Vice President IT Audit (Cybersecurity)

Our client is a well-known large financial services organisation based in UAE. They are looking to hire a VP IT Audit (Cyber-Security) to their growing team.

The purpose of the job is to focus on advanced digital footprint to lead the entity's IT Audit function. In this role, the job holder will be responsible for developing and executing the entity's IT audit strategy, ensuring that the Bank's IT systems are secure and in compliance with regulatory and industry standards.

Note: The candidate will be working from home but based in UAE only

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement the IT audit strategy and annual plan to ensure all units are reviewed following a risk-based approach.
• Plan, organize, and lead IT audit engagements, ensuring compliance with audit standards and protocols.
• Manage, Motivate, and Engage a team of 6-10 IT Auditors with varied skills using them effectively to provide a robust assurance.
• Review and assess the adequacy and effectiveness of the bank's IT controls related to advanced digital footprint, including but not limited to, cloud, API, microservices, and emerging technologies.
• Maintain focus on cybersecurity controls and ensure that risk in this domain is highlighted on a timely basis.
• Work closely with the IT team to identify and address IT risks and ensure that IT controls are properly designed and operating effectively.
• Provide guidance and direction to the IT audit team and review their work to ensure that it meets quality and regulatory requirements related to advanced digital footprint.
• Maintain ongoing interaction with all stakeholders providing the support and assurance needed to run their operations effectively.
• Ability to communicate and interact with Senior stakeholders in the Bank.
• Interact with regulators providing information and explanation on aspects related to regulatory compliance.
• Conduct pre and post implementation reviews of IT projects in the Bank, using a team of cross functional auditors to review the governance and controls in the project.
• Provide regular reports to senior management and the Audit Committee on IT audit activities, findings, and recommendations.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of regulatory and industry developments related to IT auditing, cybersecurity, cloud, API, microservices, and emerging technologies, and ensure that the bank's IT audit function is in compliance with these standards.
• Develop and implement the IT audit strategy and annual plan to ensure all units are reviewed followed a risk-based approach.
• Plan, organize, and lead IT audit engagements, ensuring compliance with audit standards and protocols.
• Review and assess the adequacy and effectiveness of the bank's IT controls related to advanced digital footprint, including but not limited to, cloud, API, microservices, and emerging technologies.
• Maintain focus on cybersecurity controls and ensure that risk in this domain are highlighted on a timely basis.
• Work closely with the IT team to identify and address IT risks and ensure that IT controls are properly designed and operating effectively.
• Provide guidance and direction to the IT audit team and review their work to ensure that it meets quality and regulatory requirements related to advanced digital footprint.
• Maintain ongoing interaction with all stakeholders providing the support and assurance needed to run their operations effectively.
• Interact with regulators providing information and explanation on aspects related to regulatory compliance.
• Conduct pre and post implementation reviews of IT projects in the Bank, using a team of cross functional auditors to review the governance and controls in the project.
• Provide regular reports to senior management and the Audit Committee on IT audit activities, findings, and recommendations related to advanced digital footprint.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of regulatory and industry developments related to IT auditing, cybersecurity, cloud, API, microservices, and emerging technologies, and ensure that the bank's IT audit function is in compliance with these standards.

Education & Skills

• Bachelor's degree in IT, Computer Science, or a related field.
• At least 15 years of experience in IT audit, preferably in the banking industry
• Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA), CISSP and or other relevant professional certifications.
• In-depth knowledge of IT audit methodologies, tools, and techniques related to cybersecurity and recent technology stack including but not limited to, cloud, API, microservices, and emerging technologies.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with a focus on identifying and mitigating risks related to advanced digital footprint.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively communicate technical issues to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Ability to work independently, lead a team, and collaborate across departments.