Assistant Director Internal Shari'ah Audit (Islamabad/Karachi)

Easypaisa Digital Bank, Pakistan’s first digital bank, has been a pioneer in advancing the country’s digital finance landscape. Supported by prominent shareholders including Telenor Group, a leading telecom operator in Asia and the Nordics, and Ant Group, the force behind Alipay, easypaisa provides secure and convenient financial solutions to millions across Pakistan. The bank is seeking a seasoned professional to lead its Internal Shari’ah Audit unit. This role is crucial for ensuring the effectiveness of the Bank’s Shari’ah governance framework by delivering independent and objective assurance. The incumbent will develop and implement a risk-based Shari’ah audit plan, covering the entire audit universe, and assess compliance with Shari’ah principles, State Bank of Pakistan regulations, Shari’ah Board directives, legal requirements, internal policies, and global auditing standards. The position also involves supporting the Chief Audit Executive in meeting departmental goals, monitoring emerging Shari’ah and regulatory developments, and reporting key findings to senior management and relevant committees.

Key Responsibilities:
- Develop the Shari’ah audit universe, conduct risk assessments, and prepare the annual audit plan for approval by senior stakeholders.
- Review and evaluate compliance with the SBP Shari’ah Governance Framework, applicable regulations, Shari’ah Board resolutions, and internal policies across all business and support functions to identify and report Shari’ah non-compliance risks.
- Lead and manage audit assignments, including detailed planning, audit testing, and reporting, ensuring adherence to internal audit methodologies and quality standards.
- Prepare and review draft audit reports, ensuring audit issues are well documented, aligned with stakeholders, include action plans, and are communicated effectively.
- Finalize audit reports after review and ensure timely issuance in compliance with SBP requirements and internal guidelines.
- Maintain up-to-date audit working papers in the Audit System (Teammate) in accordance with auditing standards and internal policies.
- Track and report on open and overdue audit action items, including reasons for delays in remedial actions.
- Evaluate the adequacy and effectiveness of corrective actions taken by management to mitigate identified risks.
- Collaborate with the Chief Audit Executive and other stakeholders to identify high-risk areas requiring special audit focus.
- Provide guidance and advisory support to the Shari’ah audit team and auditees, maintaining regular engagement to stay informed on emerging Shari’ah, regulatory, and business developments.
- Continuously enhance professional skills to perform duties efficiently.
- Conduct special reviews and other duties as assigned by the Chief Audit Executive.
- Coordinate with management, Compliance, Risk, External Auditors, and regulators as necessary.
- Uphold independence, objectivity, confidentiality, and professional standards at all times.
- Adhere to Easypaisa Digital Bank’s internal audit policies, procedures, and core values including integrity, ownership, collaboration, and customer focus.

Required Qualifications:
- Minimum graduate degree with Certified Shari’ah Advisor & Auditor (CSAA) qualification.
- 10 to 12 years of relevant experience in the banking industry, particularly in audit, governance, risk management, or compliance.

Preferred Qualifications:
- Professional certifications such as CIA (Certified Internal Auditor), CISA (Certified Information Systems Auditor), CAMS (Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialist), or studies in Islamic Finance/Shari’ah or related disciplines.
- Strong knowledge of Islamic banking and finance principles, AOIFI standards, and SBP Islamic banking regulations including the Shari’ah Governance Framework.
- Experience with risk-based internal auditing methodologies.
- Familiarity with digital banking, technology, data science, or analytics is considered an advantage.

Behavioral and Core Competencies:
Excellent communication, problem-solving, time management, leadership, decision-making, team management, analytical skills, attention to detail, report writing, and stakeholder management are essential for success in this role.

This position offers a unique opportunity to contribute to the growth and integrity of Pakistan’s pioneering digital bank while working at the intersection of Islamic finance and modern digital banking practices.