We are looking for an Internal Audit Executive, on behalf of one of our renowned clients - an established firm in the broader financial services sector, to be responsible for leading the Internal Audit function and providing independent, objective assurance to the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors and the Chief Executive Officer.

The role carries full accountability for assessing the effectiveness and adequacy of:

• the internal control environment
• the enterprise risk management framework
• the corporate governance structure
• the regulatory compliance framework
• the information systems and data control environment

Operating as the Third Line of Defence, the role is central to ensuring that risks are appropriately identified, managed, and reported across the organisation.

Key Responsibilities

Internal Audit Function Governance

• Define, implement, and continuously enhance the Internal Audit framework, ensuring alignment with international professional standards
• Establish and maintain the Internal Audit Charter, safeguarding independence and authority of the function
• Develop audit methodologies, quality assurance processes, and reporting standards

Audit Universe & Risk Assessment

• Develop and maintain a comprehensive audit universe, covering all business, operational, and technology domains
• Design and implement a structured risk assessment methodology, enabling prioritisation of audit activities
• Ensure continuous alignment between audit coverage and the Company’s evolving risk profile

Risk-Based Audit Planning

• Design and execute a risk-based annual audit plan, ensuring adequate coverage of key risk areas
• Present and justify audit priorities to the Audit Committee
• Monitor execution against plan and dynamically adjust where required

Execution of Internal Audits

• Oversee the delivery of operational, financial, IT, and data audits
• Assess the design and operating effectiveness of internal controls
• Identify control gaps, systemic weaknesses, and emerging risks
• Ensure structured documentation and evidence-based conclusions

IT, Data & Technology Risk Assurance

• Provide assurance over controls related to information systems, cybersecurity, and data governance
• Evaluate access controls, change management processes, data protection mechanisms, and system resilience
• Ensure adequate audit coverage of risks related to data integrity, reporting accuracy, and infrastructure reliability

Reporting & Audit Committee Interaction

• Deliver clear, analytical, and decision-oriented audit reports
• Present key findings, risk exposures, and recommendations to the Audit Committee and CEO
• Monitor and report on the timely implementation of corrective actions
• Escalate critical issues impacting control effectiveness or risk exposure

Candidate Profile

Experience

• 15+ years of experience in Internal Audit, Risk Management, or Assurance functions
• Proven track record in senior or leadership roles, ideally within financial services, data-driven organisations, or regulated environments
• Strong exposure to IT audit, data governance, and technology-related risks

Education

• Degree in Accounting, Finance, Economics, Information Systems, or Engineering
• Postgraduate degree in Audit, Risk Management, or Information Security is considered an asset

Professional Certifications

• CIA (Certified Internal Auditor)
• CISA (Certified Information Systems Auditor)
• CRMA or equivalent

Leadership Profile

• Ability to operate effectively at Board and Audit Committee level
• Strong analytical thinking and structured problem-solving capability
• High level of professional integrity, independence, and judgement
• Ability to challenge constructively and influence senior stakeholders
• Balance between strategic oversight and hands-on execution

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive executive compensation package, aligned with the seniority and strategic importance of the role
• Performance-based Variable Bonus (VB) scheme, linked to clearly defined functional and corporate KPIs
• Participation in a structured remuneration framework that reinforces accountability and alignment with organisational objectives
• Access to executive-level training and continuous professional development (e.g. audit, risk, data governance, regulatory developments)
• Exposure to Board-level interactions and decision-making processes
• Opportunity to operate within a highly professional, governance-driven environment
• Long-term career development within a systemically important financial infrastructure organization

About Optimal

Since 2005, Optimal has provided unparalleled, bespoke HR services to large organizations and SMEs operating in the EMEA region. We pride ourselves on delivering a 360° business support platform to our clients through 6 service divisions:

• Talent Acquisition
• HR Strategy & Talent Development
• Learning & Development
• Workforce Management
• Recruiting
• Outplacement