Head of Audit

Head of Audit
Key AccountabilitiesLeadership and People Management

• Demonstrate The Company and IIA Code of Conduct values and behaviours in all aspects of work.

• Contribute positively to team effectiveness and Colleague Experience Survey sessions.

• Promote a positive team culture and enhance employee engagement.

• Lead a team of professionals and subject matter experts, including line managers.

• Embed a performance culture and role model The Companys values and behaviours.

• Manage and lead teams through individual and functional change.

• Contribute to talent development through coaching, mentoring, and constructive feedback.

• Promote continuous learning and upskilling among internal auditors.

• Attract and retain top talent, building a robust pipeline of skills and capabilities for the Audit Function.

Stakeholder Management

• Engage with key stakeholders including Advice & Investments Boards, Managing Executives, and Exco teams.

• Build and maintain strong relationships with senior management, governance committees, and regulators.

• Communicate effectively (verbally and in writing) with all stakeholders.

• Attend key committees and provide insights into control assessments.

• Understand client needs and align audit efforts to benefit them.

• Develop deep knowledge of The Companys business areas for effective assurance execution.

• Foster positive stakeholder engagement to enhance audit value.

• Coordinate with assurance partners to monitor business risk and inform planning and reporting.

• Support combined assurance across the three lines of defence to strengthen controls.

Strategic Initiatives

• Contribute to the development of the Internal Audit Digital Book of Work.

• Align to IA principles for stakeholder engagementprofessional, value-driven, digitally enabled, and owner-led.

• Contribute to the overall Internal Audit brand, positioning, and communication initiatives of The Company.

Audit Delivery and Continuous Monitoring

• Deliver high-quality and timely audit reports, governance reports, and issue validations.

• Maintain a risk-based internal audit plan for Advice & Investment businesses aligned with The Companys objectives.

• Incorporate digital tools and data analytics in audits, continuous auditing, and reviews.

• Provide clear, actionable, and insightful reports to senior stakeholders and regulators.

• Apply professional skepticism and assess residual risk in audit findings and reporting.

Knowledge Management

• Commit to continuous upskilling in technical and core competencies.

• Stay current with industry trends, regulatory changes, and professional standards.

• Share best practices to ensure high-quality output across the audit team.

• Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements, including those from the Prudential Authority.

Role / Person Specification
Preferred Education

• Bachelors Degree or Advanced Diploma in Business, Commerce, or Management Studies.

• Relevant professional qualifications (e.g., CA, CIA, CISA).

Preferred Experience

• 15 years experience in internal/external audit or equivalent experience in a major financial institution or Big 4 firm.

• Strong knowledge of the financial services industry, especially in banking, insurance, bancassurance, investments, financial planning, and stockbroking.

• Familiarity with emerging financial products and services.

• Understanding of relevant legislation, financial services industry standards, and bancassurance practices.

Knowledge and Skills

• Proven ability to manage teams in complex, matrixed environments with adaptable leadership.

• Deep experience in risk-based auditing and control/risk management.

• Demonstrated thought leadership.

• Track record of leading change, setting strategic direction, and driving business initiatives.

• Strong ability to influence and communicate at senior executive levels.

• Commitment to talent development and performance management.

• Capacity to think enterprise-wide and prioritise broader functional goals over silo demands.

Originally posted on Himalayas