Lead Auditor – Financial Crime & Compliance

Role Overview

The Lead Auditor – Financial Crime & Compliance is responsible for leading and delivering audits across financial crime and compliance domains, including AML, CTF, sanctions, fraud prevention, and customer due diligence (CDD/KYC/KYB), as well as key compliance-owned processes.

The role focuses on independently assessing the effectiveness of financial crime prevention frameworks, regulatory compliance programs and governance structures, including compliance monitoring, regulatory change management and horizon scanning processes in line with CBUAE expectations.

This position requires deep expertise in financial crime compliance and regulatory frameworks, combined with strong investigative and data analytics capabilities. The individual will take end-to-end ownership of audit engagements and provide actionable insights to strengthen the overall compliance and control environment.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Forensic Accounting, Finance, Economics, Law or a related discipline; advanced degree is an advantage.
• 7+ years of experience in internal audit, financial crime compliance or forensic investigations within banking, fintech or regulated financial services.
• Strong knowledge of AML/CFT, sanctions, fraud risk management and CBUAE financial crime and compliance regulations.
• Solid understanding of compliance frameworks and second-line responsibilities, including horizon scanning, regulatory change management and compliance monitoring.
• Proven experience auditing or assessing financial crime and compliance programs, including governance, policy frameworks and regulatory reporting.
• Advanced data analytics capabilities, with proficiency in tools such as SQL, Python, Power BI, Tableau, or similar.
• Relevant certifications such as CAMS, CFE, CFF, CIA, or CISA are strongly preferred.
• Strong investigative mindset with the ability to analyze complex issues and identify root causes of control weaknesses.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, with experience engaging Compliance, Risk and senior leadership.
• High level of professional skepticism, integrity and discretion when handling sensitive information.
• Ability to operate independently, manage multiple priorities and deliver in a fast-paced, regulated environment.
• Fluency in English is a MUST.

Tech Stack

• Python
• SQL
• Tableau

Benefits

• Flexible working model with trust and autonomy from day one.
• A high-growth environment with ownership and responsibility that will accelerate your career.
• Participation in the company’s employee stock options program.
• Comprehensive health insurance.
• Flexi Perks: a monetary benefit to spend on what matters most to you — health, well-being, education, or professional development.