A leading university in Riyadh is seeking an accomplished internal audit professional to lead its Internal Audit function — providing independent, high-quality assurance on the effectiveness of risk management, internal control systems, and financial and administrative operations, in support of sound governance, institutional integrity, and informed decision-making.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the university's internal audit function by designing and executing a risk-based annual audit plan covering financial, administrative, and academic operations, with emphasis on high-impact areas.
- Independently assess the effectiveness of internal control systems and enterprise risk management processes, maintaining full objectivity without involvement in the design or implementation of those systems.
- Oversee advanced audit engagements covering contracts, tenders, and procurement, verifying compliance with applicable regulations and policies.
- Prepare high-quality executive audit reports characterized by analytical depth and precision, submitted to senior management and the audit committee, with actionable recommendations to enhance performance and reduce risk.
- Monitor the implementation of audit recommendations and measure their impact on institutional performance and control levels.
- Contribute to the development of internal audit methodologies and tools, including the adoption of modern technologies and data analytics to improve audit efficiency and effectiveness.
- Coordinate with relevant external oversight bodies within formal frameworks and promote institutional awareness of governance and control concepts, without assuming any operational role in policy design, risk management, or compliance.
Qualifications & Experience
- Solid academic background in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or equivalent, supported by advanced professional experience in internal auditing or assurance (minimum 10 years), with a clear record of leading and overseeing institutional-level audit operations.
- Deep familiarity with relevant regulations and policies — particularly in governmental and academic environments — including procurement systems, financial controls, and related circulars, alongside professional proficiency in English.
- Relevant professional certifications are a key differentiator, especially those recognized by the Institute of Internal Auditors — such as CIA — or equivalent credentials in accounting, auditing, or governance: CIA · SOCPA/CPA · CISA · CMA · CGAP · GRC.
Professional Competencies
- Advanced analytical capabilities and experience with digital audit tools and data analytics platforms (e.g., ACL, IDEA, Power BI).
- Strong executive reporting and communication skills, with demonstrated ability to engage effectively with senior leadership.
- Proven track record of improving institutional process efficiency or developing control tools with measurable, tangible impact.
Success Indicators
- Demonstrated enhancement of audit report quality and reliability.
- Measurable improvement in institutional compliance and control levels.
- Tangible impact through recommendations that contribute to performance development and risk reduction.
