Executive Director - Internal Audit (Real Estate)

About the role

Dubai Holding, a global investment company established in 2004 with a portfolio spanning 10 sectors including real estate, is hiring an Executive Director - Internal Audit (Real Estate). The role provides independent assurance and strategic advisory on governance, risk management, internal controls and compliance across Dubai Holding Real Estate, leads the risk-based Internal Audit Plan, and works in line with Global Internal Audit Standards and Dubai Holding's internal audit methodology.

Key responsibilities

• Lead and oversee Internal Audit activities across the Real Estate portfolio, supporting executive management in identifying and monitoring strategic, operational, financial, regulatory, project, technology and fraud risks.
• Lead risk assessments across development, asset management, property operations, community management, leasing, sales and support functions to build a risk-based Annual Audit Plan.
• Define the strategic vision of the Internal Audit function and promote data analytics, continuous auditing and technology-enabled assurance.
• Lead the execution of the Internal Audit Plan, manage audit resources, quality assurance and follow-up, and oversee assurance, advisory, investigation and special review engagements.
• Manage relationships with co-sourcing partners, external auditors and other assurance providers.
• Report significant findings, risks and control weaknesses to senior management, support the preparation of audit reports and executive summaries, and drive corrective actions and remediation.
• Ensure audit activities comply with Internal Audit policies and professional standards, and stay up to date with industry trends and regulatory developments.

Required profile

• 13+ years of progressive Internal Audit, Risk Management or Assurance experience, including significant leadership experience.
• Experience leading complex risk-based audit plans in large real estate developers, property management organisations, asset management businesses or diversified conglomerates.
• Proven experience managing audit teams and engaging with Executive Management, Audit Committees and Board members.
• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Construction Management, Accounting, Finance, Real Estate, Economics or a related field; Master's degree preferred.
• Professional certification such as CIA, CPA, ACCA, CA, CISA, CRMA or RICS; additional certifications in governance, risk, compliance, real estate, project management or data analytics are advantageous.
• Big 4 audit and/or consulting experience is highly desirable; UAE/GCC regulatory experience is preferred.

Required skills

• Expert knowledge of Internal Audit Standards (IIA IPPF) and risk-based auditing.
• Strong experience auditing real estate development, asset management, property operations, leasing, sales, facilities management and capital projects.