Head of Internal Audit (Financial Services)

A leading global organisation in the financial services sector is seeking a Head of Internal Audit (Financial Services) to join their Penang office.

This is an exceptional opportunity for you to take ownership of the internal audit function, driving excellence and integrity across a diverse group of companies. You will be at the forefront of shaping audit strategy, ensuring regulatory compliance, and enhancing governance frameworks. The role offers a unique blend of strategic influence and hands-on leadership, with direct reporting lines to senior management and board-level stakeholders. You will benefit from a supportive environment that values continuous learning, flexible working arrangements, and comprehensive wellness programmes. If you are passionate about making a meaningful impact on business processes while enjoying generous family-friendly perks and professional development resources, this position provides the perfect platform for your career growth.

What you'll do:

As Head of Internal Audit (Financial Services) based in Penang, you will play a pivotal role in steering the direction of the internal audit function for a prominent financial services organisation. Your day-to-day responsibilities will involve collaborating with senior leaders to shape audit strategy, overseeing risk assessments, and ensuring robust documentation of business processes. You will act as a central figure in driving improvements to governance frameworks while maintaining independence from operational management. Success in this role requires building strong ties with both your team and wider business stakeholders, championing best practices in control environments, and delivering insightful recommendations that enhance organisational resilience. Your expertise will be instrumental in safeguarding assets and supporting regulatory compliance across multiple entities.

• Direct the internal audit function by developing, implementing, and maintaining an annual audit plan that examines systems, control mechanisms, and organisational arrangements.
• Provide strategic insights to senior leadership, acting as a trusted partner in shaping governance and risk management initiatives.
• Ensure adherence to professional standards by conducting special investigations and facilitating annual risk assessments across all relevant entities.
• Oversee documentation of business processes and internal control audits, ensuring accuracy and completeness in all records.
• Develop and implement global processes, procedures, policies, and initiatives that enhance operational effectiveness and safeguard assets.
• Act as the primary point of contact with management for enterprise-wide internal organisation matters, fostering collaborative relationships across departments.
• Partner with other functions to drive improvements in governance structures and control environments throughout the organisation.
• Report directly to various boards including those requiring entity-specific audits under regulatory frameworks such as MiFID II or UK solo regulated firms.
• Manage a small but dedicated team of auditors, providing mentorship, guidance, and support to ensure high-quality outcomes.
• Facilitate communication between the internal audit function and key stakeholders including the Chief Risk Officer, Head of Legal, Risk Compliance, Government & Regulatory Affairs.

What you bring:

Your proven experience as an internal auditor equips you with deep insight into regulatory requirements, risk assessment methodologies, and process evaluation techniques essential for success as Head of Internal Audit (Financial Services). You bring not only technical expertise but also outstanding interpersonal skills that enable you to build trust-based relationships with colleagues at all levels. Your ability to communicate complex findings clearly ensures alignment between audit outcomes and organisational objectives. With advanced project management capabilities honed through years of practice—ideally supported by professional certifications—you are adept at balancing multiple priorities while maintaining meticulous attention to detail. Your educational background provides a solid foundation for understanding financial controls; additional qualifications such as an MBA further enhance your strategic perspective. Above all else, your commitment to collaboration fosters an inclusive environment where every team member feels valued.

• Demonstrated experience managing or supervising internal audit staff within complex organisations over at least seven years.
• Proven track record in formulating internal audit plans and managing audit timelines effectively.
• Comprehensive knowledge of audit principles acquired through education or practical experience within financial services, banking or related industries.
• Exceptional analytical skills combined with effective communication abilities that foster understanding among peers and stakeholders.
• Experience evaluating functions and activities to determine operational nature and identify areas for improvement.
• Proficiency with Google applications as well as standard productivity tools required for project planning and execution.
• Bachelor’s degree preferably in Accounting; MBA or nontechnical subject area strongly preferred for broader perspective.
• Professional certification such as CIA or CPA (or non-US equivalent) highly desirable for demonstrating commitment to best practices.
• Excellent project management skills including task identification, resource allocation, timeline tracking, and proficiency with electronic work papers.
• Fluency in English enabling clear communication across international teams.

What sets this company apart:

This organisation stands out for its unwavering commitment to employee wellbeing and professional growth. As part of a global network renowned for their expertise in capital markets, you will join a community that values knowledge sharing, teamwork, and mutual support. Employees enjoy access to comprehensive health care coverage designed for both mind and body alongside generous time off policies that promote work-life balance. Continuous learning is encouraged through extensive training resources—empowering you to expand your skillset while advancing your career. Family-friendly perks ensure that your loved ones are cared for too; from best-in-class benefits tailored for partners and children to retail discounts that make everyday life more enjoyable. The company’s culture is built on inclusivity—welcoming individuals from under-represented backgrounds—and prioritises supportive leadership at every level. By joining this team in Penang, you become part of an organisation dedicated not only to market innovation but also to nurturing its people so they can thrive both personally and professionally.

What's next:

If you are ready to make a significant impact within a globally respected organisation while enjoying outstanding workplace benefits—apply now!

Apply today or email me at jack.moh@robertwalters.com.my to discuss this new opportunity.

Do note that we will only be in touch if your application is shortlisted.

Agensi Pekerjaan Robert Walters Sdn Bhd
Business Registration Number : 729828-T
Licence Number : JTKSM 423C