First Abu Dhabi Bank
AVP & Audit Manager – Branch Operations Internal Audit
- Permanent
- Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
- Experience 5 - 10 yrs
Job expiry date: 29/05/2026
Job overview
Date posted
14/04/2026
Location
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Salary
Undisclosed
Compensation
Comprehensive package
Job description
The AVP & Audit Manager – Branch Operations at First Abu Dhabi Bank is responsible for leading and participating in audits covering Branch Operations activities across FAB Group in UAE and international jurisdictions. The role involves maintaining a thorough understanding of Branch Operations control dynamics, governance frameworks, risk management processes, and regulatory environments including Central Bank regulations and CBUAE requirements. The position supports execution of the annual audit plan, maintenance of audit universe, risk assessment of process streams, development and update of audit programs in central audit management tools, and evaluation of governance, risk management, and internal control effectiveness. The role requires reviewing divisional risk identification processes, assessing reliability and integrity of data and transaction processing, safeguarding assets, evaluating operational efficiency, and drafting audit worksheets and reports. The AVP & Audit Manager also acts as audit business partner to Branch Operations leadership, provides consultancy on governance and control improvements, conducts investigations and special reviews, and monitors implementation of management action plans. Responsibilities include stakeholder relationship management, continuous improvement initiatives, regulatory monitoring, and reporting audit findings to senior management including EVP, SVP, VP & Head of Audit. The position requires adherence to GIA policies, coordination with multiple teams, and ensuring compliance with global audit standards, governance frameworks, and regulatory expectations across the FAB Group.
Required skills
Key responsibilities
- Lead and participate in audits across Branch Operations functions within UAE and international jurisdictions, ensuring audits are completed in line with Annual Audit Plan, defined objectives, and audit methodology while identifying control weaknesses and operational risks.
- Develop and maintain audit universe and risk assessment frameworks for Branch Operations process streams, coordinating with business units to perform periodic risk and control self-assessments and update audit coverage accordingly.
- Establish, update, and maintain audit programs within central audit management tool, ensuring alignment with governance, risk management, and regulatory expectations across FAB Group and subsidiaries.
- Conduct end-to-end audits of Branch Operations processes by evaluating risk identification, governance structures, internal controls, operational efficiency, safeguarding of assets, and compliance with policies and regulatory requirements.
- Prepare, review, and finalize audit worksheets and audit reports, discuss findings with management, negotiate documented Management Action Plans, and ensure timely completion within defined reporting timelines.
- Act as audit business partner to Branch Operations management by conducting regular meetings, identifying emerging risks, providing advisory on governance and control improvements, and strengthening stakeholder relationships.
- Monitor implementation of audit recommendations, follow up on pending audit issues, validate corrective actions, and ensure closure of audit findings in accordance with audit standards.
- Conduct special investigations, reviews, and continuous improvement initiatives while maintaining up-to-date knowledge of Branch Operations controls, regulatory developments, and business process enhancements.
Experience & skills
- Hold a Bachelor’s degree in Accounts & Finance with relevant postgraduate qualification, professional certification, or audit-related credentials considered desirable.
- Possess minimum 5 years of relevant experience in internal audit, banking operations audit, or risk management within an international bank or Big 4 environment.
- Demonstrate working knowledge of internal audit activities, audit methodologies, governance frameworks, and risk management processes within banking operations.
- Maintain strong understanding of banking operations, branch operations controls, Central Bank regulations, and regulatory compliance requirements.
- Exhibit experience in audit planning, audit execution, risk assessment, audit reporting, and management action plan tracking.
- Demonstrate ability to manage multiple audit assignments simultaneously while meeting deadlines and maintaining audit quality standards.
- Possess strong analytical skills with ability to assess complex processes, identify risks, and recommend control improvements.
- Demonstrate strong verbal and written communication skills with ability to interact with stakeholders, senior management, and audit teams effectively.