Head of Internal Audit

NextEra; Riyadh; Sur place; SAR 900 000 - 1 500 000; Plein temps

Résumé du poste

NextEra in Saudi Arabia seeks an experienced Head of Internal Audit to lead the function, strengthen controls and governance, manage risk, and ensure regulatory compliance. Reporting to the Board, you will develop and execute the annual audit plan, oversee diverse audits, and provide independent assurance to safeguard assets and drive improvements.

You will lead a team, engage with senior stakeholders, and advance control maturity and regulatory alignment across the organization in the Kingdom

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Minimum 15 years of experience in Internal Audit, including at least 5+ years in a senior audit leadership role.
• Professional certification in audit or risk management such as CIA, CPA, or CISA is preferred.
• Strong knowledge of audit methodologies, internal control frameworks, and risk management practices.
• In-depth understanding of KSA regulatory requirements and corporate governance standards, particularly within the IT services industry.
• Proven ability to build effective relationships with senior stakeholders while providing independent and objective insights.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Responsabilités

• Develop and implement a comprehensive annual audit plan based on risk assessments across key business areas.
• Oversee execution of audits including operational, financial, IT, and compliance audits to assess internal controls.
• Ensure audits comply with professional standards and regulatory requirements with recommended improvements.
• Conduct regular risk assessments and advise management on control measures.
• Coordinate with external auditors and regulatory agencies as needed.
• Prepare and present audit reports to the Audit Committee, CFO, and senior management.
• Lead efforts to improve audit methodologies, tools, and practices and stay updated on regulatory changes.

Description du poste

We are looking for an experienced Head of Internal Audit to lead the internal audit function, strengthen internal controls and governance, manage risk, and ensure regulatory compliance in Saudi Arabia.

The Head of Internal Audit will lead the internal audit function, providing independent, objective assurance and advisory services to improve the company’s operations and risk management. This role is responsible for evaluating and enhancing the effectiveness of internal controls, governance processes, and risk management. Reporting to the Board of Directors, the Head of Internal Audit will play a key role in safeguarding the company’s assets, ensuring regulatory compliance, and supporting management in achieving business objectives within the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA).

Roles And Responsibilities:

Audit Planning and Execution:

• Develop and implement a comprehensive annual audit plan based on risk assessments, covering key business areas, financial controls, and compliance requirements.
• Oversee the execution of audits, including operational, financial, IT, and compliance audits, to assess the effectiveness of internal controls and processes.
• Ensure audits are conducted in compliance with professional standards and regulatory requirements, providing recommendations for control improvements.

Risk Assessment and Management:

• Conduct regular risk assessments to identify and evaluate areas of significant risk exposure, advising management on control measures.
• Collaborate with risk management teams to ensure risks are identified, mitigated, and monitored effectively.
• Support senior leadership in building a risk-aware culture by providing insights into risk-related issues and preventive actions.

Internal Control Evaluation:

• Evaluate the adequacy and effectiveness of internal controls across business processes and systems, identifying weaknesses and recommending improvements.
• Monitor and report on the status of control weaknesses and remediation efforts, ensuring timely follow-up and resolution of issues.
• Work closely with process owners to ensure that internal controls align with business objectives and regulatory standards.

Governance and Compliance:

• Ensure adherence to corporate governance practices and compliance with KSA regulations, industry standards, and internal policies.
• Review compliance with relevant laws, regulations, and contractual obligations, including those specific to the IT services sector.
• Coordinate with external auditors and regulatory agencies, as needed, to provide requested documentation and support compliance initiatives.

Audit Reporting and Communication:

• Prepare and present audit reports, including key findings, risks, and recommendations, to the Audit Committee, CFO, and senior management.
• Communicate audit results clearly and concisely, facilitating discussions on control deficiencies, risks, and remediation plans.
• Track and report the implementation of audit recommendations and agreed-upon action plans to ensure improvements are made.

Continuous Improvement and Advisory:

• Provide advisory services to management on process improvements, new initiatives, and regulatory changes, adding value to the business beyond traditional audit functions.
• Lead efforts to improve audit methodologies, tools, and practices, incorporating best practices and emerging audit technologies.
• Stay updated on industry trends and changes in regulatory requirements to ensure the audit function remains relevant and effective.

Education & Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Minimum 15 years of experience in Internal Audit, including at least 5+ years in a senior audit leadership role.
• Experience within the IT services or technology sector is preferred.
• Experience working in Saudi Arabia or the Middle East is preferred.
• Professional certification in audit or risk management such as CIA (Certified Internal Auditor), CPA (Certified Public Accountant), or CISA (Certified Information Systems Auditor) is preferred

Requirements for the Role:

• Strong knowledge of audit methodologies, internal control frameworks, and risk management practices.
• In-depth understanding of KSA regulatory requirements and corporate governance standards, particularly within the IT services industry.
• Proven ability to build effective relationships with senior stakeholders while providing independent and objective insights.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to clearly present audit findings and influence corrective actions.
• Experience with audit management software and data analytics tools to enhance audit effectiveness.