Head of Audit

About the position

Head of Audit
Head of Audit
Key Accountabilities
Leadership and People Management

• Demonstrate The Company and IIA Code of Conduct values and behaviours in all aspects of work.
• Contribute positively to team effectiveness and Colleague Experience Survey sessions.
• Promote a positive team culture and enhance employee engagement.
• Lead a team of professionals and subject matter experts, including line managers.
• Embed a performance culture and role model The Companys values and behaviours.
• Manage and lead teams through individual and functional change.
• Contribute to talent development through coaching, mentoring, and constructive feedback.
• Promote continuous learning and upskilling among internal auditors.
• Attract and retain top talent, building a robust pipeline of skills and capabilities for the Audit Function.

Stakeholder Management

• Engage with key stakeholders including Advice & Investments Boards, Managing Executives, and Exco teams.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with senior management, governance committees, and regulators.
• Communicate effectively (verbally and in writing) with all stakeholders.
• Attend key committees and provide insights into control assessments.
• Understand client needs and align audit efforts to benefit them.
• Develop deep knowledge of The Companys business areas for effective assurance execution.
• Foster positive stakeholder engagement to enhance audit value.
• Coordinate with assurance partners to monitor business risk and inform planning and reporting.
• Support combined assurance across the three lines of defence to strengthen controls.

Strategic Initiatives

• Contribute to the development of the Internal Audit Digital Book of Work.
• Align to IA principles for stakeholder engagementprofessional, value-driven, digitally enabled, and owner-led.
• Contribute to the overall Internal Audit brand, positioning, and communication initiatives of The Company.

Audit Delivery and Continuous Monitoring

• Deliver high-quality and timely audit reports, governance reports, and issue validations.
• Maintain a risk-based internal audit plan for Advice & Investment businesses aligned with The Companys objectives.
• Incorporate digital tools and data analytics in audits, continuous auditing, and reviews.
• Provide clear, actionable, and insightful reports to senior stakeholders and regulators.
• Apply professional skepticism and assess residual risk in audit findings and reporting.

Knowledge Management

• Commit to continuous upskilling in technical and core competencies.
• Stay current with industry trends, regulatory changes, and professional standards.
• Share best practices to ensure high-quality output across the audit team.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements, including those from the Prudential Authority.

Role / Person Specification
Preferred Education

• Bachelors Degree or Advanced Diploma in Business, Commerce, or Management Studies.
• Relevant professional qualifications (e.g., CA, CIA, CISA).

Preferred Experience

• 15 years experience in internal/external audit or equivalent experience in a major financial institution or Big 4 firm.
• Strong knowledge of the financial services industry, especially in banking, insurance, bancassurance, investments, financial planning, and stockbroking.
• Familiarity with emerging financial products and services.
• Understanding of relevant legislation, financial services industry standards, and bancassurance practices.

Knowledge and Skills

• Proven ability to manage teams in complex, matrixed environments with adaptable leadership.
• Deep experience in risk-based auditing and control/risk management.
• Demonstrated thought leadership.
• Track record of leading change, setting strategic direction, and driving business initiatives.
• Strong ability to influence and communicate at senior executive levels.
• Commitment to talent development and performance management.
• Capacity to think enterprise-wide and prioritise broader functional goals over silo demands.

Desired Skills:

• Audit
• Finance
• Internal