About the Role
You'll establish and lead the internal audit function for the UAE entity, meeting local regulatory expectations while supporting the entity's growth. You'll work across the UAE, EMEA, and the international footprint to strengthen assurance, controls, and regulatory readiness.
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Key Responsibilities
- Establish and lead the internal audit function for the UAE entity, ensuring compliance with local regulatory expectations and supporting organizational growth.
- Act as the Chief Internal Auditor / Head of Internal Audit and Key Function Holder for the UAE entity, collaborating with the local Board and relevant regulators.
- Design and execute risk-based audit plans, charters, and testing procedures tailored to the UAE regulatory environment and local risk profile.
- Lead regulatory compliance audits across the EMEA region and contribute to global compliance audits within the international footprint.
- Assess the design and operational effectiveness of controls related to financial crime, AML/CFT, sanctions screening, payment systems, card schemes, customer money safeguarding, and enterprise risk management.
- Leverage data analytics and technology to enhance audit efficiency, support continuous monitoring, and identify emerging risks or anomalies.
- Communicate complex compliance issues clearly to senior management, business leaders, risk teams, Boards, and regulators.
- Track management action plans and ensure timely remediation of audit findings.
- Stay informed about regulatory developments across the UAE and broader EMEA region, integrating relevant changes and best practices into the audit approach.
Work Schedule
- You'll work from the Dubai or Abu Dhabi office three days a week.
What We're Looking For
Essentials
- 8+ years of audit experience, with a proven capability to occupy a regulatory Key Function Holder role.
- In-depth knowledge of regulatory compliance requirements in the UAE, specifically CBUAE, DFSA, or FSRA frameworks.
- Experience auditing areas such as financial crime, AML/CFT, sanctions screening, payment systems, card schemes, customer money safeguarding, or enterprise risk management.
- Proven ability to develop and execute risk-based audit plans and evaluate controls effectively.
- Experience in clearly communicating complex risks and audit findings to senior stakeholders, Boards, and regulators.
- Proficient written and spoken English, with the ability to influence stakeholders at various levels and functions.
- A bachelor's degree or above in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field.
- Current UAE residency with valid work authorization, or eligibility for UAE employment visa sponsorship with a willingness to relocate as necessary.
Preferred
- Fluency in Arabic.
- Professional audit qualifications such as CIA, CPA, CAMS, CISA, or FRM.
- Hands-on experience with data analysis tools such as Python, Databricks, Looker, or SQL.
- Familiarity with AI-driven audit methodologies or automated monitoring routines.
- Experience in a high-growth, international fintech or other highly regulated business.
You'll Thrive Here If
- You’re comfortable owning the roadmap yourself.
- You hold yourself to high standards, emphasizing quality and accountability.
- You comfortably navigate ambiguity and prefer solving problems over receiving instructions.
- You have experience in compliance-heavy environments, able to move fast without compromising critical corners.
- You enjoy collaborating with individuals across different countries and time zones.
- You can connect the dots across functions and maintain a big-picture view without losing details.
- You communicate directly and respectfully.
