Head of Shariah Audit - Banking

About the role

Axiom is recruiting an experienced Internal Shari'ah Audit leader for a fast-growing digital bank in Abu Dhabi. The role establishes and leads independent Shari'ah audit assurance across a growing Islamic banking proposition, covering products, operations, technology, governance and regulatory engagement. It is a high-visibility mandate to build a robust Internal Shari'ah Audit framework and give clear assurance to senior management, the Board and the Internal Shari'ah Supervisory Committee.

Key responsibilities

• Build and lead the Internal Shari'ah Audit function for the Islamic banking proposition.
• Develop the Shari'ah audit charter, methodology, manuals, risk-assessment framework and annual audit plan.
• Lead risk-based audits across products, transactions, contracts, operations, technology, treasury and digital banking.
• Assess the effectiveness of the Internal Shari'ah Control System, including adherence to HSA resolutions, ISSC decisions, AAOIFI standards and CBUAE requirements.
• Issue audit reports, present findings to senior management, the Board Audit Committee and the ISSC, and oversee remediation to closure.
• Partner with Internal Shari'ah Control, Compliance, Risk and business teams while keeping the audit function independent.
• Strengthen Shari'ah audit capability, awareness and accountability across the organisation.

Required profile

• 7-10+ years in Internal Shari'ah Audit, Shari'ah compliance or Shari'ah control within an Islamic bank, Islamic Window or financial institution.
• Strong hands-on experience with risk-based audit planning, execution, reporting, issue management and remediation.
• In-depth knowledge of AAOIFI Shari'ah Standards, HSA standards, CBUAE regulations and Shari'ah governance.
• Experience auditing Islamic banking products, contracts, operations, treasury, technology or digital banking platforms.
• Credibility presenting findings to senior stakeholders, Audit Committees and Shari'ah Supervisory Committees.
• Relevant degree; CSAA, CIPA, CIA or a comparable Islamic finance / audit qualification is highly valued.
• Confident, independent leader with sound judgement who can build a function in a fast-moving environment.

What we offer

• Tax-free base salary, performance bonus and full benefits package.
• Full family-relocation support.
• Hybrid working model from a regional HQ alongside global fintech talent.
• High exposure to senior management, Board-level governance and regulators.

The role requires rapid relocation and regular on-site presence in the UAE. Candidates apply directly through the advert or by sending their CV to the recruiter.