Head of IT Audit

A leading financial institution in Doha is seeking a seasoned Head of IT Audit to lead and strengthen its IT audit function. This strategic role is responsible for providing independent assurance on the organization’s IT systems, cybersecurity posture, digital platforms, and overall technology governance, ensuring compliance with international standards and regulatory requirements.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop and execute a risk-based IT audit plan covering core banking platforms, cybersecurity, digital channels, infrastructure, and third-party technology providers.
• Lead complex IT audit engagements with adherence to IIA and ISACA standards.
• Evaluate IT general controls (ITGC), application controls, change management, data governance, disaster recovery, and cyber resilience.
• Oversee audits of digital initiatives, fintech integrations, and emerging technologies (e.g., AI/ML, RPA).
• Ensure compliance with relevant regulatory frameworks such as PCI-DSS, ISO/IEC 27001, and local central bank guidelines.
• Conduct pre- and post-implementation reviews of major IT projects.
• Report audit outcomes to senior leadership and the Audit Committee.
• Collaborate with internal auditors across business lines on integrated audits.
• Monitor and ensure the timely closure of audit issues.
• Mentor and manage a team of IT audit professionals.

Qualifications & Certifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, or related field.
• Mandatory certifications: CISA and CISSP.
• Preferred: CIA, CEH, ISO 27001 Lead Auditor, or equivalent.

Experience:

• At least 20 years of progressive IT audit experience in the banking or financial services sector.
• Minimum 5 years in a leadership role managing IT audits.
• Demonstrated experience in auditing core banking systems, SWIFT, card technologies, and cybersecurity frameworks.
• Exposure to cloud computing, digital banking, automation tools (RPA), and AI/ML environments.

Skills & Competencies :

• Strong grasp of IT risk management and control frameworks (COBIT, NIST, ITIL, Swift CSCF, OWASP).
• Proficiency in audit tools and data analytics (e.g., ACL, IDEA, Power BI).
• Expertise in assessing IT strategy, governance, and technology investments.
• Excellent executive-level reporting and communication skills.
• High level of integrity, professional skepticism, and objectivity.
• Proven leadership and people management capabilities.
• Strong stakeholder management, especially with CIO, CISO, COO, and senior executives.
• Agile mindset and adaptability in fast-changing regulatory and tech environments.

Preferred Profile:

• Fluency in English is essential; Arabic is an asset.
• Prior experience within the GCC banking industry is required (experience in Qatar is a plus).