VP & Head of Audit, Compliance Technology

About the Role
This position serves as a subject matter expert responsible for planning and executing audits that encompass the activities and processes of the Group’s Compliance Functions both domestically and in international locations. The role involves a thorough understanding of business relationships, product dynamics, compliance risk management processes, and the regulatory environment in the UAE and other jurisdictions where the Group operates. The individual will provide assurance to Management by identifying weaknesses, reporting and escalating significant audit findings, and agreeing on action plans to address the issues raised.

Responsibilities
Strategic Contribution

• Assist in auditing the Group's Compliance Function-related activities in the UAE and internationally, covering Group Subsidiaries with Compliance Risks.
• Ensure operational and compliance audits are conducted according to the Annual Plan objectives, completing the work program efficiently and effectively, and notifying the Head of Audit of any delays or changes.

People Management

• Provide guidance and on-the-job training for junior colleagues, facilitating knowledge sharing to achieve team objectives and completion of tasks efficiently and in accordance with policies.
• Promote organizational values and ethics to support a value-driven culture within the organization.

Budgeting and Financial Performance

• Monitor the financial performance against budgets ensuring compliance with approved guidelines, promptly reporting any variances to management.

Policies, Systems, Processes & Procedures

• Follow established GIA Policies, Guidance Notes, Procedures, and Practice Notes while executing tasks.
• Contribute to the development of GIA practices as per industry standards and regulatory expectations.
• Review all activities within the Group’s Operations and Support functions to define and maintain the Audit Universe, coordinating with other teams for coverage.
• Prepare and maintain a Risk Assessment of each Process Stream within the Compliance Function, promoting periodic self-assessment of risks and controls with businesses.
• Establish and maintain Audit programs in the central audit management tool.
• Conduct audits of processes within the Compliance portfolio by assessing:
  • Divisional/Unit Line management’s identification and classification of risks.
  • Adequacy and effectiveness of governance, risk management, and control procedures.
  • Necessary governance improvements or enhancements.
  • Reliability, integrity, and availability of data and transaction processing.
  • Safeguarding of Division’s/Unit’s assets.
  • Efficiency and effectiveness of resource usage.
  • Proper review and finalization of draft audit reports.
  • Timely discussion and finalization of audits with GIA management/client within six weeks post-fieldwork and negotiation of documented Management Action Plans.

Continuous Improvement

• Lead the identification of change and continuous improvement of processes and practices, considering global standards and evolving business environments.

Relationship Management

• Develop and maintain effective business relationships with all relevant stakeholders, attending to critical issues to ensure service delivery.
• Act as the Audit Business Partner for Line Managers within Compliance and Business Compliance-related Units, managing relationships through regular discussions on emerging risks and gaps between audit assessments and self-assessments.
• Provide ongoing consultancy/advice from governance, risk management, and control perspectives for process improvements.
• Follow up with Unit management on pending audit issues ensuring corrective actions are effectively implemented.
• Conduct special reviews or investigations as assigned by management.

Reporting

• Ensure all functional reports are prepared timely and accurately, adhering to Group requirements, policies, and quality standards.

Job Context
Specific Accountability

• Safeguard against potential losses by reporting on the effectiveness and efficiency of Operational/Regulatory controls.
• Review Operations and Support related functions end-to-end, identifying areas for improvement.
• Examine processes for early recognition of problems and their management to minimize losses.
• Prepare and review Audit Management Information Systems (MIS) dashboards, including audit committee presentation slides.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of key products, processes, regulatory developments, and adapt the Audit plan as necessary, enhancing relationships between GIA and stakeholders.

Qualifications & Experience
Minimum Qualification

• Bachelor’s degree.
• Relevant post-graduate qualification and/or professional certification desirable.

Minimum Experience

• Minimum of 10 years relevant experience with an International Bank or Big 4, with strong internal audit experience preferred.
• At least 5 years in progressively responsible managerial roles in Bank Operations, Risk Management, or Audit.
• Expert knowledge of operational activities and associated risks.
• Strong leadership capability, team-oriented approach, and highly developed problem-solving skills.
• Self-directed, capable of managing multiple tasks and working under pressure.
• Excellent analytical, verbal, and written communication skills.