Group Chief Internal Audit Officer

Our client is a leading UAE-based technology group building and operating large-scale consumer digital platforms across communications, fintech, payments and digital services.

The group includes both regulated and non-regulated businesses, including a CBUAE-regulated payments and e-money entity, and operates in a highly technology-led environment with significant focus on AI, data and digital infrastructure.

About the Role

The Group Chief Internal Audit Officer will lead an independent Internal Audit function across the group, reporting functionally to the Audit Committee of the Board and administratively to the CEO.

The role will provide independent assurance to the Board, senior management and regulators across governance, risk management and controls, while maintaining full conformance with the IIA Global Internal Audit Standards.

Key responsibilities include:

• Own and deliver the risk-based annual audit plan across all group entities.
• Provide independent assurance across finance, operations, regulatory compliance and technology.
• Oversee audits covering financial controls, payments, treasury, AML, conduct, procurement and third-party risk.
• Lead technology and AI audit across AI/ML systems, model risk, data lineage, data sovereignty, cybersecurity and technology controls.
• Maintain appropriate audit coverage for CBUAE-regulated businesses and support Fit and Proper requirements.
• Present quarterly assurance, risk and audit findings to the Audit Committee and senior leadership.
• Lead and develop senior audit leaders across Finance & Operations Audit and Technology & AI Audit.
• Maintain strong relationships with the Board, CEO, C-suite and regulators while preserving complete audit independence.
• Drive the effective use of data analytics, AI and machine learning within the Internal Audit methodology.

Qualifications & Experience

• 15+ years of experience in Internal Audit or Risk, including significant technology / IT audit leadership.
• Previous Big Four or equivalent consulting experience, combined with in-house leadership of an Internal Audit function.
• Active Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) qualification.
• Additional qualifications such as CISA, CPA, CMA, CFE, CISM or information-security certifications are highly desirable.
• Proven experience leading a GIAS / IPPF-conformant Internal Audit function, ideally through an External Quality Assessment.
• Strong hands-on leadership experience across IT, technology and AI-related audits.
• Experience within regulated financial services, payments, fintech or banking.
• Exposure to CBUAE or comparable GCC financial regulators, with eligibility for Fit and Proper approval.
• Strong knowledge of UAE regulatory environments, including DIFC and ADGM.
• Strong understanding of financial controls, payments, treasury, AML, operational risk and third-party risk.
• Ability to challenge technology teams across areas including AI/ML model risk, data lineage, data sovereignty, change management and access controls.
• Strong Board, C-suite and regulator-facing communication skills.
• Arabic language capability would be an advantage.