Senior Specialist, Internal Audit Operations

Senior Specialist, Internal Audit Operations

Job Purpose: The Senior Internal Auditor is responsible for providing independent and objective assurance on the adequacy and effectiveness of the organization's governance, risk management, and internal control processes. The role supports the achievement of organizational objectives by executing risk based internal audits, contributing to audit planning through structured risk assessments, and communicating insightful, value adding recommendations to management.

Audit Planning & Execution

• Support the development and execution of the risk based internal audit plan in accordance with the International Professional Practices Framework (IPPF).
• Conduct risk assessment interviews with senior management and key process owners to identify, assess, and prioritize enterprise, operational, financial, compliance, IT, and fraud risks.
• Contribute to the maintenance and periodic refresh of the audit universe based on risk assessment outcomes, business changes, and regulatory developments.
• Lead and execute internal audits across financial, operational, compliance, IT, and anti fraud areas.
• Develop detailed audit programs, perform audit fieldwork, and document sufficient and appropriate audit evidence.
• Evaluate the design and operating effectiveness of internal controls in the areas being audited.
• Perform ad hoc audits, investigations, and special reviews as requested by the Audit & Risk Committee (ARC) or senior management.

Reporting & Communication

• Prepare clear, concise, and timely audit reports for senior management.
• Present audit results, root cause analysis, and agreed corrective action plans.
• Follow up on audit findings and track the implementation and closure of management action plans.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Build strong working relationships with management and process owners across the organization.
• Engage effectively with senior stakeholders during risk assessment interviews, audit planning discussions, and audit execution.
• Coordinate with external auditors, regulators, and compliance functions, as required.
• Act as a trusted advisor while maintaining audit independence and objectivity.

Supervision & Development

• Mentor and review work performed by junior auditors.
• Contribute to continuous improvement of the internal audit methodology and practices.
• Support audit automation, data analytics, and continuous auditing initiatives.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or related field.
• Professional certification preferred (CIA, CPA, ACCA, SOCPA).

Experience Requirements

• Minimum 3 4 years of internal or external audit experience.
• Prior experience in large corporates, government entities, or regulated industries in KSA.
• Experience with Big 4 or reputable audit firms (preferred).
• Hands on experience conducting end to end audits with minimal supervision.
• Exposure to Saudi regulatory and compliance environments is highly desirable.