Senior Auditor, Operations- Shared Services Audit

We are seeking an experienced professional to lead and execute risk-based operations and regulatory audits within the banking sector. This role focuses on Operations Risk Management (ORM), Third-Party Risk, Anti-Money Laundering (AML), Sanctions compliance, and meeting regulatory expectations. The successful candidate will drive assurance over complex operational processes by evaluating control effectiveness, ensuring compliance with the Central Bank of the UAE (CBUAE) and international regulations, and enhancing risk management practices through advanced audit methodologies and analytics.

Key Responsibilities

- Audit Leadership & Execution: Plan and conduct risk-based audits, investigations, and thematic reviews across various operational domains. Evaluate the design and effectiveness of controls, identify gaps, and assign risk ratings to findings. Lead audit delivery while ensuring quality, adherence to timelines, and compliance with audit standards.

- Regulatory & Compliance Assurance: Provide independent assurance over AML, Sanctions, Third-Party Risk, and ORM frameworks. Assess compliance with CBUAE and international regulatory requirements. Support regulatory engagements and ensure timely resolution of regulatory observations.

- Risk Assessment & Analytics: Perform comprehensive risk assessments across operational processes to identify composite risks. Utilize audit analytics, continuous auditing tools, and RegTech capabilities to improve audit coverage and efficiency. Proactively monitor and identify emerging risks through stakeholder engagement.

- Stakeholder Engagement: Collaborate with Heads of business units and risk teams to facilitate timely risk remediation. Influence stakeholders to secure agreement on action plans and control improvements. Offer advisory support on process enhancements and product development initiatives.

- Reporting & Governance: Prepare and present high-quality audit reports to senior management. Ensure findings are clear, risk-focused, and aligned with regulatory expectations. Support reporting to the Board and senior management as required.

Required Qualifications

- Minimum of 10 years’ experience in Operations or Internal Audit within the banking industry.
- Strong expertise in AML, Sanctions, ORM, and Regulatory Compliance audits.
- Familiarity with CBUAE or similar regulatory frameworks.
- Proficient in the use of RegTech, audit analytics, and continuous auditing tools.
- Excellent analytical, stakeholder management, and communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications and Certifications

- Professional certifications such as Certified Internal Auditor (CIA), Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialist (ACAMS), or Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) are highly desirable.

This role offers the opportunity to work at the forefront of operational risk and regulatory compliance within a dynamic banking environment, leveraging innovative audit technologies and methodologies to strengthen the institution’s risk framework.