Director/Internal Audit-Fintech

Role Overview

Director/Internal Audit-Fintech at Etisalat E&. Responsible for developing and implementing a strategy for independent assurance over audits for Fintech, contributing to the overall assurance strategy for the department, and executing tasks in accordance with risk-based audit approach, internal auditing standards and guidelines, terms and conditions of contracts, best industry practices and other relevant laws, policies and procedures.

Role Purpose

To establish and lead a comprehensive independent assurance function over Fintech operations, ensuring alignment with business strategies, regulatory compliance, emerging risk management, and industry best practices.

Key Responsibilities

Strategy & Planning

• Develop the risk-based annual audit plan aligned with business strategies for assurance over Fintech top risks and supporting major business initiatives, reflecting leading audit practices.
• Prepare and maintain strategic approaches for providing assurance over current and emerging key risk areas in Fintech.
• Contribute to the overall assurance strategy for the department.

Risk Management & Assessment

• Maintain a comprehensive view of all risk areas (financial, operational, IT, compliance) impacting the FinTech business.
• Identify emerging risks and ensure effective control frameworks are in place.
• Lead the independent assessment of current and emerging risk landscapes.
• Coordinate with Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) for consolidation and prioritization of risks.
• Analyze and assess Fintech threats, risks and controls in e& and related entities to ensure compliance with regulations.

Audit Execution & Engagement Direction

• Plan and execute assurance activities related to Fintech interests including risk-based Internal Audits, cross-sectional integrated assignments, continuous assurance initiatives, audits required for compliance to statute, regulation, contract or industry association, due diligence reviews, investigations and prevention activities.
• Direct assurance engagements in the area of expertise.
• Assess and review assignment planning and risk assessments.
• Coordinate the assignment process with stakeholders.
• Escalate any challenges.
• Provide direction and subject matter expert input.
• Conduct elements of the review and visit all selected physical locations for review.
• Assess the quality of work products.
• Guide the process of agreeing action plans and finalizing audit reports.
• Ensure business goals are achieved.

Fraud & Special Audit

• Support Special Audit through identification of red flags indicating fraud.
• Evaluate indicators of fraud and decide whether further action is necessary.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of controls.
• Contribute expertise to investigations and support preventive audit initiatives.

Continuous Development & Compliance

• Ensure continuous development and maturity in the area of Fintech audit as per business, risk and compliance requirements.
• Review relevant literature, research papers and standards.
• Identify emerging risks, new best practices and new approaches and adopt as applicable.

Stakeholder Management & Reporting

• Review feedback received from audit stakeholders upon completion of audit work and ensure that highlighted concerns are addressed.
• Manage relationships with key internal and external stakeholders (e.g., senior leadership, Audit Committee, regulators).
• Ensure effective assurance over FinTech audits and business initiatives.
• Ensure timely circulation of audit findings.
• Ensure that feedback from stakeholders is addressed appropriately.
• Liaise and manage relationships with external stakeholders (e.g., regulators) to ensure compliance with statutory requirements.
• Prepare and submit detailed audit reports for internal stakeholders, including Audit & Risk Committee, Board and other relevant committees.

Special Projects

• Lead special projects for Fintech.
• Coordinate with the Consulting SPOC for the section as required.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, Computer Science or Information Systems, or equivalent.
• Internationally recognized professional auditing qualification: CA, CPA, ACCA, or CIA.
• 10+ years of audit experience with a large and reputable company or audit firm.
• At least 6 years in a managerial capacity.
• CISA or Master's degree in a related discipline is a plus.

Skills & Competencies

• Risk-based audit approach expertise.
• Internal auditing standards and guidelines knowledge.
• Financial, operational, IT and compliance risk assessment.
• Fraud detection and investigation.
• Stakeholder management.
• Strategic planning and business alignment.
• Research and best practice adoption.