Audit Specialist – Operations & Support Functions

JOB SUMMARY / INTRODUCTION

Participate in audits covering the activities and processes of Operations & Support Functions across the FAB Group. Thorough understanding of business/ relationship aspects, Operations & Support Functions control dynamics, Operations & Support Functions risk management processes and the regulatory environment, both in UAE and other relevant jurisdictions where FAB operates. Provide assistance to supervisors and to perform audit activities in line with the established internal audit plans, guidelines and procedures.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Assisting in the audit of FAB Group’s Operations & Support Functions and related activities in the UAE and across the international network (functional). Furthermore, Group Subsidiaries under Group Operations & Support Functions governance will be covered.
• Ensure that Operations & Support Functions audits are conducted in accordance with the objectives laid down in the Annual Plan and ensure that the work program is completed in an efficient and effective manner on or ahead of schedule. Inform Head of Audit of any potential delays and/or changes to planned audits.
• In undertaking audits: Promote knowledge sharing to facilitate achievement of team objectives and completion of tasks in an efficient manner which is consistent with operating procedures and policy.
• Promote the organisation’s values and ethics in all activities within the team to support the establishment of a value driven culture within the bank.
  Assist in monitoring the financial performance of given areas of activities versus budgets and ensure all activities are carried out in line with the approved guidelines while promptly reporting on any variances to management.
• Execute to established GIA Policies, Guidance Notes, Procedures and Practice Notes in undertaking all tasks. Provide input to the development of GIA practices as per industry standards and regulatory expectations.
• Review all the activities of the Units within Operations & Support Functions portfolio in all the jurisdictions in which they operates to define and maintain the Audit Universe. Coordinate with other teams to ensure efficient and effective coverage
• Assist supervisors in preparing and maintaining a Risk Assessment of each of the Process Streams within the Operations & Support Functions and applicable subsidiaries (e.g. international entity) as identified in the Audit Universe.
• Assist in establishment/update and maintenance of Audit programs in the central audit management tool.
• Conduct audits of the Processes within the Operations & Support Functions and assess if: Divisional/Unit Line management have identified and classified the risks in their activities. Governance, risk management and control procedures are adequate, effective and efficient to reduce risks of errors, omissions and loss to acceptable levels at an acceptable cost. Improvements/enhancements to the governance, risk management and internal control structure are required.
• Data and transaction processing meet the required standards of reliability, integrity and availability. The Division’s/Unit’s assets are being safeguarded. The use of resources is efficient and effective.
• Draft audit worksheets and issues.
• Provide assistance to supervisors in discussion and finalization of issues and negotiation with Unit management to agree a documented Management Action Plan to resolve the issues raised.
• Assist the supervisors in the identification of change through continuous improvement of processes and practices considering global standards and changes in the business environment which demand proactive action plans.
• Maintain effective business relationships with all relevant external/internal entities and stakeholders with the highest standards of business ethics, whilst promptly attending to all critical issues in-order to ensure the services required by the organization are delivered in the most effective manner.
• Assist supervisors in providing ongoing consultancy/advice to Unit management from a governance, risk management and control perspective for improvements in their processes to ensure effective and efficient controls.
• On an ongoing basis, assist Line Managers in following up on pending audit issues with Unit management and ensure corrective actions are fully and properly implemented.
• Assist in investigations/special reviews assigned by Head of Audit/GCAO.
• Ensure that all functional reports are prepared timely and accurately and meet Group requirements, policies and quality standards.
• Maintain up to date knowledge and understanding of Operations & Support Functions control processes and CBUAE regulatory reporting developments, drive necessary changes in Audit plan/working programs.
• Safeguard against potential loss and contributing to the Units/Departments systems and procedures, by reporting whether Operations & Support Functions governance & controls of FAB standards are effectively carried out and are efficient in the units/departments audited.
• Review the Operations & Support Functions functions of the bank end to end and identifying areas of correction / improvement.
  Contribute towards the enhancement of relationship between GIA and stakeholders.

REQUIREMENTS / QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, Finance or equivalent from an accredited university.
• 2 to 4 years’ relevant experience with an International Bank or Big 4. Internal Audit experience strongly preferred (but not mandatory).
• Working knowledge of Operations & Support Functions activities and processes and associated risks.
• Working knowledge of bank and audit policies and procedures, as well as Central Bank regulations, if relevant Self-directed, able to manage multiple tasks and ability to work under pressure.
• Good analytical skills.
• Good verbal and written communication skills.

Preferred / Beneficial

• Relevant post-graduate qualification and/or relevant professional qualification and/ or certification desirable.