AVP & Audit Manager, Personal Banking (Emiratized)

Role Overview

AVP & Audit Manager, Personal Banking (Emiratized) at First Abu Dhabi Bank. This role participates in and leads audits across the Consumer, Private & Business Banking Segments of the FAB Group, based in the UAE and across the international network.

Role Purpose

Participate in and lead audits covering Consumer, Private & Business Banking Segments activities and processes across the FAB Group. Provide assurance to Management by identifying control weaknesses, reporting and escalating significant findings in a timely manner, and agreeing action plans to address issues raised. Act as the day-to-day contact with Management, influencing change through advice and conducting special investigations as required.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Contribution

• Assist in auditing the FAB Group's Consumer, Private & Business Banking Segments functions and related activities in the UAE and across the international network.
• Ensure Consumer, Private & Business Banking Segments audits are conducted in accordance with objectives laid down in the Annual Plan.
• Complete work programs in an efficient and effective manner on or ahead of schedule.
• Inform Head of Audit of any potential delays and/or changes to the Annual Plan.
• Review all activities of Units within Consumer, Private & Business Banking Segments portfolio across all jurisdictions in which they operate to define and maintain the Audit Universe.
• Coordinate with other teams to ensure efficient and effective coverage.

People Management

• Provide guidance and on-the-job training for junior colleagues.
• 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 team activities to support establishment of a value-driven culture within the bank.

Budgeting and Financial Performance

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

Policies, Systems, Processes & Procedures

• Execute all tasks in accordance with established GIA Policies, Guidance Notes, Procedures and Practice Notes.
• Provide input to the development of GIA practices as per industry standards and regulatory expectations.
• Prepare and maintain a Risk Assessment of each Process Stream within Consumer, Private & Business Banking Segments and applicable subsidiaries.
• Work with businesses to promote periodic self-assessment of risks and controls.
• Establish, update and maintain Audit programs in the central audit management tool.
• Conduct audits of Processes within Consumer, Private & Business Banking Segments and assess whether: divisional/unit line management have identified and classified risks in their activities; governance, risk management and control procedures are adequate, effective and efficient to reduce risks to acceptable levels at acceptable cost; improvements to governance, risk management and internal control structure are required; data and transaction processing meets required standards of reliability, integrity and availability; divisional/unit assets are being safeguarded; and resources are used efficiently and effectively.
• Review draft audit worksheets and audit reports submitted by auditors and ensure proper review and finalization.
• Discuss and finalize Audit Worksheets and Audit reports with GIA management and client within three weeks of completion of fieldwork.
• Negotiate with Unit management to agree documented Management Action Plans to resolve issues raised.

Continuous Improvement

• Lead identification of change through continuous improvement of processes and practices considering global standards and business environment changes that 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.
• Promptly attend to all critical issues to ensure services required by the organisation are delivered in the most effective manner.
• Act as the Audit Business Partner for Line Managers within Consumer, Private & Business Banking Segments teams.
• Actively manage relationships through regular meetings with Line Managers to promote the audit business partner concept and identify emerging risks.
• Use meetings to discuss any material gaps between audit assessment of risks and controls and the businesses' self-assessment.
• Provide ongoing consultancy and advice to Unit management from a governance, risk management and control perspective for improvements in processes on the basis of market best practices.
• On an ongoing basis, ensure pending audit issues are followed up with Unit management and that all corrective actions are fully and properly implemented.
• Conduct investigations and special reviews assigned by Head of Audit or GCAO.

Reporting

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

Specific Accountability

• Maintain up-to-date knowledge and understanding of Consumer, Private & Business Banking Segments control processes and CBUAE regulatory reporting developments.
• Drive necessary changes in Audit plan and working programs.
• Safeguard against potential loss and contribute to Units and Departments systems and procedures by reporting whether governance and controls of FAB standards are effectively carried out and are efficient in audited units and departments.
• Review relevant bank functions end-to-end and identify areas of correction and improvement.
• Examine and comment on the process for early recognition of problems and their remedial management to minimise loss.
• Contribute towards enhancement of relationship between GIA and stakeholders.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor's degree.
• Relevant post-graduate qualification and/or relevant professional qualification and/or certification desirable.
• Minimum five years' relevant experience with an International Bank or Big 4.
• Internal Audit experience strongly preferred but not mandatory.
• Working knowledge of Consumer, Private & Business Banking Segments activities and processes and associated risks.
• Working knowledge of bank and audit policies and procedures, as well as Central Bank regulations, if relevant.
• Self-directed, able to manage multiple tasks and ability to work under pressure.

Skills & Competencies

• Good analytical skills.
• Good verbal and written communication skills.