ziina - Head of Internal Audit
Requirements
• This is an opportunity to shape a modern Internal Audit function within a fast-growing fintech, with broad business exposure and meaningful influence over the Company's governance and control environment. • AS A HEAD OF INTERNAL AUDIT AT ZIINA, YOU WILL: • Build and lead the Internal Audit function from the ground up, establishing its charter, methodology, policies, procedures, and governance framework in line with CBUAE requirements and applicable professional standards. • Develop and execute a risk-based Internal Audit Plan, independently assessing the effectiveness of governance, risk management, and internal controls across Ziina's regulated activities. • Conduct end-to-end audits, including planning, risk assessment, control testing, evidence evaluation, reporting, and remediation follow-up, initially operating as a standalone function. • Provide independent assurance across financial, operational, regulatory, and technology risks, including payments, AML/CFT, consumer protection, safeguarding of customer funds, outsourcing, cybersecurity, and data protection. • Leverage data analytics and automation to enhance audit testing, identify anomalies, assess controls at scale, and reduce manual processes, collaborating with Engineering and Data teams where relevant. • Provide independent reporting and insights to the Board, highlighting material risks, control deficiencies, audit findings, and remediation progress through clear, objective, and actionable recommendations. • Challenge stakeholders constructively, identifying root causes and recommending practical improvements while maintaining independence from management and operational decision-making. • Oversee audit findings and remediation, establishing appropriate tracking mechanisms, monitoring management's corrective actions, and independently validating their effectiveness. • Coordinate regulatory and external assurance activities with CBUAE, external auditors, and independent reviewers on matters within the Internal Audit function's remit. • Extend audit coverage to new regulated entities, adapting the audit approach to evolving business activities, products, jurisdictions, and applicable regulatory requirements. • Continuously improve audit effectiveness, introducing scalable processes, technology-enabled testing, and proportionate governance practices that support Ziina's growth.
Responsibilities
• Have 7+ years of Internal Audit experience, including direct, hands-on experience auditing fintech companies, preferably within payments, digital financial services, or technology-driven regulated financial institutions. • Have a strong understanding of risk-based auditing, internal controls, corporate governance, and the IIA Global Internal Audit Standards. • Have experience operating within CBUAE-regulated environments or comparable financial regulatory frameworks, with the ability to understand and apply UAE regulatory requirements. • Hold a relevant professional qualification such as CIA, CPA, ACCA, or an equivalent recognized certification. • Have demonstrated experience developing audit plans, executing control testing, identifying findings, and communicating results to senior leadership or Board-level stakeholders. • Are comfortable establishing and operating a function independently, taking ownership of both strategic priorities and hands-on execution. • Understand technology-driven financial services and can assess risks across operational processes, financial crime controls, IT systems, and regulatory obligations. • Bring strong analytical skills and an interest in leveraging data, technology, and automation to improve audit effectiveness. • Exercise sound professional judgment, prioritize material risks, and deliver practical recommendations without unnecessary complexity. • Communicate clearly, challenge constructively, and build effective relationships across teams while maintaining professional independence. • Thrive in a fast-paced, evolving environment where ownership, adaptability, and execution are essential. • WHAT WOULD AMAZE US: • You've previously established or transformed an Internal Audit function, particularly within a fintech or high-growth regulated business. • You've personally developed automated audit tests, used SQL, Python, Power BI, or similar tools, or implemented data-driven audit methodologies. • You've introduced continuous auditing or monitoring approaches that improved risk detection, audit coverage, or operational efficiency. • You've audited payment platforms, digital financial products, AML/CFT systems, or technology infrastructure. • You've worked across multiple regulated entities or jurisdictions and successfully adapted audit frameworks to different regulatory requirements. • You're known for combining independent judgment, strong technical expertise, and a practical, solutions-oriented approach. • You've demonstrated the ability to build effective audit capabilities with lean resources, focusing on quality, meaningful risk coverage, and measurable outcomes. • IMPORTANT REGULATORY REQUIREMENT • This position is subject to the prior approval of the Central Bank of the UAE (CBUAE). The selected candidate must satisfy all applicable regulatory eligibility, fit-and-proper, and suitability requirements. The appointment and commencement of regulated duties will be conditional upon obtaining the required CBUAE approval.
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