Manager, Internal Audit - UAE Entity

About the role

Airwallex, the AI-native financial operating system used by more than 675,000 businesses, is looking for a Manager, Internal Audit to establish and lead its internal audit function for the UAE entity. The role meets local regulatory expectations while supporting the entity's growth, works across the UAE, EMEA and Airwallex's international footprint, and reports to the local Board and relevant regulators. The position is based in the Dubai or Abu Dhabi office three days a week.

Key responsibilities

• Establish and lead the internal audit function for the UAE entity and serve as Chief Internal Auditor / Head of Internal Audit and Key Function Holder.
• Design and execute risk-based audit plans, charters and testing procedures tailored to the UAE regulatory environment.
• Lead regulatory compliance audits across EMEA and contribute to global compliance audits.
• Assess controls across financial crime, AML/CFT, sanctions screening, payment systems, card schemes, customer money safeguarding and enterprise risk management.
• Use data analytics and technology to improve audit efficiency, support continuous monitoring and identify emerging risks.
• Communicate complex compliance issues to senior management, business leaders, risk teams, Boards and regulators, and track management action plans to ensure timely remediation.
• Stay close to regulatory developments in the UAE and EMEA and embed them in the audit approach.

Required profile

• 8+ years of audit experience, with proven capability to step into a regulatory Key Function Holder role.
• Deep knowledge of UAE regulatory compliance requirements, including CBUAE, DFSA or FSRA frameworks.
• Experience auditing financial crime, AML/CFT, sanctions screening, payment systems, card schemes, customer money safeguarding or enterprise risk management.
• Bachelor's degree or above in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration or a related field.
• Current UAE residency with valid work authorisation, or eligibility for UAE employment visa sponsorship and willingness to relocate; fluency in Arabic preferred.

Required skills

• Preferred: professional audit qualifications such as CIA, CPA, CAMS, CISA or FRM.
• Preferred: hands-on experience with data analysis tools such as Python, Databricks, Looker or SQL.
• Preferred: experience with AI-driven audit methodologies or automated monitoring routines.
• Preferred: experience in a high-growth, international fintech or other highly regulated business.