About the job Head of Internal Audit
COMPANY OVERVIEW:
Our client, a Karachi-based, State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) regulated Electronic Money Institution (EMI), seeks to appoint an experienced professional for the following role
As a senior leader, you will be responsible for establishing and leading the Internal Audit function, ensuring robust risk management, governance, and compliance practices across all operational, financial, and technological domains. You will play a critical role in safeguarding the integrity of processes while supporting its growth and regulatory alignment
Key Responsibilities
Define & Drive Audit Strategy Establish the Internal Audit framework, methodology, and risk-based audit plan aligned to business objectives and regulatory obligations
Regulatory & Compliance Oversight Ensure continuous compliance with SBP regulations, EMI guidelines, and internal control requirements, acting as a key liaison with regulatory bodies
Operational, Financial & Technology Audits Lead comprehensive audits across operational processes, financial activities, IT systems, cybersecurity frameworks, and data governance practices
Risk Management & Internal Controls Evaluate and strengthen risk management frameworks and internal control environments to enhance organizational resilience
Reporting to Board & Audit Committees Present independent audit findings, risk assessments, and recommendations to the Board of Directors and Audit Committee
Fraud Detection & Prevention Develop and implement fraud detection programs, conduct investigations, and recommend controls to minimize fraud and operational risks
Stakeholder Engagement Collaborate with business units, technology teams, compliance, and finance functions to promote a strong culture of risk awareness and internal control
Continuous Improvement & Advisory Provide advisory support for process improvements, operational efficiency, and control enhancements aligned to best industry practices
Education
- Minimum 16 years of education preferably in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field. A Master's degree is preferred
- Professional certifications such as CIA (Certified Internal Auditor), CA (Chartered Accountant), ACCA, or equivalent are highly desirable
- Professional certifications such as CISA (Certified Information Systems Auditor) is highly desirable
Experience
Internal Audit Leadership Minimum 10+ years of internal audit experience, including 4-6 years in a leadership or senior audit role, preferably within financial services, fintech, or banking sectors
Payments & Fintech Sector Expertise Prior experience auditing electronic money institutions, banks, or fintech companies, with strong knowledge of mobile wallets and digital payment solutions
Regulatory Compliance Experience Strong familiarity with SBP regulations, EMI guidelines, anti-money laundering (AML) frameworks, and financial regulatory compliance
Key Requirements
Proven Leadership in Internal Audit Demonstrated ability to build, lead, and manage high-performing audit teams in fast-paced, regulated environments
Risk Management & Governance Expertise In-depth knowledge of enterprise risk management (ERM), internal control frameworks, and governance best practices
Strategic Decision-Making & Advisory Skills Ability to provide actionable, risk-based recommendations that align with business strategies
Strong Regulatory Understanding Deep understanding of regulatory environments impacting EMIs, Fintechs, and digital financial services
Stakeholder & Regulator Relationship Management Proven experience working with boards, regulators (especially SBP), and senior management on audit and compliance matters
Age
The candidate should preferably be not more than 40 years of age as of last date of submission of application.
If you have the required experience and educational qualification to take up the challenging role, you are requested to apply by August 24, 2025 at http://jobs.hrs-int.com/
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.