Chief Internal Auditor

Job Title:Chief Audit Executive (CAE)Reports to:Board of Directors / Audit CommitteeFunctionally: Audit CommitteeAdministratively: Chief Executive Officer (CEO)Key Purpose of the Role:The Chief Audit Executive (CAE) is responsible for leading the internal audit function, ensuring the organization’s risk management, governance, and internal control processes are effective and aligned with regulatory requirements, industry standards, and best practices. The CAE provides strategic insights and recommendations to enhance operational efficiency, mitigate risks, and protect the organization’s assets and reputation.Key Responsibilities:Strategic Leadership:Develop and implement a comprehensive risk-based internal audit strategy and annual audit plan.Advise senior management and the board on key risks and mitigation strategies, ensuring alignment with the organization's goals.Serve as a trusted advisor to the Audit Committee and senior leadership on governance, risk, and compliance matters.Audit Operations and Execution:Oversee the execution of the annual audit plan, ensuring timely and high-quality delivery of audit engagements.Ensure audits assess the efficiency, effectiveness, and compliance of operations, identifying areas for improvement.Lead investigations into fraud, misconduct, or non-compliance as necessary.Governance and Risk Management:Promote a culture of ethical business practices, strong governance, and continuous improvement across the organization.Ensure compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and corporate policies in the GCC region.Support enterprise risk management (ERM) initiatives by collaborating with relevant departments to identify and mitigate risks.Stakeholder Engagement and Reporting:Prepare and present audit reports, risk assessments, and insights to the Audit Committee, Board of Directors, and executive management.Build strong relationships with external auditors, regulators, and other stakeholders to address key audit-related issues.Act as a key point of contact for regulatory inspections and assessments.Team Leadership and Development:Build, lead, and mentor a high-performing internal audit team, ensuring team members are skilled in modern audit methodologies.Promote continuous professional development and ensure team members are certified and abreast of industry trends and best practices.Technology and Innovation:Leverage data analytics, AI, and other advanced technologies to enhance audit efficiency and effectiveness.Drive digital transformation initiatives within the audit function.Qualifications:Education:Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field.Advanced degree (e.g., MBA, Master’s in Finance) is preferred.Certifications:Mandatory: Certified Internal Auditor (CIA), Certified Public Accountant (CPA), or Chartered Accountant (CA).Preferred: Certification in Risk Management Assurance (CRMA) or Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE).Experience:Minimum of 15 years of experience within Banking in internal audit, risk management, or related fields, with at least 5 years in a senior leadership role.Experience within the GCC region or a deep understanding of GCC-specific regulatory and business environments is preferred.