Role overview

Ziina is seeking a Head of Internal Audit to build and lead its Internal Audit function from inception. As the company’s first dedicated internal audit hire, you will establish the function’s charter, methodology, and governance framework while providing independent assurance across Ziina’s regulated operations and future expansion into new regulated entities. This role offers the opportunity to shape audit practices within a fast-growing fintech organization while maintaining direct access to the Board of Directors.

Key responsibilities

Establish the Internal Audit function from the ground up, including developing its charter, methodology, policies, procedures, and governance framework in alignment with CBUAE requirements and professional standards.
Develop and execute a risk-based Internal Audit Plan that independently assesses the effectiveness of governance, risk management, and internal controls across regulated activities.
Conduct comprehensive audits covering financial, operational, regulatory, and technology risks, including payments, AML/CFT, consumer protection, customer fund safeguarding, outsourcing, cybersecurity, and data protection.
Leverage data analytics and automation to enhance audit testing, identify anomalies, and assess controls at scale through collaboration with Engineering and Data teams.
Deliver independent reporting to the Board with clear, objective, and actionable recommendations on material risks, control deficiencies, and remediation progress.
Oversee audit findings and remediation tracking, monitoring management’s corrective actions and independently validating their effectiveness.
Coordinate with regulatory bodies, external auditors, and independent reviewers while extending audit coverage to new regulated entities as the business evolves.

Requirements

Possess at least seven years of hands-on Internal Audit experience, with direct experience auditing fintech companies, preferably within payments, digital financial services, or technology-driven regulated financial institutions.
Demonstrate strong knowledge of risk-based auditing, internal controls, corporate governance, and the IIA Global Internal Audit Standards.
Have experience operating within CBUAE-regulated environments or comparable financial regulatory frameworks with the ability to understand and apply UAE regulatory requirements.
Hold a relevant professional qualification such as CIA, CPA, ACCA, or an equivalent recognized certification.
Show demonstrated ability developing audit plans, executing control testing, identifying findings, and communicating results to senior leadership and Board-level stakeholders.
Possess strong analytical skills and interest in leveraging data, technology, and automation to improve audit effectiveness, with familiarity with tools such as SQL, Python, or Power BI.
Demonstrate the ability to operate independently, exercise sound professional judgment, communicate clearly, and build effective relationships while maintaining professional independence.

What makes this role worth considering

This position offers exceptional autonomy to shape a modern Internal Audit function within a high-growth fintech company. You will have direct Board access and significant influence over the company’s governance and control environment. The role combines broad business exposure across payments, regulatory compliance, and technology infrastructure with the opportunity to implement scalable, technology-enabled audit practices from the foundation.