Deputy Manager Internal Audit

The Deputy Manager / Manager – Internal Audit (Offshore) will oversee all pre-audit activities, including preliminary validation, data verification, and documentation reviews. This role is critical in identifying gaps or control weaknesses and ensuring timely resolution of audit queries. The position requires close coordination of audit readiness across various business functions. Additionally, the role involves managing the offshore audit team based in Pakistan, ensuring quality deliverables and smooth collaboration with the Dubai Internal Audit team. The Deputy Manager will serve as the sole point of contact for the Dubai-based Audit Manager and report directly to them.

Key Responsibilities:
- Lead and manage pre-audit review activities, ensuring document completeness, initial validations, and compliance with policies.
- Prepare and present pre-audit reports highlighting observations, risk indicators, and potential non-compliance areas.
- Identify gaps in process controls and recommend preventive or corrective actions in collaboration with relevant departments.
- Ensure timely and accurate resolution of audit queries raised by internal or external auditors.
- Act as the single point of contact for all audit coordination between the offshore team and the Audit Manager in Dubai.
- Supervise and monitor the daily performance of the offshore audit team in Pakistan, aligning efforts with departmental goals.
- Maintain a centralized database of audit documentation, working papers, trackers, and responses.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams such as finance, operations, and sales to gather relevant data and prepare audit-ready files.
- Support the development, updating, and implementation of internal control checklists and standard operating procedures (SOPs).
- Ensure all audit tasks comply with the Internal Audit Charter and approved audit methodologies.

Required Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s or master’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field.
- CA Intermediate, ACCA, or CIA qualification preferred, with mandatory completion of 3.5 years of Articles, ideally in Internal Audit or Advisory roles.
- 5 to 6 years of relevant audit or risk management experience, preferably in a regional or offshore environment.

Preferred Qualifications and Skills:
- Currently pursuing or planning to pursue certifications such as CIA, CPA, ACCA, or CISA is advantageous.
- Strong understanding of internal audit procedures, risk-based audit approaches, and control frameworks.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, and audit or ERP systems.
- Experience managing offshore teams or coordinating across multiple locations is preferred.
- Strong analytical and investigative skills with the ability to manage deadlines and multitask in a fast-paced environment.
- Demonstrated leadership and team management capabilities.
- High attention to detail and accuracy in documentation.
- Commitment to professional integrity and confidentiality.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs):
- Timeliness and quality of pre-audit reports submitted.
- Number of gaps identified and resolved prior to formal audit.
- Average turnaround time for resolving audit queries.
- Productivity and task completion rate of the offshore audit team.
- Accuracy and completeness of documentation provided to the Dubai Audit Team.
- Reduction in recurring audit issues through effective pre-audit checks.

This role offers the opportunity to lead a critical function within the internal audit framework, working closely with cross-border teams to enhance audit quality and operational controls.