DHC_Internal Audit Vice President - Internal Audit

Job Description

Established in 2004, Dubai Holding is a global investment company with investments in more than 34 countries and a combined workforce of nearly 45,000 individuals. In line with the vision of Dubai’s leadership and economic diversification strategy, Dubai Holding companies have nurtured sectors, irrevocably transforming Dubai’s socio-economic landscape and positioning Dubai as a diversified, globally integrated economy.

Dubai Holding is committed to the diversification of Dubai’s non-oil economy. Our portfolio, valued at over AED 284+ billion, spans 10 sectors, including real estate, hospitality, leisure & entertainment, ICT, design, education, media, retail, manufacturing & logistics, and science.

For the Good of Tomorrow

Dubai Holding is looking to hire a Vice President – Internal Audit reporting to the Chief Internal Audit Officer. The role holder will provide independent and objective assurance and make recommendations on the effectiveness of the Group’s corporate governance, risk management and internal controls and to carry out value-add activities in accordance with the Group-wide Audit Manual and Global International Audit Standards (GIAS).

• Prepare reports for approval by the DH Chief Internal Audit Officer.
• Train and educate audit teams on the DH audit methodology.
• Oversee the implementation of financial, operational and IT audit plans and regularly report on status and issues to the DH CIAO.
• Constantly improve the DH auditing practice through benchmarking and ensure that the DH Internal Audit department operations conform to GIAS.
• Oversee the execution of Internal Audit department’s strategic plan and initiatives, ensuring alignment with DH strategy.
  
  

• Prepare quarterly status reports for review and approval by the DH CIAO before submission to the DH Audit and Risk Committee (DH ARC).
• Prepare reports for approval by the DH ARC and provide feedback on resources, results, performance and assessment of internal controls and risks.
• Review and consolidate reports on the effectiveness of corporate governance, risk management and internal control.
• Evaluate the DH system of internal control to ensure that it is functioning as planned and that it is updated as necessary to meet changes in operating conditions.
• Identify issues, make recommendations for improvement and assess corrective action implementation by Management to minimise risk and to improve governance and control. Monitor progress to ensure actions are implemented.
• Develop and ensure implementation of a broad comprehensive program of Anti-Fraud Framework within Dubai Holding and supervise assignments related to Fraud.
• Lead and manage the DH internal audit team to provide an effective and professional internal audit service to the meet the needs of the business.
• Hire, assess performance and develop DH audit team.
• Individual performance KPI’s; monitor progress and ensure accomplishment.
• Provide technical and professional coaching as required; ensure the follow-through of personal development plans.
• Meeting with entities top management to get feedback on critical issues and internal audit performance.
• Research and share best practices and lead projects across entities
• Continuously improve audit processes, systems and tools in line with best practice and GIAS.
• Liaise with Group Security, external assurance providers, government auditors, perform special assignments; assist the Security Department to collect and evaluate evidence for special investigations (such as fraud or theft).
• Prepare the budget of DH Internal Audit department with the necessary supporting documents to get approval by the DH ARC.
• Implement a forward-looking, risk-based internal audit strategy and plan that aligns with DH’s strategic goals.
  
  

• Drive the adoption of advanced audit methodologies and technologies, including data analytics, continuous auditing, and artificial intelligence, to enhance audit effectiveness and efficiency.
• Implement and oversee a continuous monitoring framework to proactively identify and address potential risks in real-time.
• Lead the Internal Audit’s Quality Assurance and Improvement Program (QAIP), ensuring adherence to GIAS and the continuous enhancement of audit processes.
• Regularly review and update internal audit methodologies to reflect best practices and emerging trends in the industry.
  
  

• Oversee the planning, execution, and reporting of high-impact audits, ensuring thorough evaluation of key processes and controls.
• Ensure audit findings are presented clearly and concisely to senior management with actionable recommendations that drive meaningful improvements.
• Develop and execute a risk-based operational audit plan for Dubai Holding at large, including tracking audit findings through to remediation.
• Provide advice, analysis and periodic reports to DH CIAO for purpose of providing to the DH ARC, Group CEO and other Senior Management that will help them in decision making.
• Compile and issue annual reports over adequacy of internal controls.
  
  

• Support the organizations governance framework by providing expert advice on internal controls, risk management, and regulatory compliance.
• Act as a key advisor to the DH CIAO, and senior management on governance controls and risk-related matters.
• Provide an independent appraisal of controls over financial integrity, operational effectiveness, IT controls for security, privacy and high availability, and compliance with laws and policies.
• Partner with the legal and compliance organization on related matters.
  
  

• Identify opportunities to enhance the value delivered by the internal audit function, including cost savings, process improvements, and operational efficiencies.
• Actively participate in strategic initiatives and projects, offering risk-based insights and recommendations to support successful outcomes.
• Promote a culture of ethics, integrity, and accountability within the DH.
• Serve as a role model for ethical behaviour, demonstrating the highest standards of professionalism and integrity in all interactions.
  
  

• At least 15 years of internal and external audit experience, preferably with a recognized blue-chip organization or within the “Big 4”.
• Previous experience interacting with Senior management and Board Members / ARC.
• A demonstrable track record of working at the highest level and delivering results including managing change and delivering on challenging internal audit matters within a suitable business environment.
• Experience of working in an international capacity and a solid understanding of cultural and market differences (especially those of the Middle East and Asia).
• Experience and strong track record in conducting complex, high risk and high impact audit assignments and managing medium to large teams.
  
  

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Business or equivalent from an accredited and renowned University.
• Professional Certification CA/ CPA/ ACCA and CIA/ QIAL
  
  

• CFE/ CISA/ CMA
• Master’s degree in Accounting, Business or equivalent from an accredited and renowned University.
  
  

• Internal audit methodology and IA reporting technology.
• Risk management and forensics.
• Financial accounting and management accounting practices and principles.
• Adequate knowledge of legal requirements within the UAE, GIAS and requirements.
• Excellent analytical capabilities.
  
  

• Exceptional leadership skills to inspire and motivate teams, set a clear vision, and drive results.
• Understand organizational interdependencies and cultural nuances and prove ability to leverage them to build relationships that span a broad spectrum of organizational levels.
• Be a strong developer of people – a change agent and team builder, who can constructively and appropriately challenge senior executives.
• Have strong communication skills (verbal, written and listening). The ideal candidate is required to be articulate, expressive, engaging, inspiring and can deliver value-added assessments, sound advice, good news and bad, in a relevant, concise and clear manner tuned to the audience with a high level of credibility.
• Be a broad strategic thinker who understands the big picture and business issues, as well as the financials, and contributes insights that are outside the limited scope of compliance.
• Be a quick thinker who can hold his/her own in the company of thought leaders and other high-performance professionals.
• Be highly analytical and able to quickly assimilate and synthesize complex data and information into a decision-making framework.