Head of Internal Audit

Job description

Ziina is looking for an independent, hands-on and forward-thinking Head of Internal Audit to establish and lead its Internal Audit function. As the first dedicated Internal Audit hire, you will build the function from the ground up and deliver independent assurance across existing regulated operations and future regulated entities.

You will operate with significant autonomy and direct access to the Board of Directors, owning audit planning, execution and reporting. Ziina wants someone who combines strong fintech audit experience with a pragmatic, technology-driven mindset.

Responsibilities

• Build and lead the Internal Audit function from the ground up, establishing its charter, methodology, policies, procedures, and governance framework in line with CBUAE requirements and applicable professional standards.
• Develop and execute a risk-based Internal Audit Plan, independently assessing the effectiveness of governance, risk management, and internal controls across Ziina's regulated activities.
• Conduct end-to-end audits, including planning, risk assessment, control testing, evidence evaluation, reporting, and remediation follow-up, initially operating as a standalone function.
• Provide independent assurance across financial, operational, regulatory, and technology risks, including payments, AML/CFT, consumer protection, safeguarding of customer funds, outsourcing, cybersecurity, and data protection.
• Leverage data analytics and automation to enhance audit testing, identify anomalies, assess controls at scale, and reduce manual processes, collaborating with Engineering and Data teams where relevant.
• Provide independent reporting and insights to the Board, highlighting material risks, control deficiencies, audit findings, and remediation progress through clear, objective, and actionable recommendations.
• Challenge stakeholders constructively, identifying root causes and recommending practical improvements while maintaining independence from management and operational decision-making.
• Oversee audit findings and remediation, establishing appropriate tracking mechanisms, monitoring management's corrective actions, and independently validating their effectiveness.
• Coordinate regulatory and external assurance activities with CBUAE, external auditors, and independent reviewers on matters within the Internal Audit function's remit.
• Extend audit coverage to new regulated entities, adapting the audit approach to evolving business activities, products, jurisdictions, and applicable regulatory requirements.
• Continuously improve audit effectiveness, introducing scalable processes, technology-enabled testing, and proportionate governance practices that support Ziina's growth.

Requirements

• Have 7+ years of Internal Audit experience, including direct, hands-on experience auditing fintech companies, preferably within payments, digital financial services, or technology-driven regulated financial institutions.
• Have a strong understanding of risk-based auditing, internal controls, corporate governance, and the IIA Global Internal Audit Standards.
• Have experience operating within CBUAE-regulated environments or comparable financial regulatory frameworks, with the ability to understand and apply UAE regulatory requirements.
• Hold a relevant professional qualification such as CIA, CPA, ACCA, or an equivalent recognized certification.
• Have demonstrated experience developing audit plans, executing control testing, identifying findings, and communicating results to senior leadership or Board-level stakeholders.
• Are comfortable establishing and operating a function independently, taking ownership of both strategic priorities and hands-on execution.
• Understand technology-driven financial services and can assess risks across operational processes, financial crime controls, IT systems, and regulatory obligations.
• Bring strong analytical skills and an interest in leveraging data, technology, and automation to improve audit effectiveness.
• Exercise sound professional judgment, prioritize material risks, and deliver practical recommendations without unnecessary complexity.
• Communicate clearly, challenge constructively, and build effective relationships across teams while maintaining professional independence.
• Thrive in a fast-paced, evolving environment where ownership, adaptability, and execution are essential.

Skills

• AML/CFT
• CBUAE Regulation
• Data Analytics
• Internal Audit
• Internal Controls
• Risk-Based Auditing