Head of Internal Audit

Responsibilities

• Establish and lead the Company’s independent internal audit function, including its framework, methodology and resourcing.
• Report regularly to the Audit Committee and Supervisory Board, including on outstanding and overdue audit actions.
• Prepare long-term and annual risk-based audit plans and budgets for approval by the Audit Committee and Supervisory Board.
• Maintain complete audit documentation and periodic and annual activity reports, support timely regulatory submissions, and keep the audit plan current in light of regulatory developments and changes to the business or its risk profile. 
• Lead independent audits across all Company’s business activities in accordance with Azerbaijani law, CBAR requirements and the IIA’s Global Internal Audit Standards.
• Assess governance, risk management and key controls, including client onboarding, order execution, product governance, client assets, AML/CFT, regulatory reporting, IT and cybersecurity, business continuity and third-party services.
• Deliver clear audit reports and practical recommendations, promptly escalate material findings and monitor remediation to closure.
• Safeguard internal audit’s independence and unrestricted access, coordinate with regulators, external auditors and other assurance functions, and manage internal or co-sourced audit resources.
• Keep up to date with all relevant regulatory changes as well as evolving best practices, carrying out gap and business impact analysis.

Requirements

• Higher economic, finance or legal education (university degree).
• Not less than five (5) years of relevant professional experience in the financial services sector, of which at least three (3) years in managerial roles.
• Strong practical knowledge of Azerbaijani capital markets legislation and CBAR requirements applicable to investment companies, including corporate governance standards, internal control and risk management requirements, client asset protection, client categorisation and retail client protection rules, and regulatory reporting obligations.
• Experience auditing key controls within regulated financial services, including AML/CFT and sanctions, regulatory reporting, client protection, IT and cybersecurity.
• Meets the “fit and proper” requirements applicable to the Head of Internal Audit of a licensed entity under the Securities Market Law, including strong professional reputation and integrity and no relevant criminal convictions or ongoing proceedings.
• Has not been dismissed within the last three (3) years on the grounds of insufficient qualifications, and has not been a member of the management of an entity that was liquidated or declared bankrupt within one (1) year prior to appointment.
• No concurrent roles with other regulated entities or other paid activities that may give rise to a conflict of interest, except for scientific, teaching or creative activities permitted under applicable law.
• An international professional qualification (CIA, ACCA, CISA, CFSA, CPA, CIMA, CFA, FRM) is a significant advantage.
• Proven experience leading audit engagements or an internal audit function; experience establishing an audit function for a licensed financial institution is an advantage.
• Experience of being approved by financial regulators for senior management roles is considered an advantage.
• Experience in retail brokerage or investment services, particularly derivatives and/or equities, will be considered an advantage.
• Be able to handle complex issues, projects and processes.
• Demonstrate strong moral and ethical principles. A willingness to learn, accept accountability, demonstrate initiative and support effective co-operation.
• Strong sense of integrity and responsibility.
• Azerbaijani - fluent; English - good written and spoken proficiency is required.