AVP & Audit Manager, Operations & Support Functions (Emiratization)

Role Overview

AVP & Audit Manager, Operations & Support Functions (Emiratization) at First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB), based in Abu Dhabi.

Role Purpose

Lead continuous monitoring and data-driven assurance over critical risk areas within FAB's General Internal Audit function, particularly those impacting financial stability, regulatory compliance, and operational resilience. Enable early detection of control failures and emerging risks through advanced analytics, automation, and real-time governance insights that feed senior management and Board-level dashboards.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Contribution

• Develop and execute continuous monitoring strategies aligned with the bank's risk profile and audit plan.
• Utilize Computer-Assisted Audit Techniques (CAATs) and other data analysis technologies to enhance audit coverage and efficiency.
• Design and maintain dashboards and automated alerts for real-time monitoring of control performance.
• Analyze structured and unstructured data sources (e.g., logs, incidents, IT configurations) to detect control gaps.
• Perform ongoing testing of key controls and risk indicators using automated tools and data analytics.
• Monitor transactional and operational data to identify anomalies, control failures, or emerging risks.

Audit Universe & Risk Assessment

• Review all activities of the Units within Investment Banking and Wealth Management portfolio and credit & credit risk-related activities in all jurisdictions in which the bank operates to define and maintain the Audit Universe.
• Coordinate with other teams to ensure efficient and effective coverage.
• Prepare and maintain a Risk Assessment of each Process Stream within the Investment Banking, Wealth Management & Credit Portfolio and applicable subsidiaries as identified in the Audit Universe.
• Work with the businesses to promote periodic self-assessment of risks and controls.

Audit Program Management

• Establish, update and maintain Audit programs in the central audit management tool.
• Execute to established GIA Policies, Guidance Notes, Procedures and Practice Notes in undertaking all tasks.
• Provide input to the development of GIA practices as per industry standards and regulatory expectations.

People Management

• Provide guidance and on-the-job training for junior colleagues and conduct knowledge sharing to facilitate achievement of team objectives and completion of tasks in an efficient manner consistent with operating procedures and policy.
• Promote the organisation's values and ethics in all activities within the team to support the establishment of a value-driven culture within the bank.

Budgeting & Financial Performance

• Monitor the financial performance of given areas of activities versus budgets.
• Ensure all activities are carried out in line with approved guidelines while promptly reporting any variances to management.

Continuous Improvement

• Lead the identification of change through continuous improvement of processes and practices considering global standards and changes in the business environment which demand proactive action plans.

Relationship Management

• Develop and maintain effective business relationships with all relevant external and internal entities and stakeholders with the highest standards of business ethics.
• Act as the Audit Business Partner for Line Managers within Investment Banking, Wealth Management & Credit teams and actively manage the relationship through regular meetings with Line Managers.
• Promote the business partner concept and identify emerging risks through these meetings.
• Use meetings to discuss any material gaps between audit assessment or risks and controls and the business's self-assessment.
• Provide ongoing consultancy and advice to Unit management from a governance, risk management and control perspective for improvements in their processes to ensure effective and efficient controls on the basis of market best practices.
• Ensure pending audit issues are followed up with Unit management and that all corrective actions are fully and properly implemented.
• Promptly attend to all critical issues to ensure the services required by the organisation are delivered in the most effective manner.

Specific Accountability

• Maintain up-to-date knowledge and understanding of Investment Banking, Wealth Management & Credit control processes (e.g., Relationship Management, Credit Underwriting, Credit Risk Management) and Central Bank of UAE regulatory reporting developments; drive necessary changes in Audit plan and working programs.
• Safeguard against potential loss and contribute to the Units and Departments' systems and procedures by reporting whether Credit and operational controls of FAB standards are effectively carried out and are efficient in the units and departments audited.
• Review the Investment Banking, Wealth Management & Credit functions of the bank end-to-end and identify areas of correction and improvement.
• Examine and comment on the process for the early recognition of problems (if any) and their remedial management to minimise loss.
• Contribute towards the enhancement of relationship between GIA and stakeholders.
• Conduct any investigations or special reviews assigned by Head of Audit or Group Chief Audit Officer.

Reporting

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

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Finance.
• Relevant post-graduate qualification and/or progress towards relevant professional qualification (CA/CFA/FRM) and/or certification is desirable.
• Minimum 3+ years' relevant experience with an International Bank or Big 4 firm.
• Internal Audit experience strongly preferred (but not mandatory).
• Working knowledge of Corporate Relationship Management & Credit activities and processes and associated risks.
• Working knowledge of bank and audit policies and procedures, as well as Central Bank regulations, if relevant.

Skills & Competencies

• Self-directed; able to manage multiple tasks and ability to work under pressure.
• Good analytical skills.
• Good verbal and written communication skills.