Job Description: Chief Audit Executive (CAE)

Industry: Banking, Financial Services, Insurance, Investment

Job Type: Full-Time

Reporting To: Board Audit Committee (functionally) / Chief Executive Officer (administratively)

Job Summary

The Chief Audit Executive (CAE) is responsible for leading the organization's internal audit function, providing independent and objective assurance on governance, risk management, and internal controls. This role ensures that the organization operates with integrity, transparency, and compliance with regulatory and internal standards.

The CAE plays a critical role in strengthening internal controls, identifying risks, and supporting the Board and executive leadership in achieving strategic objectives.

Key Responsibilities

1. Internal Audit Strategy & Leadership

Develop and implement a risk-based internal audit strategy and annual audit plan

Align audit activities with organizational goals, risks, and regulatory requirements

Ensure independence and objectivity of the internal audit function

Provide assurance on governance, risk management, and control processes

2. Audit Execution & Oversight

Oversee execution of internal audits across all business units

Ensure timely and high-quality audit reports and findings

Identify control weaknesses and recommend corrective actions

Monitor implementation of audit recommendations

3. Risk & Control Assessment

Evaluate effectiveness of internal controls and risk management frameworks

Conduct risk assessments and prioritize audit activities

Assess operational, financial, compliance, and IT risks

Provide insights on emerging risks and control gaps

4. Regulatory Compliance & Coordination

Ensure audit activities comply with regulatory requirements and industry standards

Coordinate with external auditors, regulators, and supervisory bodies

Support regulatory inspections and audit reviews

Ensure alignment with internal policies and compliance frameworks

5. Governance & Advisory Role

Provide independent assurance to the Board Audit Committee

Advise senior management on governance, risk, and control improvements

Support development of governance frameworks and best practices

Enhance transparency and accountability across the organization

6. Data Analytics & Audit Innovation

Leverage data analytics and technology in audit processes

Implement continuous auditing and monitoring tools

Enhance audit efficiency and effectiveness through automation

Stay updated on audit methodologies and industry best practices

7. Stakeholder Management

Communicate audit findings to Board, Audit Committee, and executive leadership

Build relationships with internal stakeholders and external auditors

Ensure clear and actionable reporting of audit results

Promote a culture of accountability and continuous improvement

8. Leadership & Team Management

Lead and develop internal audit teams

Establish performance standards and accountability

Foster a culture of integrity, independence, and professionalism

Support talent development and succession planning

Key Requirements

Education

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or related field

Professional certifications such as CIA, CPA, ACCA, or CISA are highly preferred

Experience

12–18+ years of experience in internal audit, external audit, risk, or compliance roles

Proven experience in senior audit leadership roles (e.g., CAE, Head of Internal Audit)

Strong background in banking, financial services, insurance, or investment sectors

Skills & Competencies

Deep knowledge of internal audit standards (e.g., IIA standards)

Strong understanding of governance, risk management, and internal controls

Expertise in financial and operational auditing

Analytical and problem-solving skills

Leadership and team management

Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement

High ethical standards and independence

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

Completion of audit plan and audit coverage

Quality and impact of audit findings

Timeliness of audit reporting and issue resolution

Effectiveness of internal controls and risk mitigation

Regulatory and audit inspection outcomes

Stakeholder satisfaction (Board, Audit Committee, management)

Preferred Attributes

Experience in multinational or complex financial institutions

Exposure to IT audit, cybersecurity, and data analytics

Strong collaboration with regulators and external auditors

Ability to lead in a highly regulated environment

Compensation & Benefits

Competitive executive salary

Performance-based incentives

Executive benefits and allowances