Internal Audit Lead

Wise is looking for a UAE Internal Audit to join our growing IA team. The role will be Dubai-based. The role will be responsible for leading Wise s UAE Internal Audit function across multiple legal entities. Your main task will be to lead and coordinate the internal audit process for each of the entities within the region The scope includes both global and regional processes and working with colleagues within the company and externally with partnering firms. The role presents a great opportunity to focus on the development and delivery of audit engagements in a fast paced environment, focussed on data driven audit techniques and continuous monitoring. Relevant experience working in assurance, risk or control roles and deploying technology enabled assurance is key to driving the internal audit agenda. We are a growing team, therefore you have the unique opportunity to collaborate and shape the operations, methodology and approaches of the Internal Audit function, both regionally and globally.

Your mission

• Support the implementation and operation of the internal audit assurance framework, including development of continuous monitoring and automated audit routines.
• Support key projects to deliver an aligned assurance model across Wise and more specifically for the MEA region.
• Develop the annual audit plan for the UAE and MEA legal entities including updating the audit universe and completing risk assessment and budgeting processes.
• Build and support a strong and self-sufficient internal audit team, locally and globally.
• Oversee delivery of the audit plan to ensure timely and relevant audit outcomes.
• Monitor the implementation of Internal Audit recommendations by the teams, measure the effectiveness of the improvements and report to oversight committees.
• Develop strong relationships internally and externally, including with the Board and the local regulator.
• Be seen as a trusted advisor to the business.
• Promote and help embed a strong control culture, driving meaningful and relevant assurance programmes at Wise.
• Strategically lead your teams through audit programmes, business partnering, change management and other domains.

Desired Candidate Profile

• You have proven experience working in risk, control or assurance.
• You have worked in technology, fintech, payments or broader financial services industries.
• You have working knowledge of the UAE regulatory frameworks and requirements, ideally CBUAE, DIFC or ADGM.
• You are able to work independently, you assume responsibility and you make your own judgement.
• You take ownership over complex areas and solve problems with no or very limited guidance.
• You have very strong coordination skills and you are able to hold teams accountable for meeting deadlines and delivering high quality outputs.
• You seek to use data analytics and technology in your work and decision making processes.
• You demonstrate attention to details but can summarise key messages succinctly, verbally and in writing adjusting your style and level of information based on the target audience.
• You are passionate about driving change, making improvements and helping stakeholders.
• You are not afraid of making decisions, can work autonomously and take initiative.
• You re a strong relationship builder across all levels of the business and externally.
• You manage and influence stakeholders with ease.
• You have managed the delivery of the audit plan, responsible for planning, staffing, delivery and reporting of multiple audit engagements.
• You have interacted directly with the Board and Regulators, providing clear messages of matters relevant to them.