Chief Audit Executive

 The Head of Internal Audit is responsible for leading and providing internal audit and related advisory services across the Group providing reasonable assurance to the Board, Audit and Risk Committee and Executive Management on the adequacy of the risk management processes and internal controls

Key Accountabilities
•    Set and implement the department's approved strategies and risk-based Internal Audit plans in line with leading practices and regulatory requirements contributing to the corporate mission, vision and objectives reporting significant variances in performance for approval
•    Direct the implementation of the approved Audit charter and ensure appropriate Internal Audit policies, practices, processes and procedures are in place and continuously up-to-date enabling effective and consistent service delivery in compliance with international standards, Board and Management requirements, as well as applicable regulatory requirements
•    Develop the department's budget and monitor expenditure
•    Increase awareness about compliance and risk across the Group in all aspects (policies, procedures, flowcharts, Standard Operating Procedures, guidelines, laws, regulations etc.) by advising on the design of such internal documents, and ensuring compliance is achieved through conducted assignments as well as collaborating with Management on leading initiatives that guarantees risk identification, analysis, rating, mitigation, trainings, etc.
•    Build and maintain strong and effective relationships with the all other related departments and units to achieve the Group’s goals/ objectives
•    Lead the automation of the department's processes (testing, depository, data analytics etc.) and be abreast of latest market trends, developments, and leading practices to achieve efficiency and advancement
•    Advise management as required regarding the implementation of required audit actions and recommendations, monitor and report compliance with audit report action plans, external laws and regulations, internal policies and procedures, and any other approved document (DOA etc.)
•    Manage, review and perform investigations as directed by Management or Audit and Risk Committee including the management of Information Security function (cybersecurity, training, workshops etc.) and whistleblowing activity, as well as assisting in the prevention and detection of fraud within the Group by providing advice on good business practices to reduce overall risk
•    Liaise with External Auditors to ensure that adequate complementary audit coverage is obtained, information is shared, duplication of efforts is avoided, and to ensure common understanding of audit techniques, methods and terminology
•    Recruit, train, motivate and evaluates his/her team to ensure that the department has the necessary skill base and that staff are optimally motivated and enabled to maximize their potential and contribution to the company

Requirements
Qualifications, Experience, Knowledge
•    About 15 years of experience in a related field, including 4 to 5 years in a managerial auditing role
•    Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance or related field; Master's degree is a plus
•    Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) is a must; Certified Public Accountant (CPA) is a plus
•    Fluency in English
•    Proficiency in MS Office

Competencies
•    Analytical Thinking
•    Attention to details
•    Driving and Achieving results
•    Strategic Thinking
•    Commercial Understanding
•    Communication Skills
•    Decision Making

About the Company
Azadea Group is a premier fashion and lifestyle retail company that owns and operates more than 50 leading international franchise concepts across the Middle East, North Africa, Asia and Europe. Since its inception in 1978, the Group has grown a substantial chain of stores representing leading international brand names in fashion and accessories, food and beverage, home furnishing, sporting goods and multimedia.With over 11,000 employees, the company boasts a solid infrastructure overseeing more than 600 stores spread across 15 countries including Algeria, Bahrain, Cyprus, Egypt, Ghana, Iraq, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Pakistan, Qatar and United Arab Emirates.