Internal Audit Planning & QA Expert

Role Overview

We are seeking a seasoned Internal Audit Planning & QA Expert to lead and refine our internal audit framework, ensuring alignment with organizational objectives, regulatory requirements, and industry best practices. This role is pivotal in shaping the internal audit strategy, enhancing operational efficiency, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement. The ideal candidate will demonstrate autonomy in executing long-term objectives, act as a trusted internal consultant, and drive the development of robust audit policies, quality assurance guidelines, and risk mitigation strategies. With a focus on compliance, performance measurement, and strategic planning, this position will play a key role in safeguarding the organization’s integrity and operational excellence.

Key Responsibilities

Internal Audit Planning

The successful candidate will be responsible for the following core functions:

• Strategic Development: Formulate and refine the internal audit strategy, objectives, quality assurance guidelines, charters, policies, and procedures in accordance with ZATCA requirements, international standards, and best practices to ensure robust governance and compliance.
• Performance Metrics: Define and implement key performance indicators (KPIs) with measurable targets to evaluate the effectiveness and quality of internal audit activities, ensuring alignment with organizational goals.
• Process Analysis: Conduct in-depth interviews with relevant stakeholders to map existing processes, identify operational risks, and assess potential disruptions to workflow efficiency.
• Risk Mitigation: Collaborate with the Risks and Analytics function to develop comprehensive risk registers and mitigation plans, proactively addressing vulnerabilities to minimize operational and compliance risks.
• Annual Audit Planning: Consolidate internal audit programs into a structured annual plan, specifying audit functions, frequency, scheduling, and required resources to ensure systematic and timely execution.
• Regulatory Compliance: Ensure all internal audit activities adhere to governing laws, regulations, and internal policies, maintaining the highest standards of integrity and accountability.
• Project Coordination: Oversee existing internal audit projects and initiatives, providing timely status updates and ensuring successful completion in alignment with strategic objectives.

Quality Assurance

To uphold the highest standards of audit excellence, the role includes:

• Performance Reviews: Conduct rigorous quality assurance checks, including document reviews, gap assessments, sampling, and feedback collection from auditees, to evaluate the efficiency, compliance, and effectiveness of internal audit activities and recommend enhancements.
• Team Development: Deliver targeted training and awareness programs to strengthen the technical capabilities and ethical integrity of the internal audit team, fostering a culture of professionalism and continuous learning.

Internal Audit Reporting and Follow-up

The role also encompasses critical reporting and follow-up responsibilities:

• Audit Support: Provide essential support during on-site audits conducted by both internal and external auditors, ensuring seamless execution and adherence to audit protocols.
• Report Consolidation: Compile comprehensive internal audit reports, including findings, non-conformities, and opportunities for improvement, for submission to senior management and relevant committees.
• Corrective Action Management: Follow up with internal functions to ensure the timely development and implementation of corrective action plans, addressing any delays through proactive support and investigation.
• Consultation and Documentation: Offer expert consultations to internal stakeholders in accordance with established plans and procedures, while meticulously documenting and archiving all audit reports and records for future reference and compliance.

Organizational and Operational Excellence

The candidate will also contribute to the following operational and organizational functions:

• Policy Adherence: Strictly follow all relevant policies, processes, and standard operating procedures to ensure controlled, consistent, and efficient workflow execution.
• Problem Resolution: Address escalated issues promptly, providing support to junior team members to facilitate efficient resolution, and escalate complex problems to the appropriate stakeholders for proper closure.
• Additional Duties: Undertake any other responsibilities as assigned to support the broader objectives of the internal audit function.

People Management

The role involves mentoring and guiding junior staff to ensure knowledge transfer and professional growth:

• Training and Development: Train junior staff on various job activities, ensuring the transfer of critical know-how and fostering skill development.
• Task Management: Provide clear direction, prioritize tasks, assign responsibilities, and monitor workflow to ensure optimal performance and accountability among subordinates and junior staff.
• Support and Guidance: Offer ongoing support to direct reports and junior staff, ensuring they execute their duties in accordance with established policies and processes.

Communication and Collaboration

Effective communication and stakeholder engagement are essential to this role:

• Internal Consultation: Act as a liaison and internal consultant, providing guidance and support to internal customers in alignment with set plans and procedures.

Qualifications and Experience

Education

• Bachelor’s Degree: Required in Business Administration or an equivalent field.
• Master’s Degree: Preferred in a relevant discipline, such as Accounting, Finance, or Risk Management.

Professional Experience

• Minimum Experience: At least 5 years of relevant experience in internal audit, risk management, or a closely related field, with a proven track record of leading audit planning and quality assurance initiatives.

Core Competencies

• Policy Making: Proficient in developing and implementing robust policies and procedures.
• Internal Audit Techniques: Advanced expertise in audit methodologies, frameworks, and best practices.
• Collaboration and Communication: Developing skills in fostering teamwork and clear communication across departments.
• Legislations and Regulations: Advanced understanding of relevant laws, regulations, and compliance requirements.
• Professionalism: Proficient in maintaining high ethical standards and integrity in all professional interactions.
• Investigation: Proficient in conducting thorough and objective investigations to identify root causes and solutions.
• Results Oriented: Proficient in driving measurable outcomes and continuous improvement.
• Customer Focus: Proficient in understanding and addressing the needs of internal stakeholders.