Reporting to the Chairman of the Audit Committee, working closely with the C-suite and leading a team, you will be responsible for building and leading a robust internal audit function that provides independent & objective assurance and advisory services to improve the Group's operations, controls, and governance. The successful candidate will:
Job Responsibilities:
- Build and lead a robust internal audit function that delivers independent, objective assurance and advisory services
- Evaluate the effectiveness of internal controls, risk management practices, and governance processes across the Group
- Identify operational inefficiencies, compliance gaps, and improvement opportunities through hands-on audits and assessments
- Provide clear and actionable recommendations to enhance control frameworks and mitigate risks.
- Operate in a fast-paced, performance-driven, and franchise structure focused on value creation
- The role requires a hands-on leader who understands the operational and compliance risks inherent in franchise and education environments and can work effectively in a fast-paced business focused on performance and value creation
- This role involves assessing and evaluating the effectiveness of the Group's internal controls, risk management practices, and compliance with relevant regulations
- Ensure adherence to internal policies, relevant laws, and regulatory requirements across jurisdictions, as well as shareholder reporting requirements
- Support anti-bribery, anti-corruption, and other compliance programs. Act as a gatekeeper for the whistleblowing process/reporting and coordinate follow-up actions
- Monitor regulatory changes and industry trends to ensure compliance with evolving requirements. You will work closely with various departments and the external auditors to identify areas of improvement and provide recommendations to enhance operational efficiency and mitigate risk
- Foster effective working relationships with key business stakeholders, including the Group's management teams, the AC, external auditors, and regulatory authorities. Lead or support investigations into alleged violations of the Group's Code of Conduct and similar activities as required. Assist in system implementation, controls and transformation initiatives
- This is a high-impact opportunity for an audit professional who enjoys building functions from the ground up and partnering closely with executive leadership to drive operational excellence and governance across a growing, international business.
Job Requirements:
- Degree in Accountancy with professional certifications (e.g. Certified Internal Auditor (CIA), Certified Fraud Examiner, Associations of Chartered Certified Accountant (ACCA), Certified Public Accountant (CPA) or equivalent)
- At least 12 years of prior experience in internal audit, internal control, or risk management space with at least 5 years in a regional leadership/internal audit role within a MNC ideally in franchise and education services sectors.
- Exposure to a variety of organizational settings, It is necessary to have a strong understanding of internal control frameworks, risk management, accounting principles, financial analysis, and governance best practices
- Resilient and adaptable thrives in unstructured or manual environments
- Strong understanding of internal controls, risk frameworks, governance best practices, and financial analysis
- Commercial acumen with the ability to balance business priorities and risk mitigation
- Clear, confident communicator with strong interpersonal skills passionate about internal audit
- We are looking for a Head of IA who is commercially astute, with ability to balance risk and business priorities and possess excellent leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
- Willingness to travel approximately 20-30%, with flexibility based on business needs
