Chief Internal Auditor

About the Company

Our client is a prominent technology group based in the UAE, focusing on operating large-scale consumer digital platforms covering communications, fintech, payments, and digital services. Their portfolio includes both regulated and unregulated entities, such as a Central Bank of UAE (CBUAE)-regulated payments and e-money institution. The group emphasizes a technology-driven approach, incorporating advanced areas like AI, data analytics, and digital infrastructure.

Role Overview

The Group Chief Internal Audit Officer will spearhead an independent Internal Audit function across all group companies. This position reports functionally to the Audit Committee of the Board and administratively to the CEO. The role is responsible for furnishing independent assurance on governance, risk management, and controls to the Board, senior leadership, and regulatory bodies, all while fully complying with the Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA) Global Internal Audit Standards.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute a risk-oriented annual audit plan encompassing all group entities.
• Deliver independent assurance across finance, operational processes, compliance with regulations, and technology environments.
• Supervise audit activities related to financial controls, payments systems, treasury functions, anti-money laundering (AML), conduct, procurement practices, and vendor risk.
• Lead audits focusing on technology and artificial intelligence, including AI/ML systems, model risk, data lineage, data sovereignty, cybersecurity, and relevant technology controls.
• Ensure comprehensive audit coverage for entities regulated by the CBUAE and assist with Fit and Proper regulatory compliance requirements.
• Report quarterly on assurance, risk, and audit outcomes to the Audit Committee and executive leadership team.
• Manage and mentor senior audit managers within Finance & Operations Audit and Technology & AI Audit divisions.
• Build and sustain trusted relationships with the Board, CEO, executive leadership, and regulators, while maintaining complete audit independence.
• Champion the integration of data analytics, AI, and machine learning technologies into the Internal Audit methodology to enhance effectiveness.

Required Qualifications and Experience

• Over 15 years of experience in Internal Audit or Risk management roles, with substantial leadership in technology/IT audits.
• Background in Big Four or comparable consulting firms combined with hands-on leadership of in-house Internal Audit teams.
• Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) certification is mandatory.
• Additional credentials such as Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA), Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Certified Management Accountant (CMA), Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE), Certified Information Security Manager (CISM), or other information security qualifications are highly preferred.
• Demonstrated leadership in managing an Internal Audit function compliant with the Global Institute of Internal Auditors Standards (GIAS/IPPF), ideally validated via external quality assessments.
• Proven expertise in technology and AI-related audit leadership.
• Experience within regulated financial sectors including payments, fintech, or banking industries.
• Familiarity with CBUAE or similar GCC regulatory frameworks with eligibility for Fit and Proper approvals.
• In-depth knowledge of UAE regulatory environments, particularly DIFC and ADGM jurisdictions.
• Strong grasp of financial controls, payments mechanisms, treasury management, AML regulations, operational risk, and third-party risk assessments.
• Ability to critically assess technology teams on AI/ML model governance, data lineage, sovereignty concerns, change management, and access controls.
• Excellent communication skills for engagement with Boards, C-suite executives, and regulatory agencies.
• Arabic language skills would be considered an asset.