head of internal audit

COMPANY OVERVIEW:

Our client, a Karachi-based, State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) regulated Electronic Money Institution (EMI) seeks to appoint an experienced professional for the following role:

Job Role

As a senior leader, you will be responsible for establishing and leading the Internal Audit function, ensuring robust risk management, governance, and compliance practices across all operational, financial, and technological domains. You will play a critical role in safeguarding the integrity of processes while supporting its growth and regulatory alignment.

Key Responsibilities

• Define & Drive Audit Strategy Establish the Internal Audit framework, methodology, and risk-based audit plan aligned to business objectives and regulatory obligations
• Regulatory & Compliance Oversight Ensure continuous compliance with SBP regulations, EMI guidelines, and internal control requirements, acting as a key liaison with regulatory bodies
• Operational, Financial & Technology Audits Lead comprehensive audits across operational processes, financial activities, IT systems, cybersecurity frameworks, and data governance practices
• Risk Management & Internal Controls Evaluate and strengthen risk management frameworks and internal control environments to enhance organizational resilience
• Reporting to Board & Audit Committees Present independent audit findings, risk assessments, and recommendations to the Board of Directors and Audit Committee
• Fraud Detection & Prevention Develop and implement fraud detection programs, conduct investigations, and recommend controls to minimize fraud and operational risks
• Stakeholder Engagement Collaborate with business units, technology teams, compliance, and finance functions to promote a strong culture of risk awareness and internal control
• Continuous Improvement & Advisory Provide advisory support for process improvements, operational efficiency, and control enhancements aligned to best industry practices

Education

Minimum 16 years of education preferably in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field. A Master's degree is preferred

Professional certifications such as CIA (Certified Internal Auditor), CA (Chartered Accountant), ACCA, or equivalent are highly desirable

Professional certifications such as CISA (Certified Information Systems Auditor) is highly desirable

Experience

Internal Audit Leadership Minimum 8+ years of internal audit experience, including 4-6 years in a leadership or senior audit role, preferably within financial services, fintech, or banking sectors

Payments & Fintech Sector Expertise Prior experience auditing electronic money institutions, banks, or fintech companies, with strong knowledge of mobile wallets and digital payment solutions

Regulatory Compliance Experience Strong familiarity with SBP regulations, EMI guidelines, anti-money laundering (AML) frameworks, and financial regulatory compliance

Key Requirements

• Proven Leadership in Internal Audit Demonstrated ability to build, lead, and manage high-performing audit teams in fast-paced, regulated environments
• Risk Management & Governance Expertise In-depth knowledge of enterprise risk management (ERM), internal control frameworks, and governance best practices
• Strategic Decision-Making & Advisory Skills Ability to provide actionable, risk-based recommendations that align with business strategies
• Strong Regulatory Understanding Deep understanding of regulatory environments impacting EMIs, fintech, and digital financial services
• Stakeholder & Regulator Relationship Management Proven experience working with boards, regulators (especially SBP), and senior management on audit and compliance matters

Age

The candidate should preferably be not more than 45 years of age as of last date of submission of application.

If you have the required experience and educational qualification to take up the challenging role, you are requested to apply by December 19, 2025 at

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.