_{29th May, 2025}

Pacific People Solutions are pleased to be working with our valued client to recruit highly skilled and strategic Head of Internal Audit to join this emerging bank in the pacific.  

The role will require you to lead and evolve the internal audit function across the bank and its subsidiaries. This role is instrumental in ensuring independent, effective audit practices while providing critical insights to senior leadership and the board.

As the Head of Internal Audit, you will be responsible for maintaining the independence of the internal audit function, reporting directly to the Board Audit Chair while working closely with the Group Chief Risk Officer.

You will promote a culture of objectivity, integrity, and transparency, ensuring that audit processes adhere to the highest ethical standards. A key aspect of the role involves developing and executing a dynamic risk-based audit plan, prioritizing high-risk areas aligned with the bank’s risk profile. By leveraging data analytics and advanced insights, you will proactively identify emerging risks and ensure that audit priorities evolve with changing regulatory and operational landscapes.

Key Responsibilities:

• Audit Leadership & Independence – Ensure the internal audit function operates independently, upholding ethical standards and providing objective oversight.
• Risk-based Audit Planning – Develop and execute a risk-based audit plan, using data analytics to identify key risk areas.
• Audit Execution & Reporting – Oversee audit processes, ensuring findings are well-documented, communicated, and implemented across the bank.
• Governance & Compliance – Strengthen governance structures by aligning audit functions with risk and compliance frameworks.
• Regulatory Alignment – Ensure full adherence to internal policies, regulatory requirements, and global audit standards such as BCBS223, IFC, and OCC.
• Internal Controls & Risk Management – Assess and improve internal control frameworks, identifying and mitigating vulnerabilities.
• Innovation & Technology Integration – Leverage data analytics and emerging technologies to enhance audit practices and drive efficiency.
• Stakeholder Engagement – Provide strategic insights to senior management, the board, and external regulatory bodies to ensure transparency and compliance.

In this role, you will work closely with internal stakeholders, including the Board Audit Chair, Group Chief Risk Officer, executive management, compliance teams, IT, and business unit heads.

Externally, you will collaborate with the Bank of PNG, external auditors, consultants, and regulatory authorities to ensure the bank remains aligned with global best practices.

To be successful in this role, you must:

• Hold a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Data Analytics, or a related field, with a professional certification such as CPA, CIA, or CISA. 
• A minimum of ten years of experience in internal audit, including leadership roles in financial services, is required. 
• Proven expertise in integrating data analytics into audit functions, along with a deep understanding of risk-based audit practices and regulatory frameworks, is essential. 
• You should also possess advanced proficiency in data analytics tools such as Power Query and Power BI, combined with strong leadership and stakeholder management skills.

The ideal candidate will uphold the highest ethical standards, demonstrating impartiality and independence in all audit activities. You should have the ability to anticipate risks and provide actionable solutions, aligning audit efforts with the bank’s strategic objectives. Strong collaboration, adaptability, and problem-solving skills will be crucial in driving audit innovation and influencing decision-making at the highest levels.

This is a unique opportunity to lead a high-impact function that directly influences the bank’s governance, compliance, and strategic direction. They offer a competitive remuneration package, a dynamic work environment, and opportunities for professional growth. If you are ready to make a significant impact and drive excellence in audit practices, we invite you to apply for this role.

If you possess the above skills and experience, please apply via the link below. Alternatively, should you wish to discuss this role in more detail please call Chris Chetham at Pacific People Solutions on +61 7 3185 1752.

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