Unit Head - Management Audit

The Management Audit Lead will oversee the Management Audit unit, providing independent, risk-based assurance across the bank’s functions, business processes, policies, and governance frameworks. This role involves planning and supervising audit engagements, ensuring adherence to the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) regulations and the Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA) Global Standards. The incumbent will be responsible for delivering high-quality audit reports and effectively communicating findings to stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities

Audit Planning and Execution:
Develop and maintain the annual management audit plan supported by a comprehensive risk assessment. Plan, scope, and supervise financial, operational, and management audits within a digital banking environment. Evaluate the design and operational effectiveness of internal controls, policies, and delegation of authority. Assess operational efficiency across various departments. Review audit programs, working papers, and testing evidence to ensure quality, sufficiency, and alignment with established audit methodologies.

Reporting and Follow-up:
Prepare and finalize audit reports that clearly articulate risk-rated findings, root causes, and actionable recommendations, ensuring management agreement. Present significant audit issues to relevant stakeholders as required. Monitor management’s implementation of action plans, validate the closure of audit findings, and escalate any overdue or high-risk items to senior management.

Quality and Continuous Improvement:
Enhance the department’s audit methodology, templates, and quality assurance processes. Introduce data analytics and continuous auditing techniques where applicable to improve audit effectiveness. Actively contribute to the department’s Quality Assurance and Improvement Program to uphold high standards of audit practice.

Required Qualifications

A Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related discipline is required, with a Master’s degree preferred. Candidates must hold professional certifications such as CIA, ACCA, CA, or CPA. A minimum of 8-10 years of relevant experience is essential, ideally within a banking or financial institution or in external audit servicing significant banking clients. At least 3-4 years of experience leading audit teams in a similar capacity is necessary.

Strong knowledge of the SBP regulatory framework, banking operations, and risk and control frameworks is critical. Candidates should have a working understanding of IIA Global Internal Audit Standards, COSO, and IFRS standards relevant to banks, including IFRS 9. Proficiency in audit methodology, risk assessment, sampling techniques, and root-cause analysis is required. Familiarity with data analytics tools such as Excel, SQL, Power BI, or similar platforms is also important.

Preferred Qualifications and Benefits

While not explicitly stated, a Master’s degree and advanced certifications will be considered advantageous. The role offers the opportunity to lead a key audit function within a dynamic digital banking environment, contributing to the bank’s risk management and governance excellence. Continuous professional development and exposure to innovative audit techniques, including data analytics, are integral to this position.