Senior Internal Auditor - Operations

Department: Internal AuditLocation: UAEDescriptionThe Senior Auditor - Operational Audits is responsible for delivering end-to-end audits across a broad range of business and operational processes, including enterprise risk management (ERM), third-party/vendor management, HR, marketing and other support and business functions.

The role focuses on independently executing risk-based audit engagements, assessing the effectiveness of governance, risk management, and internal control frameworks across less complex but diverse domains. The individual is expected to take ownership of assigned audits from planning through to reporting, while providing practical, value-added insights to improve business processes and control environments.

This position requires a strong foundation in internal audit methodology, good business acumen and the ability to quickly understand different processes and risks across functions.

Key Responsibilities

• Operational Audits
• Plan, execute, and deliver end-to-end audits across a variety of operational areas, including ERM frameworks, vendor onboarding and management HR processes, marketing activities, customer care and other business functions.
• Conduct risk assessments and develop audit scopes and programs using a risk-based audit approach.
• Evaluate the design and operating effectiveness of internal controls, governance processes and risk management frameworks.
• Identify control gaps, inefficiencies and process improvement opportunities, providing practical and actionable recommendations.
• Perform walkthroughs, control testing and documentation of processes across multiple business areas.
• Execute thematic reviews and cross-functional audits covering key operational risks.
• Data-Driven Audit Process Development
• Utilize data analytics techniques to support audit planning and execution, including identifying basic trends, anomalies and control gaps.
• Extract and analyse data using tools such as SQL and Excel to support audit testing and validation.
• Develop and use simple dashboards and visualizations (e.g., Power BI, Tableau) to enhance audit insights and reporting.
• Apply data analysis to improve audit efficiency and support risk assessments across operational processes.
• Contribute to the adoption of data-driven auditing practices, while continuously building analytics capabilities.
• Data Analytics & Cross-Functional Support
• Perform data analytics to support other audits.
• Develop audit data models, dashboards, and visualizations to identify trends, anomalies, and key risk indicators.
• Collaborate with business, technology, and data teams to ensure high data quality and availability for audit purposes.
• Reporting & Communication
• Prepare clear, concise, and high-quality audit reports, summarizing findings, risks and recommendations.
• Communicate audit results effectively to process owners and management.
• Track and validate remediation of audit findings to ensure timely closure.
• Build effective working relationships with stakeholders across different functions.
• Skills, Knowledge and Expertise5+ years of experience in internal audit, external audit or risk/control roles, preferably within financial services, fintech or a fast-paced corporate environment
• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration or a related field.
• Relevant certifications such as CIA, ACCA, CPA, or CISA (or in progress) are advantageous..Strong understanding of internal audit methodologies, risk-based auditing and internal control frameworks (e.g., COSO).
• Experience auditing operational processes across multiple functions (e.g., ERM, procurement/vendor management, HR or general business operations).
• Good business acumen with the ability to quickly understand and assess new processes and risk areas.
• Proficiency in data analytics and visualization tools (e.g., Excel, SQL, Power BI, Tableau, or similar) is preferred.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with attention to detail.
• Effective communication skills, with the ability to clearly present findings and engage with stakeholders.
• Ability to manage multiple assignments, prioritise effectively, and deliver within deadlines.
• Professional skepticism, integrity and a proactive mindset.

Fluency in English is a MUST.