Head of Internal Audit

About the role

Our client is seeking an experienced Head of Internal Audit to lead the internal audit function across its UAE operations, covering the company and its subsidiaries in the steel manufacturing sector.

Key responsibilities

• Develop and implement a risk‑based Annual Audit Plan covering financial, operational, compliance and IT audits across all business units.
• Direct end‑to‑end execution of internal audits, including walkthroughs, testing, root‑cause analysis and reporting in line with IIA Standards and UAE regulations.
• Oversee tracking and remediation of audit recommendations and maintain a robust Quality Assurance and Improvement Programme.
• Partner with Risk Management to maintain the enterprise risk register, focusing on manufacturing, safety, environmental and supply‑chain risks.
• Provide risk‑based insights to the Board Audit Committee, CEO and CFO and coordinate with external auditors and regulatory bodies.

Required profile

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration or related field.
• 12–15 years of progressive audit experience, including at least 5 years in a senior audit leadership role.
• Extensive experience in manufacturing or heavy‑industry environments, preferably steel or metals.
• Deep knowledge of IIA Standards, COSO framework, UAE commercial and labour law and relevant international standards.
• Proven ability to present to Boards, Audit Committees and C‑suite stakeholders.

Required skills

• SAP ERP systems
• Data‑analytics tools such as ACL, IDEA and Power BI
• Knowledge of UAE VAT legislation, transfer pricing and related tax compliance
• CAPEX, procurement and inventory‑management audit expertise
• Familiarity with ISO 9001, ISO 14001, OHSAS 18001/ADOSH standards