Internal Audit Manager

Confidential; Muscat; On-site; OMR 25,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

Confidential in Muscat seeks a senior Internal Audit leader to establish an independent function, develop governance frameworks, and provide assurance to the Board and management. This role acts as Secretary to the Audit Committee and oversees risk-based audits across financial, operational, compliance, and IT areas.

The successful candidate will drive adherence to international standards, deliver clear audit reports, and advise stakeholders on best practices to enhance organizational value

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or related field.
• Professional certification (CIA/ACCA/CPA/CISA) preferred.

Responsibilities

• Establish the Internal Audit function with frameworks and methodologies.
• Develop Internal Audit Charter for Audit Committee approval.
• Prepare a risk-based internal audit plan aligned with business priorities.
• Lead internal audit engagements across operational, financial, compliance, and IT areas.
• Assess governance, risk management and internal controls effectiveness.
• Identify risks and recommend practical improvements.
• Support governance and control environment; monitor compliance.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Problem solving

Decision making

Report writing

Presentation skills

Integrity

Leadership

Stakeholder management

Board communication

Strategic agility

Education

Bachelor’s degree (Accounting/Finance/BA)

CIA/ACCA/CPA/CISA or equivalent

Tools

None

Job description

To build the Internal Audit Department as an independent unit with the right resources and processes / tools, to provide reasonable assurance to key stakeholders (Board Audit, Risk, and Compliance Committee (BARC), CEO, Executive Management / Board of Directors (BOD) / senior management / Shareholders) that Company is managing risk effectively and implementing robust governance and internal control measures in line with International Standards. Additionally, the position entails advising relevant stakeholders on best practices to enhance organizational value.

The role also serves as Secretary to BARC, ensuring effective committee governance, coordination, and communication between the Committee, management, and assurance providers.

This role is guided in accordance with the applicable Laws and Regulations, best international practices, as well as both local & international standards.

Key Responsibilities:

• Establish and develop the Internal Audit function, including frameworks and methodologies.
• Develop and maintain the Internal Audit Charter for Audit Committee approval.
• Prepare a risk-based internal audit plan aligned with business priorities.
• Lead internal audit engagements across operational, financial, compliance, and IT areas.
• Assess the effectiveness of governance, risk management, and internal controls.
• Identify key and emerging risks and recommend practical improvements.
• Support and enhance the organization’s governance and control environment.
• Monitor compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and internal policies.
• Support regulatory reviews and external audits where required.
• Promote best practices in governance and risk management.

3. Audit Committee Engagement

• Present audit plans, results, and insights to the Audit Committee.
• Provide independent views on key risks and control effectiveness.
• Escalate significant issues and emerging risks.
• Support the Committee in fulfilling its oversight responsibilities.

4. Audit Committee Secretary Role

• Serve as Secretary to the Audit Committee, ensuring effective coordination and governance.
• Coordinate meeting agendas with the Committee Chair.
• Prepare and circulate meeting packs and supporting materials.
• Record minutes and track decisions and action items.
• Maintain Committee records and annual plans.
• Facilitate communication between the Committee, Board, and management.
• Ensure alignment with corporate governance requirements.

5. Reporting & Communication

• Deliver clear and timely audit reports.
• Monitor implementation of agreed management actions.
• Provide regular updates to senior management and the Audit Committee.
• Share insights on recurring risks and control themes.

6. Leadership & Capability Building

• Build and develop the Internal Audit team.
• Promote a culture of integrity, professionalism, and continuous improvement.
• Ensure adherence to professional standards and ethics.
• Encourage innovation and modern audit practices.

7. Advisory & Continuous Improvement

• Provide advisory support on governance, risk, and controls while maintaining independence.
• Stay updated on emerging risks and regulatory developments.
• Maintain a Quality Assurance and Improvement Program (QAIP).
• Support coordination across assurance functions.

Key Interactions:

• Internal: Board Audit, Risk and Compliance Committee, BoD, senior Management, Business Line and other members of the Business/Function.
• External: Government Authorities, External Legal Counsels, and specialized consultants.

Technical Skills:

• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Excellent report writing and presentation skills.
• High level of integrity, objectivity, and professionalism.
• Ability to manage multiple audits and meet deadlines.
• Strong leadership and stakeholder management skills.
• Working Relationships

Technical Skills:

• Executive Presence & Board-Level Communication
• Uncompromising Integrity, Objectivity & Professional Skepticism
• Diplomacy, Stakeholder Management & Conflict Resolution
• Strategic Agility & Pragmatic Problem-Solving

Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field
• Professional certification preferred (CIA, ACCA, CPA, CISA, or equivalent).

Experience:

• Minimum of 7+ years of progressive internal audit experience, preferably within asset management, investment banking, financial services, or a top-tier Big 4 audit firm handling financial services portfolios.