Internal Audit – Quality & Planning Director

Internal Audit – Quality & Planning Director

Job Purpose

The Internal Audit Quality & Planning Director is responsible for establishing and maintaining the internal audit quality assurance framework, leading strategic audit planning, and ensuring compliance with international internal audit standards (IIA). The role ensures that internal audit activities are risk-based, value-adding, and aligned with the organization’s strategic objectives.

Key Responsibilities

Audit Quality & Assurance

• Develop, implement, and maintain the Internal Audit Quality Assurance and Improvement Program (QAIP) in accordance with IIA Standards.
• Conduct periodic internal and external quality assessments and coordinate with external reviewers.
• Ensure audit methodologies, tools, templates, and reports meet professional standards and best practices.
• Review audit reports for quality, consistency, and clarity before final issuance.

Strategic Planning & Risk-Based Audits

• Lead the development of the annual and multi-year risk-based internal audit plan.
• Coordinate enterprise risk assessment activities to ensure audit coverage of high-risk areas.
• Monitor audit plan execution and ensure alignment with organizational priorities and emerging risks.
• Provide recommendations for plan adjustments based on changes in risk profile or strategy.

Governance & Stakeholder Management

• Liaise with senior management, audit committee, and external auditors on audit planning and quality matters.
• Prepare and present audit planning, quality reports, KPIs, and dashboards to executive management and the Audit Committee.
• Ensure internal audit activities support governance, risk management, and internal control frameworks.

Policies, Methodology & Continuous Improvement

• Establish and maintain internal audit policies, procedures, and manuals.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives within the internal audit function.
• Benchmark internal audit practices against leading organizations and regulatory requirements.
• Support digital transformation initiatives within internal audit (data analytics, automation, audit tools).

Leadership & Capability Development

• Provide guidance and technical oversight to internal audit teams.
• Support training, coaching, and development plans to enhance audit quality and professional competence.
• Promote a culture of quality, independence, and ethical conduct within the audit function.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field (Master’s preferred).
• Professional certifications such as CIA, CPA, CISA, or equivalent (CIA highly preferred).
• Minimum 10–15 years of internal audit or risk management experience, with leadership exposure.
• Strong knowledge of IIA Standards, COSO, risk management, and governance frameworks.