Senior Manager Internal Audit

Senior Manager Internal Audit | Leading Abu Dhabi Real Estate Developer

Salary: AED 44,800 52,000 per month + Schooling, Bonus, Flights + Family Benefits

Please do not apply if your background is in banking audit, finance audit, or generalist internal audit without technical construction exposure.

A leading real estate development company in Abu Dhabi is seeking an experienced and technically strong Senior Manager Internal Audit to join its centralized Internal Audit function. This is a senior, high-impact role within one of the UAE's most respected development organisations, focused on auditing complex real estate and construction-driven projects. The ideal candidate will bring deep technical expertise, strong understanding of development processes, and hands-on internal audit experience within the property development and construction sectors.

This role works closely with Senior Leadership and is responsible for strengthening the organisation's internal control environment, leading complex audits, and ensuring effective risk mitigation across major projects and business units.

Key Non-Negotiables (Must Meet to Be Considered)

Civil Engineering / Construction background is mandatory must understand drawings, BOQs, progress tracking and construction processes

1012+ years experience in real estate or property development

Internal Audit experience specifically on construction/development projects (not general or financial audit)

Background only from developers, engineering consultancies, or construction companies

About the Role

The Senior Manager Internal Audit will oversee and manage complex internal audits across major real estate and development activities. The position involves evaluating risk, reviewing internal controls, leading audit engagements, and supporting the organisation in maintaining strong governance and operational excellence.

Key Responsibilities

1. Team Leadership & Capability Building

Manage and mentor internal audit team members to ensure high performance and continuous growth

Support performance appraisals, objective setting, and skill-building initiatives

2. Audit Execution & Operations

Assist in developing a risk-based Annual Audit Plan covering strategic, operational, financial, and compliance areas

Lead and supervise end-to-end audits including planning, fieldwork, testing, and reporting

Produce high-quality, data-driven audit reports with clear, actionable insights

3. Risk Management & Advisory

Support leadership by identifying risks, control gaps, and improvement opportunities

Partner with business units on new systems, expansions, or large initiatives to ensure robust controls

Contribute to consolidated risk assessments within Enterprise Risk Management

4. Reporting & Stakeholder Engagement

Prepare reports and insights for senior management and Audit Committee-level presentations

Provide reliable analytics on risk posture, remediation progress, and process improvements

Coordinate with external auditors to strengthen assurance and avoid duplication

Qualifications & Experience

Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, Construction, Finance, Business, or related field (Master's preferred)

Minimum 1012 years internal audit experience, including 8+ years within real estate or property development

CIA certification preferred

Proven experience auditing construction/development projects

Strong understanding of UAE property development regulations

Core Competencies

Critical thinking & analytical capability

Risk-based audit methodologies

Strong understanding of risks and controls

Team leadership & development

Clear, concise reporting and executive communication

High integrity in governance and compliance

Knowledge of IIA Standards, COSO, and UAE real estate regulatory frameworks