Senior Internal Auditor (Internal Audit Office)

Job Details

• Job Title: Senior Internal Auditor
• Sector: Chairman / Director General Office
• Department: Internal Audit Office
• Section: N/A
• Grade: 13
• Job Family: Audit & Control
• Sub-Family: Internal Audit

Reporting Line

• Reports To: Head of Internal Audit Office
• Direct Reports: None

Job Purpose

To perform independent, objective internal audit activities to assess the organization’s compliance with policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements across financial, operational, and administrative areas. The role focuses on risk-based auditing, strengthening internal controls, and providing actionable recommendations to enhance efficiency, governance, and risk management.

Key Responsibilities

Functional Responsibilities

• Conduct risk assessment interviews with departmental heads and contribute to the development of the annual and strategic internal audit plan.
• Execute audit assignments across financial, operational, compliance, legal, and technical domains with due professional care.
• Supervise and guide internal auditors in conducting interviews, reviewing documentation, preparing working papers, and documenting audit findings.
• Ensure quality assurance of audit work and deliverables.
• Develop and implement risk-based audit programs.
• Perform audit testing, identify reportable issues, and assess control effectiveness.
• Evaluate the adequacy of internal control design and recommend improvements.
• Ensure timely execution of audit engagements in line with the approved audit plan.
• Conduct special assignments such as investigations, advisory reviews, and fraud risk assessments.
• Support audit activities initiated by senior leadership or the Board.
• Prepare draft audit reports and ensure readiness for quality assurance review.
• Lead opening and closing meetings for audit engagements.
• Maintain and archive audit documentation in line with audit standards and systems.
• Coordinate with external auditors to align scope, avoid duplication, and maximize audit assurance.
• Follow up on audit findings and recommendations, update tracking reports, and report status to management.
• Ensure compliance with internal audit methodology, charter, and applicable policies, as well as UAE laws and regulations.
• Identify opportunities for continuous improvement, cost optimization, and operational efficiency in line with international best practices.
• Support the development of internal audit training programs and continuous professional development initiatives.
• Prepare audit reports and presentations for senior management and Board-level review.
• Manage conflict of interest declarations and reporting.
• Perform any other duties as assigned.

Operational Responsibilities

• Provide data analysis and insights to support leadership decision-making.
• Identify and escalate operational risks impacting organizational objectives.

Financial Responsibilities

• Ensure compliance with relevant financial policies and procedures.

Stakeholder Management

• Internal: All organizational departments
• External: Government, semi-government, and private sector entities

Qualifications & Requirements

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Auditing, Finance, Risk Management, or a related field (Master’s degree preferred).

Experience

• Minimum of 6+ years of relevant experience in internal audit or risk management.

Certifications (Preferred/Required)

• Professional certifications such as CPA, CIA, CMA, or CFE are highly preferred.

Skills & Knowledge

• Strong knowledge of internal audit standards, governance, risk, and control frameworks.
• Familiarity with IIA standards and Code of Ethics.
• Experience in compliance and regulatory environments.
• Strong analytical, data interpretation, and reporting skills.
• Proven ability to identify issues and implement practical solutions.

Competencies

Behavioral Competencies (Intermediate Level)

• Positive engagement and energy
• Excellence in execution
• Customer and stakeholder focus
• Organizational awareness

Technical Competencies (Intermediate Level)

• Risk-based auditing and strategic risk monitoring
• Governance, risk, and control (GRC) frameworks