Unit Head - Management Audit

The Management Audit Lead will oversee the Management Audit unit, providing independent and 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 Internal Audit Standards. The incumbent will be responsible for reporting audit findings and facilitating improvements in control environments within a digital banking context.

Key Responsibilities

Audit Planning and Execution:
- Develop the annual management audit plan supported by a comprehensive risk assessment.
- Plan, scope, and supervise financial, operational, and management audits tailored to a digital bank environment.
- Evaluate the design and operating effectiveness of internal controls, processes, policies, and delegations of authority. Assess operational efficiency throughout the organization.
- Review audit programs, working papers, and testing evidence to ensure quality, sufficiency, and consistency with established methodologies.

Reporting and Follow-up:
- Prepare and finalize audit reports that clearly communicate risk-rated findings, root causes, and actionable recommendations, securing management’s agreement.
- Develop presentations for stakeholders and communicate significant audit issues as needed.
- Monitor management’s action plans, validate the closure of audit findings, and escalate overdue or high-risk matters appropriately.

Quality and Continuous Improvement:
- Enhance the department’s audit methodology, templates, and quality assurance processes.
- Integrate data analytics and continuous auditing techniques where feasible to improve audit effectiveness.
- Support the department’s Quality Assurance and Improvement Program to maintain high standards.

Required Qualifications

- Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related discipline; a Master’s degree is preferred.
- Professional certifications such as Certified Internal Auditor (CIA), ACCA, Chartered Accountant (CA), or Certified Public Accountant (CPA).
- 8 to 10 years of relevant experience within banking, financial institutions, or external audit firms serving significant banking clients.
- Minimum of 3 to 4 years in a leadership role managing audit teams.
- Strong understanding of the SBP regulatory framework, banking operations, and risk and control frameworks.
- Working knowledge of IIA Global Internal Audit Standards, COSO framework, and IFRS standards applicable to banks, including IFRS 9.
- Proficiency in audit methodologies, risk assessment techniques, sampling, and root-cause analysis.
- Familiarity with data analytics tools such as Excel, SQL, Power BI, or similar platforms.

This role offers the opportunity to lead a critical function within a dynamic digital banking environment, contributing to the bank’s governance and operational excellence through rigorous audit practices and continuous improvement initiatives.