Head of Internal Audit

About the role

Hays is recruiting, on behalf of a growing investment firm with a strong real estate development arm, a Head of Internal Audit to join the team in Dammam. The role involves establishing and leading the Internal Audit function from inception, including leading the co-sourced establishment phase engagement with the appointed external advisor.

Key responsibilities

• Establishment phase: lead the engagement with the external advisor (IA infrastructure, enterprise risk assessment, 3-year RBIA plan), review and quality-assure deliverables such as the IA charter, manual, risk register and RBIA plan before Audit Committee submission, coordinate stakeholder access and information requests, own the knowledge-transfer plan, recruit and build the internal IA team, and present progress to the Audit Committee.
• Implementation phase: develop and implement operational plans, policies and procedures aligned with strategic goals, conduct periodic audits of financial controls, governance and risk management, and prepare audit reports for senior management, the CEO and the Audit Committee.
• Monitor corrective actions, evaluate the confidentiality and reliability of financial systems, advise on legal and regulatory compliance, identify emerging risks and advise executives on mitigation strategies.

Required profile

• Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting or a related field.
• 8+ years of experience, including at least 2 years in a management position.
• Experience establishing or transforming an internal audit function, not just running one.
• Mandatory professional certification in accounting and audit (e.g. CPA, CIA).
• Exposure to large real estate companies, investment companies or PIF entities is key.
• Experience managing co-sourced or outsourced audit engagements and external advisors.
• Fluent Arabic and English.