Unit Head - Management Audit

The Management Audit Lead is responsible for overseeing 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, and delivering clear, actionable reports 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 specifically tailored for a digital banking environment. Evaluate the design and operational effectiveness of internal controls, policies, processes, and delegations of authority. Assess operational efficiency throughout the organization. Review audit programs, working papers, and testing evidence to ensure quality, adequacy, and alignment with established audit methodologies.

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

Quality and Continuous Improvement:
Enhance the department’s audit methodology, templates, and quality assurance practices. Introduce and leverage data analytics and continuous auditing techniques where applicable. Actively contribute to the department’s Quality Assurance and Improvement Program to maintain high standards and drive ongoing enhancements.

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), Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA), Chartered Accountant (CA), or Certified Public Accountant (CPA).
- 8 to 10 years of relevant experience within banking, financial institutions, or external audit with significant exposure to banking clients.
- At least 3 to 4 years of experience leading audit teams in a similar capacity.
- Strong understanding of the SBP regulatory framework, banking operations, and risk and control environments.
- Working knowledge of IIA Global Internal Audit Standards, COSO framework, and International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS), including IFRS 9 as applicable to banks.
- 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, driving audit excellence and contributing to the bank’s governance and risk management frameworks. Candidates with a strong audit background, leadership experience, and a commitment to continuous improvement will find this position rewarding and impactful.