Regional Internal Audit Lead, APAC

Lockton; Kuala Lumpur; On-site; MYR 180,000 - 300,000; Full time

Job summary

Lockton International is hiring a Regional Lead – Internal Audit to establish and run the APAC function from Kuala Lumpur. You will execute regional audits, assess risks, and report to the Group Head of Internal Audit in London as the role grows into a leadership position.

The ideal candidate is fully ACCA/ACA qualified with 10+ years in audit/finance, preferably with Big 4 or insurance experience, and ready to travel internationally.

Qualifications

• Fully qualified ACCA/ACA is required.
• 10+ years of experience with at least 3 years post-qualification in audit/finance within a Big 4 or large insurer.
• Strong governance, risk, internal controls, and assurance framework knowledge.
• Willingness to travel internationally as needed.
• Mandarin and/or Cantonese language skills are advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end regional internal audit engagements across Asia and Pacific.
• Develop risk-based audit plans and comprehensive work programs.
• Coordinate with external auditors and regulators as needed.
• Prepare clear audit reports with findings and action plans.
• Engage stakeholders and provide advisory insights to regional leadership.

Skills

ACCA/ACA

Regional leadership

Audit management

Big4 experience

Travel willingness

Education

ACCA/ACA qualification

Tools

ITGC

Job description

Internal audit at Lockton International is transforming. We are looking for someone to be part of a highly effective, robust, and influential team with a strong reputation, to help us to establish a regional team for the Asia and Pacific regions. Are you inspired to be part of a One Lockton team, working together as a diverse and inclusive global function? We are recruiting exceptional people, who see Audit as a great training ground for Lockton's future business leaders and are currently looking for a manager / regional lead to join us in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on a full time basis.

About the job

This is a new position being created to respond to significant and rapid growth and expansion in the Asia and Pacific Regions. We are seeking a dynamic, energetic and experienced Audit Manager with a regional focus to join our global team. As the Regional Lead, you will play a pivotal role in stablishing the regional function and executing internal audit activities across the Asia and Pacific Regions, ensuring compliance with local regulatory requirements and company policies and procedures. Reporting to the Group Head of Internal Audit based in London, initially this will be a individual contributor role for the Asia and Pacific Regions although it is expected to grow over time.

Audit Execution and Reporting:

• Execute audit engagements from end to end, conducting interviews, analysing data, evaluating controls to assess their adequacy, implementation and operating effectiveness and perform detailed testing procedures.
• All Audit work is thorough, complete, fully documented and has been performed in accordance with IIA standards and the company's Internal Audit standards.
• Prepare clear, concise, and insightful audit reports detailing findings, recommendations, and action plans for management review and implementation.
• Monitor the status of audit recommendations and follow up with stakeholders to ensure timely resolution of identified issues and deficiencies and proactive escalation as needed.

Risk Assessment and Audit Planning:

• Conduct comprehensive risk assessments of regional operations to timely identify risks and key areas of focus for internal audits.
• Develop detailed audit plans, including scope, objectives, and methodologies and detailed work programs, to address identified risks and ensure adequate coverage of critical processes and functions.
• Coordinate with external auditors and regulatory agencies as needed to support audit activities and ensure compliance with industry standards and regulations.
• Identify opportunities for process improvements, operational efficiency, and risk mitigation.
• Implement best practices and contribute to the development and enhancement of internal audit methodologies and approach.
• Partner with operational teams to identify opportunities for process improvements, efficiencies, and cost savings leveraging best practices and innovative technologies.

Leadership:

• Support the GHIA to develop and implement risk-based audit plans tailored to regional operations, ensuring alignment with company objectives and regulatory requirements.
• Serve as a trusted advisor to regional leadership, offering proactive insights and recommendations to enhance internal controls and operational efficiency.
• Stay abreast of industry trends, emerging risks, and regulatory developments to proactively assess their impact on regional operations and audit strategies;
• Proactively assist the GHIA in producing papers for Board / Committees and working groups as requested (e.g. Risk and Audit, Risk & Control, IT Security, Data Security, Financial Crime).

Stakeholder Engagement and Relationship Management:

• Cultivate strong relationships with key stakeholders across regional offices, including regional leadership, local senior management, business unit leaders, and support functions.
• Communicate audit findings and recommendations effectively, promoting transparency and collaboration across the organization.
• Actively liaise with other members of the Group Internal Audit Team, facilitating communication and collaboration to drive consistency and alignment in audit practices and standards.
• Champion a culture of transparency, integrity, and accountability, promoting awareness of the importance of internal controls and compliance throughout the organization.

Regional Compliance:

• Stay abreast of regulatory changes and industry trends impacting the insurance sector within the Asia and Pacific regions;
• Actively liaise with subject matter experts (internal and external) to ensure compliance with regional regulations and Lockton policies and procedures, providing guidance to business units on adherence to relevant standards.

In order to be successful in your application, you should be

• A fully qualified ACCA/ACA
• At least 10 years of experience, with a minimum of 3 years post-qualified relevant professional audit/finance experience within a Big 4 or the internal audit function of a large Insurance organisation, with ability to deliver end-to-end assignments as an individual contributor
• Strong understanding of corporate governance, operational risk, internal controls, and assurance frameworks.
• Solid knowledge of audit and assurance methodologies, including risk-based audit planning and internal audit standards.
• Good grasp of accounting principles, financial records, and business operations analysis.
• Familiarity with IT general controls and application controls within assurance and audit environments.
• Possess natural leadership skills, with strong written verbal and written communication and good interpersonal skills.
• Mandarin and/or Cantonese language proficiency would be highly advantageous.
• Willingness to travel internationally as needed to fulfil regional audit responsibilities.