HEAD OF DEPARTMENT - INTERNAL AUDIT

Westports Malaysia Sdn Bhd; Klang City; On-site; MYR 240,000 - 400,000; Full time

Job summary

Westports Malaysia Sdn Bhd seeks a seasoned Head of Internal Audit to develop and execute a risk-based annual Internal Audit Plan aligned with the port's strategic objectives and regulatory requirements. The role oversees audits across terminal operations, marine services, cargo handling, port security and safety, finance, procurement, HR, IT and support functions.

The incumbent will evaluate governance, risk management and internal controls, present findings to the Audit Committee and Senior

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or Maritime/Port Management.
• Professional certification such as CIA, CPA, CA, or equivalent qualification is required.
• Familiarity with ISO management systems, the ISM Code, COSO Framework, ERM, or port-related audit frameworks is advantageous.
• Minimum of 10 years' relevant experience in Internal Audit, Risk Management, or Governance, with at least 5 years in a senior management or leadership position.
• Experience in the port, maritime, logistics, transportation, or infrastructure sectors is highly preferred.
• Strong analytical, investigative, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to assess complex operational and strategic risks.
• Sound knowledge of port operations, regulatory compliance, governance frameworks, and occupational safety and security requirements.
• Excellent communication, presentation, stakeholder management and report writing skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute a risk-based annual Internal Audit Plan aligned with strategic objectives and regulatory requirements.
• Lead audits across terminal operations, marine services, cargo handling, port security and safety, finance, procurement, HR, IT and support functions.
• Evaluate governance, risk management, and internal controls; recommend practical improvements.
• Present audit findings to Audit Committee and Senior Management; ensure timely reporting.
• Monitor implementation of audit recommendations to ensure effective risk mitigation.
• Ensure compliance with laws, port regulations, ISPS/IMO standards.
• Prepare quarterly Enterprise Risk Register and communicate emerging risk trends.
• Coordinate with external auditors and regulatory authorities.
• Provide advisory support on strategic initiatives including port expansion, digitalisation, and sustainability.
• Lead, mentor and develop Internal Audit team; promote ethics and independence.

Skills

Analytical skills

Investigative skills

Problem-solving

Communication skills

Presentation skills

Stakeholder management

Report writing

Cross-functional leadership

Integrity and ethics

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or Maritime/Port Management

CIA/CPA/CA or equivalent professional certification

Tools

ISO management systems

ISM Code

COSO Framework

Enterprise Risk Management (ERM)

Port-related audit frameworks

Job description

Develop and execute a risk-based annual Internal Audit Plan aligned with the port's strategic objectives, operational priorities, financial risks, and regulatory requirements.

Lead and oversee audits across terminal operations, marine services, cargo handling, port security and safety, finance, procurement, human resources, information technology, and other support functions.

Evaluate the adequacy and effectiveness of governance processes, risk management practices, and internal control systems, and recommend practical improvements.

Present audit findings, observations, and recommendations to the Audit Committee and Senior Management in a timely and objective manner.

Monitor and report on the implementation status of agreed audit recommendations and corrective actions to ensure effective risk mitigation.

Ensure compliance with applicable laws, port regulations, statutory requirements, and relevant international maritime standards (e.g. ISPS Code, IMO guidelines).

Prepare and present the quarterly Enterprise Risk Register, including key risk assessments and emerging risk trends.

Liaise and coordinate with external auditors, regulatory authorities, government agencies, and other stakeholders during audits, inspections, and compliance reviews.

Provide advisory and consulting support on strategic initiatives, including port expansion projects, digitalisation and automation initiatives, business transformation, and sustainability programmes.

Conduct special audits, investigations, and ad hoc assignments as directed by the Audit Committee or Management.

Uphold the highest standards of professional ethics, independence, integrity, objectivity, and confidentiality in all audit activities.

Lead, mentor, and develop the Internal Audit team to build technical competencies, industry knowledge, and a high-performance culture.

Qualifications, Skills & Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or Maritime/Port Management.
• Professional certification such as Certified Internal Auditor (CIA), Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Chartered Accountant (CA), or equivalent qualification is required.
• Familiarity with ISO management systems, the ISM Code, COSO Framework, Enterprise Risk Management (ERM), or port-related audit frameworks will be an added advantage.
• Minimum of 10 years' relevant experience in Internal Audit, Risk Management, or Governance, with at least 5 years in a senior management or leadership position.
• Experience in the port, maritime, logistics, transportation, or infrastructure sectors is highly preferred.
• Strong analytical, investigative, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to assess complex operational and strategic risks.
• Sound knowledge of port operations, regulatory compliance, governance frameworks, and occupational safety and security requirements.
• Excellent communication, presentation, stakeholder management and report writing skills, with the ability to engage effectively with the Audit Committee, Board, and Senior Management.
• Proven ability to lead cross-functional audits with professionalism, objectivity, and independence.
• Demonstrates high integrity, sound judgement, and a strong commitment to transparency, accountability, and continuous improvement.