Senior Internal Auditor Banking (UAE National)

Senior Internal Auditor – Banking

Our client, one of Italy's leading banking groups and a major European financial institution with a well-established international footprint, has exclusively retained us to identify a Senior Internal Auditor to join its Internal Audit function based in Abu Dhabi, UAE.

This is a unique opportunity to become part of a highly respected international audit team, working closely with both the Regional Internal Audit leadership for the Middle East & Africa and the Group's International Network Audit function.

The successful candidate will play a key role in strengthening governance, risk management and internal control frameworks across the region while interacting with senior management and regulatory authorities.

Key Responsibilities

• Plan, lead and execute risk-based internal audit engagements across multiple banking business lines and support functions.
• Develop audit programs in accordance with Group methodologies and the International Standards for the Professional Practice of Internal Auditing (IIA).
• Assess the effectiveness of internal controls, governance processes and enterprise risk management frameworks.
• Prepare high-quality audit reports, clearly identifying findings, risks and practical recommendations.
• Monitor the implementation of agreed corrective actions and validate remediation plans.
• Conduct periodic risk assessments supporting the annual audit planning process.
• Review developments affecting the Branch's business activities, credit portfolio and regulatory environment.
• Collaborate with specialist audit teams across the Group on cross-functional reviews and strategic initiatives.
• Support interactions with local regulatory authorities alongside Audit Management.
• Contribute to regional and international audit projects involving multiple jurisdictions.

Candidate Profile

The ideal candidate will bring:

• Minimum 5 years of Internal Audit experience within the banking or financial services industry.
• Degree in Finance, Economics, Accounting, Business Administration, Risk Management or a related discipline.

Strong knowledge of:

• Credit risk assessment.
• Non-Performing Loans (NPLs).
• Exposure classification and provisioning.
• Banking accounting principles.

Proven audit experience covering:

• Anti-Money Laundering (AML).
• International Sanctions.
• Banking Operations.
• Solid understanding of banking regulations, governance frameworks and risk management methodologies, including Basel Frameworks, ICAAP and Pillar III.
• Ability to perform cross-functional audits across multiple banking activities.
• Excellent analytical, communication and report-writing skills.
• Professional proficiency in English.
• CIA, CISA, CAMS or equivalent certifications will be considered a strong advantage.
• Willingness to travel frequently across the UAE and the Middle East & Africa region.

The Opportunity

This position offers the opportunity to join the Internal Audit function of one of Italy's most prestigious banking groups, operating within a truly international environment and working alongside senior leadership, Group Headquarters and regulatory authorities.

The role provides significant autonomy, broad regional exposure and excellent long-term career development within an organization committed to the highest standards of governance, compliance and risk management.

Location: Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

If you are interested in exploring this confidential opportunity, please apply directly or contact us for a private discussion. All applications will be handled with the utmost confidentiality.

About LHH

Headquartered in Zurich, Switzerland, LHH is a global Executive Search and talent solutions partner with more than 25 years of experience. Operating across 60 countries with over 12,000 professionals. We combine global scale with deep local expertise to help organizations build leadership capability and navigate the evolving talent landscape.