Senior Internal Auditor

Role Overview

• Lead the Group Internal Audit function, setting the strategic direction and annual audit plan
• Supervise, mentor, and develop the Internal Auditor, including review of their work
• Serve as the primary point of contact for the Audit Committee on all internal audit matters
• Build and maintain the internal audit methodology, charter, and quality assurance framework
• Represent Internal Audit in interactions with external auditors and regulatory bodies
• Champion a strong risk and control culture across the organisation
• Utilise enterprise-wide risk assessments (produced by the Risk function) to inform risk-based audit planning
• Lead and execute complex audits of financial, operational, compliance, and IT controls, including technology-enabled processes
• Allocate audit resources effectively across jurisdictions and business units
• Ensure audits are completed on time, within budget, and to a high standard
• Apply continuous auditing techniques, leveraging direct system data extraction and automated control testing where feasible to enhance audit efficiency and coverage
• Provide assurance over compliance with multi-jurisdictional regulatory requirements
• Approach operational resilience and DORA requirements as opportunities for integrated, pragmatic assurance
• Monitor regulatory developments and assess their implications for the audit plan
• Liaise with local compliance officers to coordinate assurance activities and avoid duplication
• Prepare and present audit reports, annual opinions, and thematic reviews to the Audit Committee
• Provide independent assessment of the group's overall control environment and risk profile
• Track and report on the status of management action plans and overdue findings
• Escalate significant control weaknesses or emerging risks to senior management and the Board
• Prepare materials for regulatory examinations and respond to regulatory inquiries as needed
• Provide pragmatic advice to management on control design, process improvements, and emerging risks
• Continuously enhance the internal audit function through adoption of best practices and technology

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or related field; Master's degree preferred
• Professional certification required: CIA, ACA, ACCA, CPA, or equivalent
• Additional certifications highly valued: CISA, CRMA, CFE, or jurisdiction-specific regulatory qualifications
• Minimum 8–10 years of progressive experience in internal audit, external audit, or risk/compliance roles
• At least 3 years in a senior or supervisory audit capacity
• Extensive experience auditing regulated financial services firms across multiple jurisdictions
• Proven track record of engaging with Audit Committees, Boards, and senior executives
• Direct experience with regulators (e.g., FCA, SFC, DFSA, EU NCAs) strongly preferred
• Familiarity with co-sourced or outsourced internal audit arrangements
• Deep knowledge of internal control frameworks (COSO), risk management standards, and IIA Standards
• Systems thinking and digital fluency, with the ability to understand end-to-end automated processes and technology architectures
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to manage, coach, and develop team members
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, including executive-level reporting
• Strategic thinker with the ability to see the big picture while maintaining attention to detail
• Excellent stakeholder management and influencing skills
• Sound judgement, professional scepticism, and uncompromising integrity
• Ability to operate independently with minimal supervision in a lean team environment
• Design audit coverage proportionate to risk and scale, making thoughtful trade-offs rather than maximising audit volume

Benefits

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience
• Performance-based bonus
• International travel and exposure to diverse regulatory environments
• Direct engagement with the Audit Committee and Group leadership
• Opportunity to shape and lead the internal audit function
• Professional development budget and support for continuing education
• Flexible/hybrid working arrangements