Internal Audit Sr. Specialist

ZAD is the brainchild of a group of young, passionate Kuwaiti financial professionals driven by a vision of fostering a culture of investment in Kuwait. And for this team, Zad began as a means to answer a need in the market: the need to make investment an accessible concept and viable choice for a broader audience

The Senior Internal Audit Specialist is responsible for providing independent and objective assurance and advisory services to support the effectiveness of ZAD’s governance, risk management, and internal control framework. The role plans and executes risk-based internal audit engagements, evaluates the adequacy of internal controls, assesses compliance with regulatory requirements and internal policies, and provides recommendations to enhance governance, operational efficiency, and organizational performance.

The role also provides advisory support by clarifying audit findings, supporting follow-up activities, and reviewing / preparing key documents.

• Plan and execute risk-based internal audit engagements in accordance with the approved Internal Audit Plan and the IIA Global Internal Audit Standards.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of governance, risk management, and internal control processes across all business functions.
• Assess compliance with internal policies, regulatory requirements, and applicable laws.
• Conduct operational, financial, compliance, and information systems audits to identify control weaknesses, process inefficiencies, and business risks.
• Prepare clear and comprehensive audit reports, including findings, root cause analysis, risk assessments, and recommendations.
• Monitor the implementation of agreed management action plans and perform follow-up reviews.
• Provide ongoing advisory support to auditable units by clarifying audit findings and recommendations, conducting follow-up, reviewing management-prepared policies and procedures, and preparing draft organizational policies and procedures manuals.
• Participate in enterprise risk assessments and support the development of the annual Internal Audit Plan.
• Maintain audit working papers in accordance with professional standards.
• Liaise with management, external auditors, and regulators during audits.

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Management and Organizational Behaviour, or a related discipline.
• Professional certification such as CIA / CRMA is highly preferred.
• Sound understanding of regulatory requirements issued by Kuwait Capital Markets Authority (CMA) and Central Bank of Kuwait (CBK).
• 3-6 years of experience in internal audit / management consulting preferably within reputable consulting firms, financial institutions, fintech organizations, or investment companies.
• Demonstrated experience in planning and executing risk-based internal audit engagements.
• Demonstrated experience in preparing organizational policies and procedures manuals, and process flowcharts.
• Experience evaluating governance, risk management, internal controls, and regulatory compliance.
• Strong knowledge of internal auditing methodologies, risk assessment techniques, and internal control principles.
• Strong analytical, report writing, stakeholder management, and presentation skills.
• High ethical standards, integrity, independence, and professional objectivity.
• Excellent analytical thinking, critical reasoning, and attention to detail.
• Strong planning, organizational, and time management skills.
• Ability to identify root causes, assess ris ks, and develop practical, value-added recommendations.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including audit report writing and presentation skills.
• Ownership, accountability, and commitment to continuous improvement.
• Proactive problem-solving and ability to work under pressure.
• Clear and structured communication across internal and external stakeholders.