Head of Internal Audit - UAE National (Emiratisation)
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Key skills for this role
About the Role
Intelligent Solutions HR seeks a Head of Internal Audit for a semi-government organization in Abu Dhabi. This senior leadership role reports to the Audit Committee and is responsible for establishing and leading a risk-based internal audit function.
Key Skills for This Role
Responsibilities
- Develop, implement, and maintain a risk based Internal Audit strategy and annual audit plan aligned with organizational objectives and regulatory expectations
- Lead and oversee all internal audit activities, including operational, financial, IT, compliance, and governance audits
- Provide independent assurance to the Audit Committee and senior management on the effectiveness of internal controls, risk management, and governance frameworks
- Evaluate compliance with UAE regulatory requirements, internal policies, and international standards (e.g., IIA Standards, COSO)
- Identify control gaps, emerging risks, and systemic issues, ensuring timely follow up and closure of audit findings and management action plans
- Manage and maintain strong relationships with external auditors, regulators, and key internal stakeholders
- Prepare and present clear, insightful audit reports and executive summaries to the Audit Committee and Board
- Lead, mentor, and develop the internal audit team, fostering a culture of integrity, independence, and high performance
- Advise senior leadership on governance, risk, and control improvements as a trusted assurance partner
Requirements
- UAE National
- Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or related discipline; master's degree preferred
- Professional certifications such as CIA, CPA, ACCA, CISA, or equivalent are highly desirable
- 10–15 years of progressive internal audit experience, with significant exposure to regulated environments (insurance, healthcare, financial services, or government/semi government)
- Proven experience operating at a senior leadership level, including direct engagement with Boards and Audit Committees
- Strong knowledge of UAE regulatory frameworks, enterprise risk management, and internal control systems
- Excellent leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills
- High ethical standards, sound judgment, and the ability to operate independently with authority
Full Job Posting
General Overview
- We are partnering with a prominent semi government organisation within the UAE insurance and healthcare ecosystem to hire a Head of Internal Audit. This is a senior leadership role reporting to the Audit Committee and executive management, with responsibility for establishing and leading an independ
Key Responsibilities
- Develop, implement, and maintain a risk based Internal Audit strategy and annual audit plan aligned with organizational objectives and regulatory expectations.
- Lead and oversee all internal audit activities, including operational, financial, IT, compliance, and governance audits.
- Provide independent assurance to the Audit Committee and senior management on the effectiveness of internal controls, risk management, and governance frameworks.
- Evaluate compliance with UAE regulatory requirements, internal policies, and international standards (e.g., IIA Standards, COSO).
- Identify control gaps, emerging risks, and systemic issues, ensuring timely follow up and closure of audit findings and management action plans.
- Manage and maintain strong relationships with external auditors, regulators, and key internal stakeholders.
- Prepare and present clear, insightful audit reports and executive summaries to the Audit Committee and Board.
- Lead, mentor, and develop the internal audit team, fostering a culture of integrity, independence, and high performance.
- Advise senior leadership on governance, risk, and control improvements as a trusted assurance partner.
Key Requirements
- UAE National with strong expertise in internal audit, risk, and governance.
- Bachelor's degree in accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related discipline; master's degree preferred.
- Professional certifications such as CIA, CPA, ACCA, CISA, or equivalent are highly desirable.
- 10–15 years of progressive internal audit experience, with significant exposure to regulated environments (insurance, healthcare, financial services, or government/semi government).
- Proven experience operating at a senior leadership level, including direct engagement with Boards and Audit Committees.
- Strong knowledge of UAE regulatory frameworks, enterprise risk management, and internal control systems.
- Excellent leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
- High ethical standards, sound judgment, and the ability to operate independently with authority.
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