Group Internal Audit Director

Overview

Brightwater Executive is engaged exclusively by a leading global insurance company to recruit a Group Audit Director. This pivotal role provides independent assurance over significant finance risks, internal controls related to financial reporting (ICFR), and the processes involved in financial and enterprise-wide risk management. The company is undergoing a transformative phase led by internal audit at the group level and operates across multiple entities and regions including Europe, UK, USA, and APAC.

Primary Responsibilities

• Lead all phases of internal audit assignments across the group, from planning to reporting.
• Manage and enhance the ICFR Program, including risk assessment, scoping, test strategy, quality control, training, oversight of execution, and communication with stakeholders.
• Deliver and present audit results and materials to Group and subsidiary Audit Committees and Boards.
• Design and implement a risk-based audit coverage strategy focused on finance risks and processes, prioritizing relevant entities and locations.
• Oversee complex audits involving finance, operations, governance, and pre-implementation reviews, challenging internal controls and their effectiveness.
• Collaborate closely with executive leadership, Audit Committees of legal entities, and external auditors to promote reliance, minimize duplicate efforts, and strengthen assured outcomes.
• Provide strategic audit insights, including emerging risk identification and actionable recommendations to senior management and committees.
• Drive enterprise-wide risk-focused internal audits aligned with group strategies and risk profiles.
• Coach and mentor a high-performing internal audit team stationed across five regions, promoting technical growth and career development.
• Assist the Group Chief Auditor with yearly audit planning, methodology improvements, quality initiatives, and key strategic objectives.

Candidate Profile

• Possess over 15 years of experience in enterprise-wide internal audit within complex group environments or Big 4/Top 6 audit firms, holding senior roles such as Senior Director or Partner, with strong SOX/ICFR expertise.
• Extensive knowledge of general insurance and/or life assurance industries; candidates from adjacent regulated financial services with experience in SOX controls and US GAAP/IFRS standards are also welcome.
• Advanced ICFR technical proficiency encompassing financial reporting, governance frameworks, risk-based audit methodologies, and compliance with IIA standards.
• Experienced in applying audit analytics and technology-enhanced auditing techniques to advance risk evaluation and insight generation.
• Holds a university degree in accounting, finance, or related fields, supplemented by recognized professional certifications such as FCA, FCCA, FCPA, or Certified Internal Auditor (CIA).
• Demonstrates strong business insight, executive presence, and capability to constructively challenge assumptions and lead through influence within multinational and matrixed organizations.
• Experience in supporting change management, transformation initiatives, process improvements, or major system implementations is advantageous.