Head of Quality Assurance – Sharia Audit

About the role

The Head of Quality Assurance will support the Group Head of ISAG in delivering Sharia audit excellence and governance across the organization. This senior position oversees internal Sharia audit functions, ensuring compliance with HSA, AAOIFI standards and internal supervisory resolutions.

Key responsibilities

• Lead the internal Sharia audit as the third line of defense, providing independent assurance on governance, risk management and control effectiveness.
• Develop and maintain the annual Sharia audit plan, including risk‑based audit universe, scope definition, resource allocation and coordination with business units.
• Prepare ISAG dashboards, quarterly activity reports and present audit plans and findings to the Board Audit Committee.
• Conduct quality assurance reviews of audit documentation, exception sheets, detailed reports and executive summaries.
• Coordinate with Group Internal Audit and Group Compliance to align audit approaches and ensure timely closure of regulatory findings.

Required profile

• Chartered Accountant or Bachelor’s degree from a reputable university.
• 7‑10 years of audit experience, preferably in a Big 4 firm or Islamic banking environment.
• Professional certifications such as CIA (IIA) or CSAA (AAOIFI‑Bahrain).
• Fluent in English and Arabic.

Required skills

• Advanced proficiency in MS Excel.
• Proficiency in MS Word and PowerPoint.