Head of Internal Audit (EMIRATI) – Dubai

About the role

We are seeking a senior audit leader to head the Internal Audit function in Dubai. The role provides independent assurance, strengthens governance and engages with Board-level stakeholders, regulators and senior management.

Key responsibilities

• Set the overall direction of the Internal Audit function, aligning audit priorities with the organisation’s risk profile, regulatory obligations and strategic goals.
• Provide independent insight to the Board Audit Committee and executive leadership on control effectiveness, governance weaknesses, emerging risks and areas requiring management attention.
• Oversee assurance coverage across core banking activities, financial crime controls, technology, treasury, credit, compliance and other high‑risk areas.
• Introduce effective methodologies, analytics and reporting practices to improve audit quality and relevance.
• Maintain constructive relationships with regulators, external auditors and senior stakeholders, coordinating responses to reviews and remediation commitments.
• Lead and develop the audit team, ensuring strong technical capability, professional independence and timely closure of significant audit issues.

Required profile

• 12+ years of experience in banking or financial services, with substantial depth in Internal Audit and assurance.
• Previous experience as Head of Internal Audit or in a comparable senior audit role.
• Strong practical knowledge of risk‑based auditing, governance, internal controls, regulatory compliance and IIA professional standards.
• Proven ability to present complex audit matters to Board Audit Committees, senior executives, regulators and external assurance providers.
• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Banking, Business Administration, Audit or a related discipline.

Required skills

• CIA certification (highly preferred).
• Additional qualifications such as CPA, ACCA, CISA, CFA or CRMA are considered an advantage.