Lead Auditor - UAE Entity

Company Overview

Since its inception in 2011, Remitly has been dedicated to providing secure, straightforward, and dependable financial services that empower individuals globally to access, transfer, and manage their money with ease. Supporting customers in sending remittances, developing international businesses, or pursuing new opportunities worldwide, Remitly is committed to moving people forward.

Role Summary

The UAE Lead Auditor position based in Abu Dhabi is a critical role within Remitly's Global Audit & Assurance team. This role oversees the internal audit processes for the UAE legal entity, managing audits with both regional and global scopes. It involves leading the risk-based audit engagements, collaborating closely with internal and external partners, and contributing to the expansion and enhancement of audit methodologies and monitoring activities across the MEA region. This position requires direct communication with regulators and board members and holds strategic importance in shaping the audit approach.

Key Responsibilities

• Implement and manage the internal audit assurance framework, incorporating continuous monitoring and data-driven audit techniques for the UAE entity.
• Create and maintain the annual audit plan, including updating the audit universe, conducting risk assessments, and coordinating budgeting and scheduling.
• Lead end-to-end audit engagements ensuring compliance with risk priorities and timely delivery of high-quality results.
• Track and evaluate management's follow-through on audit recommendations and report progress to oversight committees.
• Develop strong partnerships with internal departments—such as Compliance, Legal, Risk, Operations, Product, and Engineering—and external bodies including regulators and the Board.
• Advise the UAE business on fostering robust control environments and effective assurance procedures.
• Oversee co-sourced audit partnerships to ensure alignment with established methodologies, scopes, and quality standards.
• Participate in strategic initiatives supporting the global audit model, including tool enhancements and AI-driven audit techniques.
• Communicate audit findings and significant matters clearly and credibly to Board of Directors and regulatory authorities.

Candidate Profile

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Finance, Accounting, Risk, or a related discipline from a recognized institution.
• At least seven years of experience in internal audit, compliance assurance, risk assessments, or regulatory consulting within financial services, fintech, or payment sectors.
• In-depth knowledge and experience with UAE regulatory environments, including CBUAE, DFSA, or FSRA regulatory standards.
• Capability to independently manage all phases of audits, from scoping and planning to reporting, while managing multiple assignments simultaneously.
• Experience in maintaining an audit universe and producing risk-based annual audit plans with resource and budget considerations.
• Expertise in AML/CFT, sanctions, consumer protection, and payment services regulations, especially within MEA or international contexts.
• Proven success in building effective relationships with senior internal stakeholders, board members, and regulators, adept in conveying complex risk findings.
• Strong coordination skills ensuring adherence to timelines and quality in collaborative audit efforts.
• Comfortable leveraging data analytics, AI-assisted auditing, and automated testing tools in audit workflows.
• Highly autonomous with excellent judgment in ambiguous situations and a proactive approach to responsibilities.
• Excellent communication skills tailored to diverse audiences, from operational teams to board-level stakeholders.

Preferred Qualifications

• Familiarity with CBUAE’s Internal Audit Standards or equivalent regulations specific to money transfer and payment service providers in the UAE.
• Knowledge of compliance controls related to cross-border payments, including transaction monitoring and sanctions screening in regulated remittance or fintech contexts.
• Experience managing or overseeing co-sourced or outsourced audit vendors and ensuring quality standards.
• Possession of professional certifications such as CIA, CRCM, CRMA, CISA, CAMS, or similar credentials relevant to internal audit or compliance.

Benefit Package

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance coverage
• Life insurance and income protection policies
• Housing allowance provision
• Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP)
• Commuter expense reimbursement
• Mental health resources and family formation benefits
• Opportunities for professional development and learning

Work Culture and Environment

Remitly encourages a culture of connected innovation fostered through regular in-person collaboration. Corporate employees are expected to work onsite at least 50% of the time monthly—commonly three days per week—to support teamwork and business goals. Managers may establish higher expectations as needed to optimize team performance. This environment stimulates relationship building, creativity, and impactful work.

Equal Opportunity Commitment

The organization commits to providing equitable employment opportunities in compliance with all applicable laws. Diversity and inclusion are core values and integral to maintaining a welcoming workplace for all employees.