Internal Audit Director

Overview

• Lead the establishment and management of the internal audit function for a leading financial services organization.
• Provide independent assurance on governance, risk management, and internal controls to senior management and the Board.
• Develop and execute a risk-based internal audit plan aligned with organizational objectives and regulatory requirements.
• Conduct audits across key business areas, ensuring compliance with professional standards and internal methodologies.
• Collaborate with external auditors and assurance providers to optimize audit coverage and efficiency.
• Stay informed of emerging risks, industry trends, and evolving regulatory requirements to maintain audit relevance.
• Design frameworks, policies, and processes to expand and institutionalize the internal audit function.
• Provide strategic insights and recommendations to improve organizational risk management and control practices.

Key Responsibilities & Duties

• Develop and implement a comprehensive risk-based internal audit plan aligned with organizational goals.
• Conduct end-to-end audits, including planning, fieldwork, testing, reporting, and issue tracking.
• Evaluate internal control design and effectiveness, identifying gaps and improvement opportunities.
• Report audit findings and recommendations to senior management and the Risk Committee.
• Monitor remediation actions and validate closure of audit findings.
• Serve as an advisor on risk and control matters while maintaining audit independence.
• Coordinate with external auditors and other assurance providers to enhance audit coverage.
• Build and maintain relationships across business, compliance, legal, and finance teams.
• Develop policies and processes to institutionalize the internal audit function, including team development.

Job Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business, or a related field.
• CIA, CPA, or relevant certification (e.g., CISA, CFE) strongly preferred.
• Minimum of 10 years of internal audit or related experience, preferably in financial services.
• Proven experience in building or leading an audit function is highly desirable.
• Strong knowledge of internal control frameworks, risk management, and audit techniques.
• Excellent communication, analytical, and interpersonal skills for engaging with senior management and boards.
• High integrity, sound judgment, and commitment to maintaining objectivity and independence.
• Familiarity with enterprise risk management, regulatory compliance, and governance practices.
• Ability to work independently in a hands-on role while operating strategically.