Role Overview
The Lead Internal Audit will be responsible for driving the organizations end-to-end internal audit function, strengthening the control environment, leading enterprise-wide risk assessments, and partnering with senior leadership to enhance governance and compliance. This role requires a strategic mindset combined with strong operational rigour, exceptional analytical skills, and the ability to influence cross-functional stakeholders.
Key Responsibilities
1. Audit Strategy & Planning
- Develop and own the annual internal audit plan aligned with business priorities, risk landscape, and regulatory expectations.
- Define and refine audit methodologies, frameworks, and best practices for consistent and high-quality delivery.
2. Risk Assessment & Internal Controls
- Lead enterprise-wide risk assessments covering operational, financial, IT, regulatory, and strategic risks.
- Establish and strengthen internal control frameworks across functions; proactively identify control gaps and improvement opportunities.
3. Audit Execution & Reporting
- Oversee and independently execute complex audits across finance, operations, procurement, technology, sales, and support functions.
- Review audit working papers, evidence, findings, and recommendations prepared by audit teams.
- Deliver clear, concise, and insightful audit reports to senior management, highlighting key risks and actionable remediation plans.
4. Governance, Compliance & Policy Management
- Monitor regulatory and compliance requirements applicable to the business; ensure timely adoption and adherence.
- Lead initiatives to enhance corporate governance, ethical practices, and transparency across the organization.
- Drive periodic policy reviews, updates, and implementation effectiveness.
5. Fraud Risk Management
- Lead critical investigations of suspected fraud, misconduct, data manipulation, policy violations, and financial irregularities.
- Coordinate with Legal, HR, and Ethics teams to ensure appropriate corrective and preventive actions.
6. Stakeholder Leadership
- Partner with CXOs, Business Heads, Finance Leadership, Technology, Legal, HR, and other stakeholders to align on risk priorities and audit actions.
- Liaise with external auditors, consultants, and regulatory bodies where required.
- Present audit results and risk insights at leadership forums, committees, and governance councils.
7. People Leadership & Capability Building
- Lead and mentor the internal audit team, ensuring continuous skill development and performance excellence.
- Build audit capabilities in analytics, risk-based auditing, and automation tools.
8. Continuous Improvement & Automation
- Drive adoption of data analytics, dashboards, and automation in internal audit procedures.
- Identify opportunities to streamline processes and improve operational effectiveness across the organization.
Experience & Skills Required
- 10–15 years of progressive experience in internal audit, risk management, or controllership, preferably in large-scale or multinational environments.
- Strong expertise in internal audit methodologies, risk assessment frameworks, SOX / IFC compliance, and industry-specific regulations.
- Proven track record in leading audits across financial, operational, and technology domains.
- Experience handling complex investigations and sensitive issues with sound judgment.
- Strong communication and presentation skills with the ability to challenge, influence, and collaborate with senior stakeholders.
- High proficiency in data analysis, audit tools, and ERP systems (SAP, Oracle, etc.).
- Ability to manage multiple audits simultaneously and work under tight timelines.
- Demonstrated leadership experience managing teams and cross-functional initiatives.
Preferred Qualifications
- CA / CFA / MBA (Finance).
- Additional certifications like CIA, CISA, CFE are highly preferred.
