering the risk-based audit plan.
• Lead and supervise audits across planning, testing, reporting, and closure.
• Conduct continuous monitoring and risk assessments.
• Evaluate governance, risk management and internal controls.
• Review audit observations with evidence; focus on root causes.
• Oversee issue tracking and closure with timely actions.
• Promote data analytics and tech-enabled auditing techniques.
• Support management reporting and MIS for audits.
• Coordinate regulatory submissions and audit materials.
• Build strong relationships with business, operations, technology and controls.
• Lead, coach and develop team members.
• Contribute to process improvements and audit methodology enhancements.

Skills

Audit leadership

15+ years experience

Banking knowledge

Stakeholder management

Data analytics

Project management

Communication skills

Team development

Regulatory awareness

Continuous improvement

Risk-based auditing

Independent judgment

Education

CPA/CA/ACCA/CIA or equivalent

Job description

Director (Internal Audit)- Business Audit Lead

Date: Oct 22, 2026

Location: India

Headquartered in Tokyo, Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation (SMBC) is a leading global financial institution and a core member of Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group (SMBC Group). Built upon our rich Japanese heritage since 1876, we put our customers first and provide seamless access to, from and within the Asia Pacific region. SMBC is one of the largest Japanese banks by assets and maintain strong credit ratings across our global integrated network. We work closely as one SMBC Group to offer personal, corporate and investment banking services to meet the needs of our customers.

With sustainability embedded within our strategy and operations, we are committed to creating a society in which today’s generation can enjoy economic prosperity and well-being and pass it on to future generations.

Key Responsibilities

• Support the Head of India Audit in the effective and efficient delivery of the approved risk-based audit plan for assigned Business and General Audit portfolios.
• Lead and supervise audits and projects across the audit lifecycle, including planning, risk assessment, control evaluation, testing, report drafting, stakeholder discussions and issue follow-up, in accordance with Internal Audit methodology.
• Conduct and oversee continuous monitoring and risk assessments of assigned audit entities to ensure audit coverage remains aligned with the Bank's risk profile and emerging risks.
• Assess the adequacy and effectiveness of governance, risk management and internal control frameworks, and provide independent assurance over the Bank's operations.
• Review audit observations and recommendations to ensure identified issues are appropriately articulated, supported by sufficient evidence and focused on addressing root causes and underlying risks.
• Oversee issue tracking, validation and closure activities to ensure management actions are implemented effectively and in a timely manner.
• Drive the adoption and use of data analytics and technology-enabled auditing techniques to improve audit efficiency, coverage and effectiveness.
• Support Internal Audit operational activities, including management reporting, audit committee reporting, MIS preparation and ad hoc information requests from management and Head Office.
• Ensure the timely and comprehensive completion of Internal Audit-related regulatory and governance activities, including coordinating and tracking submissions of audit reports, regulatory responses and audit materials to regulators, statutory auditors and other stakeholders, as applicable.
• Build and maintain effective working relationships with business, operations, technology and control function stakeholders while maintaining audit independence and objectivity.
• Lead, coach and develop team members through effective supervision, performance management, knowledge sharing and ongoing professional development.
• Contribute to departmental initiatives, process improvements, audit methodology enhancements and strategic projects to improve audit quality and operational effectiveness.

Requirements

• Professional qualification such as CPA, CA, ACCA, CIA or equivalent from a recognized professional body.
• Minimum 15 years of internal and/or external audit experience within the banking and financial services industry, including significant experience leading complex audits and managing audit teams.
• Strong knowledge of banking products, processes, risk management, internal controls, corporate governance and applicable regulatory requirements.
• Demonstrated experience in risk-based auditing, audit planning, risk assessment, continuous monitoring, issue management and audit quality assurance.
• Proven ability to lead, supervise and review multiple audit engagements, ensuring effective risk coverage, quality deliverables and adherence to audit methodology.
• Proven people leadership experience, including resource planning, team management, goal setting, performance management, coaching, mentoring, talent development and succession planning.
• Strong stakeholder management and influencing skills, with the ability to engage effectively with senior management, regulators, Head Office stakeholders and external auditors while maintaining audit independence and objectivity.
• Ability to identify emerging risks, challenge management constructively and provide practical, value-added recommendations to strengthen governance, risk management and internal controls.
• Experience in driving continuous improvement initiatives, audit transformation efforts and the adoption of data analytics and technology-enabled auditing techniques.
• Strong project management, planning and organizational skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities and deliver results in a dynamic environment.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to prepare high-quality audit reports, executive presentations, Audit Committee materials and regulatory submissions.
• Proficient in spoken and written English.
• Highly motivated and collaborative individual with strong professional judgement, integrity and the ability to work effectively in a multicultural and matrix environment.