Head of Internal Audit

Confidential; Delhi; On-site; INR 14,379,000 - 19,608,000; Full time

Job summary

Confidential is seeking a senior Internal Audit leader to design and run the function for a telecoms business. The role requires relocation to Dubai and oversight of governance, risk management, and controls across networks, billing, and revenue assurance.

The candidate will lead a multi-market audit team, advise the Board and Audit Committee, and drive data-analytics enabled auditing while ensuring regulatory compliance and control improvements.

Qualifications

• 12–15+ years in internal audit, risk, or assurance.
• Minimum 5+ years in leadership roles.
• Strong telecoms experience (MNO, ISP, or digital operator).
• Experience in multi-country or emerging markets desirable.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute a risk-based internal audit strategy.
• Build and lead a high-performing internal audit team across markets/functions.
• Act as a key advisor to the Board, Audit Committee, and Executive Leadership.
• Oversee audits across network operations, billing, and revenue assurance.
• Ensure regulatory compliance, governance, and risk management.
• Lead investigations into fraud, control breaches, and operational failures.

Skills

Strategic thinking

Analytical skills

Investigative skills

Problem solving

Integrity

Professional scepticism

Stakeholder management

Data analytics

Education

Degree in Finance or Accounting

CIA

CISA

CPA

ACCA

MBA

Job description

THIS ROLE WILL REQUIRE RELOCATION TO DUBAI

To lead and develop the Internal Audit function for a telecoms business, providing independent assurance on governance, risk management, and internal controls. The role ensures regulatory compliance, operational efficiency, and protection of revenue streams across telecom operations.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute a risk-based internal audit strategy aligned with business and regulatory requirements
• Build and lead a high-performing internal audit team across multiple markets/functions
• Act as a key advisor to the Board, Audit Committee, and Executive Leadership

Audit & Assurance

• Design and deliver the annual audit plan covering:
• Operational processes
• IT & cybersecurity
• Telecom network & OSS/BSS environments
• Provide independent assurance on governance, risk management, and internal controls
• Oversee audits across network operations, customer lifecycle, billing, and revenue assurance

Telecom-Specific Oversight

• Audit end-to-end telecom value chain:
• Network infrastructure (RAN, Core, Transmission)
• Interconnect & roaming
• Digital services / fintech platforms
• Ensure compliance with telecom regulations (e.g., spectrum, data privacy, cybersecurity)
• Evaluate revenue leakage risks and fraud controls across systems and processes
• Establish and enhance enterprise risk management frameworks
• Monitor compliance with local UAE regulations and international telecom standards
• Lead investigations into fraud, control breaches, and operational failures

Stakeholder Management

• Present audit findings and insights to the Audit Committee and Board
• Liaise with external auditors, regulators, and compliance functions
• Influence senior stakeholders to drive remediation and control improvements
• Implement data analytics and technology-enabled auditing
• Identify process improvements, cost efficiencies, and control enhancements
• Foster a strong risk-aware culture across the organisation

Candidate Profile

Experience

• 12–15+ years in Internal Audit / Risk / Assurance
• Minimum 5+ years in leadership roles
• Strong telecoms experience (MNO, ISP, or digital operator)
• Experience in multi-country or emerging markets highly desirable

Technical Expertise

• Deep knowledge of:
• Telecom architecture (OSS/BSS, network operations)
• Revenue assurance & billing controls
• IT audit, cybersecurity, and data governance
• Strong understanding of:
• Risk-based auditing (IIA, COSO frameworks)
• Regulatory environments in telecom / tech

Qualifications

• Degree in Finance, Accounting, or related field
• Professional certifications preferred:
• CIA, CISA, CPA, ACCA
• MBA or equivalent is a plus

Skills

• Strategic thinker with strong commercial awareness
• Strong analytical, investigative, and problem-solving skills
• High integrity and professional scepticism