Head of Internal Audit

Careem

Careem is ‘the everything app’ for the region, making it easier than ever to move around, order food and groceries, manage payments, and more.

Careem is building the Everything App for the greater Middle East, making it easier than ever to move around, order food and groceries, manage payments, and more. Careem is led by a powerful purpose to simplify and improve the lives of people and build an awesome organisation that inspires. Since 2012, Careem has created earnings for over 2.5 million Captains, simplified the lives of over 50 million customers, and built a platform for the region’s best talent to thrive and for entrepreneurs to scale their businesses. Careem operates in over 70 cities across 10 countries, from Morocco to Pakistan.

About the Role

Internal auditing is an independent, objective assurance and consulting activity designed to add value and improve an organization's operations. It helps an organization accomplish its objectives by bringing a systematic, disciplined approach to evaluate and improve the effectiveness of governance, risk management and control processes.

The Head of Internal Audit is responsible for leading the internal audit function to ensure the effectiveness and efficiency of operations, reliability of financial reporting, and compliance with applicable laws and regulations. This role involves developing and executing a comprehensive audit strategy, identifying and mitigating risks, and providing insightful recommendations for continuous improvement in a fast-paced tech environment.

What you'll do

• Audit Strategy: In alignment with the Group IA function, design and manage Careem internal audit strategy which appropriately considers the relevant and evolving business risks facing Careem.
• Audit Planning and Execution: Establish professional expectations and ensure that all audits are conducted with best practice and in line with Group IA operating guidelines.
• Audit Reporting: Prepare comprehensive audit reports with clear findings, actionable recommendations, and follow-up plans. Present these reports to senior management and the Audit Committee.
• Implementation Monitoring: Monitor the implementation of audit recommendations by management and provide ongoing support and reporting to management and to the Audit Committee.
• Risk Management: Partner with Careem Management to identify and maintain an objective view of Careem Risk Profile at all times.
• Compliance and Regulations: Ensure adherence to relevant laws, regulations, and industry standards. Provide guidance on compliance matters to various departments.
• Process Improvement: Collaborate with cross-functional teams to identify areas for process optimization and cost-saving initiatives.
• Stakeholder Communication: Prepare and maintain periodic communication with management on the status and results of the Audit Plan.
• Coordinate Audit activities with Group IA as well as other external assurance or assessment parties.
• Outsourcing Coordination: Oversee and coordinate with external service providers and assess their performance.
• Team Leadership: Progressively manage, recruit, and develop professionals to serve in the internal audit department.
• Promote high levels of ethical awareness and conduct within the Company.

What you'll need

• A minimum of 10 years of internal audit or a risk management function in fast-paced industries with significant experience in tech-driven business.
• Strong understanding of Technology and microservice environment.
• Comprehensive understanding of internal auditing and ability to drive internal audit operations across the entire business spectrum.
• Robust experience in the MENA region and familiarity with governance and regulatory nuances.
• Strong risk-minded individual with extensive experience in managing audits within a complex operational and regulatory environment.
• Exceptional executive presence, influencing skills and the ability to discuss complex issues across all levels of the organization.
• Strong supervisory and time management skills, including experience in managing a staff of diverse professionals.
• Experience using various frameworks and standards: COSO, ITIL, COBIT, ISO, NIST, PCI DSS, SANS CIS, HIPAA, SOC, CIS top 20, GDP.
• Minimum of Bachelor’s Degree in business or Technology/computer science or a related field; Graduate or Master’s Degree preferred.
• CIA required, other professional credentials (CISA, CISSP, PMP, etc.) is a plus.

What we’ll provide you

• Work and learn from great minds by joining a community of inspiring colleagues.
• Put your passion to work in a purposeful organisation dedicated to creating impact in a region with a lot of untapped potential.
• Explore new opportunities to learn and grow every day.
• Work 4 days a week in office & 1 day from home, and remotely from any country in the world for 30 days a year with unlimited vacation days per year.
• Access to healthcare benefits and fitness reimbursements for health activities including gym, health club, and training classes.