Global Head of Financial Audit

About the role

An international telecommunications group is looking for an experienced Global Head of Financial Audit to lead independent reviews of financial controls, reporting integrity and financial governance. Based in Dubai, the role develops and delivers a risk-based financial audit programme across country operations and group functions, identifies control weaknesses and ensures management implements corrective actions. It suits a technically strong audit leader who can challenge senior stakeholders and give evidence-based assurance to executive management and the Audit Committee.

Key responsibilities

• Develop and deliver the annual financial audit plan based on risk, materiality and country exposure, and lead audits across subsidiaries, legal entities, shared services and group finance functions
• Establish consistent audit methodologies, documentation standards and quality assurance, and coordinate with Internal Audit, Risk, Compliance and external auditors
• Assess the accuracy, completeness and timeliness of financial reporting, review consolidation, intercompany transactions, balance sheet reconciliations and period-end close, and challenge significant accounting judgements
• Audit telecom revenue and cost controls, including billing, collections, deferred revenue, roaming, interconnect, wholesale settlements and partner balances, and work with Revenue Assurance teams on leakage
• Review cash management, bank reconciliations, receivables, credit management, procurement, accounts payable, payroll, capital expenditure and related-party transactions
• Lead or support investigations into suspected financial misconduct, fraud risks and control overrides, and present findings and remediation plans to senior management and the Audit Committee
• Build and lead the financial audit team, use data analytics to test transactions and introduce continuous monitoring where appropriate

Required profile

• Essential: CA, ACA, ACCA or CPA qualification
• Typically 15-20+ years of relevant experience, including substantial senior financial audit leadership
• Proven experience leading audits across multiple countries and legal entities; telecom experience strongly preferred, especially in an MNO or MVNO
• Demonstrated experience presenting to Boards, Audit Committees and senior finance leaders, and handling sensitive financial matters
• Big Four training or experience desirable; CIA, CISA or CFE qualifications advantageous

Required skills

• Strong technical knowledge of IFRS, financial reporting, consolidation and internal financial controls
• Experience auditing telecom revenue flows, international settlements and complex group structures