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Head of Internal Audit

Location: Dubai
Salary: AED 25,000 – 35,000
Job Code: 235/001/502
Industry: Manufacturing

Job Brief:

Our client is seeking an experienced Head of Internal Audit to lead and oversee the internal audit function across its UAE operations. This senior leadership role is responsible for providing independent, objective assurance and advisory services that add value and improve the organization's operations.

The Head of Internal Audit will drive a risk-based audit strategy aligned with the company's operational, financial, and regulatory environment, ensuring compliance with UAE regulations, international standards, and industry best practices.

This Head of Internal Audit job in Dubai will cover the company and all its subsidiaries, associated, and connected entities.

Job Responsibilities:

  • Develop and implement a comprehensive, risk-based Annual Audit Plan covering financial, operational, compliance, and IT audits across all business units.
  • Align the audit universe with the company's strategic priorities, risk appetite, and the specific risk landscape of steel manufacturing, including production, procurement, supply chain, and CAPEX.
  • Present the audit plan to the Board Audit Committee and senior management for approval and report on progress throughout the year.
  • Continuously assess and update the audit plan to reflect emerging risks, regulatory changes, and business developments.
  • Direct end-to-end execution of internal audits, including process walkthroughs, testing, root cause analysis, and reporting.
  • Ensure all audits are conducted in accordance with the International Standards for the Professional Practice of Internal Auditing (IIA Standards) and applicable UAE regulations.
  • Review draft audit reports and ensure findings are accurate, commercially relevant, and backed by sufficient evidence.
  • Oversee the tracking and follow-up of audit recommendations to ensure timely and effective remediation by management.
  • Implement and maintain a robust Quality Assurance and Improvement Programme (QAIP) for the internal audit function.
  • Partner with the Risk Management function to maintain and enhance the company's enterprise risk register, with particular focus on manufacturing, safety, environmental, and supply chain risks.
  • Provide risk-based insights and recommendations to the Board Audit Committee, CEO, and CFO on control weaknesses and improvement opportunities.
  • Monitor and assess the effectiveness of the internal control framework, including controls over financial reporting (ICFR).
  • Ensure the company's operations comply with UAE Federal Laws, industry regulations (e.g., Emirates Authority for Standardization and Metrology – ESMA), and international standards such as ISO 9001, ISO 14001, and OHSAS 18001, including ADOSH.
  • Coordinate with external auditors, regulatory bodies, and government authorities as required.
  • Monitor adherence to anti-corruption, anti-bribery, and related UAE Federal Decree-Laws.
  • Lead or oversee investigations into allegations of fraud, misconduct, or unethical behaviour across the organization.
  • Promote a culture of integrity and ethics, supporting the company's whistleblower policy and ethics hotline.
  • Analyse loss, wastage, and shrinkage patterns specific to steel production and raw material procurement.
  • Serve as the primary point of contact for the Board Audit Committee; prepare and present quarterly and annual audit reports.
  • Develop and maintain effective relationships with senior management, operations heads, Finance, Legal, and HSE functions.
  • Provide advisory services on governance, risk, and control matters as requested by management.
  • Build, lead, and mentor a high-performing internal audit team; define roles, KPIs, and professional development plans.
  • Foster a culture of continuous improvement, technical excellence, and ethical conduct within the audit function.
  • Manage co-sourcing or outsourcing arrangements with specialist audit service providers where applicable.

Job Requirements:

  • Bachelor's Degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field.
  • Preferred certifications: CIA, CPA, CA, ACCA, CISA, or equivalent.
  • Minimum 12–15 years of progressive audit experience, with at least 5 years in a senior audit leadership role.
  • Demonstrated experience in manufacturing, heavy industry, or industrial engineering environments — steel, metals, cement, petrochemicals, or similar sectors strongly preferred.
  • Deep knowledge of IIA Standards, COSO framework, UAE commercial and labour law, and relevant international compliance frameworks.
  • Proven track record managing and presenting to Boards, Audit Committees, and C-suite stakeholders.
  • Excellent report writing and presentation skills.
  • Strong leadership, stakeholder management, and team development capability.
  • Experience working within the UAE, GCC, or broader MENA region.
  • Exposure to SAP ERP systems and data analytics tools such as ACL, IDEA, Power BI, or equivalent.
  • Experience with Large Capital Projects (CAPEX) audits, procurement audits, and inventory management in manufacturing.
  • Knowledge of UAE VAT legislation, transfer pricing, and related tax compliance obligations.
  • Experience with ERP systems (SAP) is an advantage.

Working Conditions:

  • Based in Dubai, UAE, with regular visits to production facilities and plant sites, including travel to Abu Dhabi and Sharjah as required.
  • Travel within the UAE and occasionally to overseas group entities or supplier locations.
  • The role may require extended hours during peak audit periods and Board reporting cycles.
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