Chief Internal Auditor

Zurich Insurance Group; Kuala Lumpur; On-site; MYR 300,000 - 420,000; Full time

Job summary

Zurich Insurance Group Malaysia is seeking a strategic Chief Internal Auditor to lead and oversee the internal audit function, ensuring independence, quality and regulatory compliance. The role reports to the Board Audit Committee and regional leads, driving risk coverage across Malaysian branches and subsidiaries.

You will build and lead a high performing team, develop audit plans, and collaborate with regulators while leveraging data analytics and AI to enhance assurance and efficiency.

Qualifications

• Bachelor Degree in Accounting or equivalent.
• Chartered Accountant, CPA, CIA, CISA, or equivalent. Takaful related certification, an MBA or equivalent is a plus.
• Proven track record in financial services or insurance, with the ability to influence executive and senior stakeholders.
• Demonstrated success in dealing with external stakeholders, including regulators.
• Extensive experience in auditing, with knowledge of audit methodologies and data analytics.
• Strong understanding of Life, P&C insurance, and Takaful Operations.

Responsibilities

• Establish and maintain effective audit methodologies for enterprise risk analysis, management and reporting.
• Provide the Board with independent assurance that management systems, internal controls and governance processes of the licensed institution are effective.
• Serve as Chief Internal Auditor and LEHIA for Malaysia, ensuring independence and quality of Internal Audit per regulations.
• Drive data analytics, AI and Agile to enhance audit coverage and insights.
• Oversee development and performance of Internal Audit team in Malaysia.

Skills

Leadership

Stakeholder influence

Project management

Data analytics

Regulatory knowledge

Education

Bachelor Degree in Accounting or equivalent

Chartered Accountant/CPA/CIA/CISA

MBA or takaful-related certification (a plus)

Job description

Jora Malaysia will close on 9th September 2026. Thank you for being with us, we are cheering you on as you continue your career journey.

• Establish and maintain effective audit methodologies for enterprise risk analysis, management and reporting.
• Provide the Board with independent assurance that the management systems, internal controls and governance processes of the licensed institution are effective and that its operations are properly controlled.
• Serve as Chief Internal Auditor and Legal Entity Head of Internal Audit (LEHIA) for Malaysia, responsible for the independence, effectiveness, and quality of Internal Audit per Malaysian regulations. Ensure compliance with laws, supervisory expectations, and Group Internal Audit Charter, and maintain a robust audit framework that delivers independent assurance to the Board Audit Committee and senior management.
• Ensure that the Internal Audit function complies with sound internal auditing principles and practices, and that there is a robust process in place to ensure the continued relevance and effectiveness of audit methodology.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES

• Establish a comprehensive audit risk universe to ensure adequate, risk-based coverage of all Malaysian branches, subsidiaries, and outsourced activities.
• Establish and maintain a comprehensive audit methodology to assess the risk profile and vulnerabilities of each auditable area, covering all activities, entities and the complete internal control system.
• Deliver the assigned audit portfolio, including planning, scoping and execution, reporting in line with quality, time and budget requirements.
• Work closely with the Audit Lead, APAC and Functional Audit Leads to ensure appropriate resourcing, scheduling and technical expertise for audit delivery.
• Help build the dynamic audit planning assessment to support yearly and rolling audit plans, ensuring alignment with local and Group risks.
• Agree final audit reports and corrective actions with senior business stakeholders and oversee the effective tracking and closure of agreed actions.
• Provide independent challenge and guidance to senior stakeholders on matters relating to risk management, internal controls and governance.
• Support the development of the Group Audit global team through the application of professional skills, leadership and technical expertise.
• Oversee the careers, performance management and development of Internal Audit team members in Malaysia.
• Work across segments and functions, beyond the primary area of responsibility, as required.
• Drive the use of data analytics, AI and Agile where appropriate, to enhance audit coverage, insight and efficiency.
• Interact regularly with senior business stakeholders and the Board Audit Committee to ensure understanding of, and buy-in for, audit findings and recommendations.
• Build strong relationships with country management, local assurance functions and regulators.
• Act as Legal Entity Head of Internal Audit, where required by regulation, and manage relationships with local regulators, management and the Board Audit Committee.

BUSINESS ACCOUNTABILITIES

• Provide high-quality, forward-looking insights that add value to the business and strengthen trust and credibility with stakeholders.
• Represent the Internal Audit function in regulatory engagements, reviews and inspections, ensuring audit practices meet regulatory expectations.

LEADERSHIP ACCOUNTABILITIES

• Build, lead and develop a high-performing Internal Audit team in Malaysia, fostering a culture of integrity, collaboration, continuous improvement and professional excellence.
• Set objectives, review performance and participate in selection and promotion decisions to ensure the team has the necessary skills and understanding to deliver objectives.
• Create and execute people and succession plans to ensure sustainable capability and talent pipeline.
• Role-model corporate and Group Audit values and behaviours.
• Take accountability for personal development and actively encourage the professional growth of others.

REPORTING LINES

• The role reports functionally to the Board Audit Committee per local regulatory requirements, and regionally to the Regional Audit Lead, in line with Group Internal Audit Charter.

QUALIFICATIONS/ EXPERIENCE:

As the LEHIA, Malaysia, within the Group Audit function, your skills and qualifications will ideally include:

• Bachelor Degree in Accounting or equivalent
• Chartered Accountant, CPA, CIA, CISA, or equivalent. Takaful related certification, an MBA or equivalent is a plus.
• Proven track record in financial services or insurance, with the ability to influence executive and senior stakeholders.
• Demonstrated success in dealing with external stakeholders, including BNM or other regulators.
• Extensive experience in auditing, with comprehensive knowledge of audit methodologies, including the application of data analytics, to achieve impactful and insightful results.
• Strong understanding of Life, P&C insurance, and Takaful Operations.
• People Management capability
• Exceptional project management skills, with the ability to organize teams, prioritize tasks, and guide and coach the team to deliver high-quality results on time.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.

TRAVEL & OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

• Occasional travel - as required
• Participation in regional as well as Group meeting as and when necessary

You are the heart & soul of Zurich!

At Zurich, we like to think outside the box and challenge the status quo. We take an optimistic approach by focusing on the positives and constantly asking What can go right?

We highly value the experience and know-how of our employees and offer a wide range of opportunities across business areas to encourage you to apply for new opportunities within Zurich when you are ready for your next career step.