Head of Internal Audit - CEBU

INTERNAL AUDIT HEAD

Location: Cebu City, Philippines

Employment Level: Management

Reporting To: Senior Management and the Board-level Audit Function

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced and hands-on Internal Audit Head to lead the organisation's internal audit function, providing independent assurance on the effectiveness of internal controls, risk management, governance and compliance processes.

The role will oversee financial, operational and branch audits, develop risk-based audit strategies, and provide actionable recommendations to strengthen business operations, safeguard company assets and support sound corporate governance.

The successful candidate will have strong technical audit capabilities, sound business judgment and the ability to engage effectively with senior management and key stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement risk-based annual audit plans aligned with organisational objectives and business priorities.
• Establish audit objectives, scope, methodologies and engagement schedules.
• Lead financial, operational, branch and special audit engagements.
• Review audit workpapers and ensure the quality, accuracy and consistency of audit deliverables.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of internal controls, risk management frameworks, governance practices and regulatory compliance.
• Lead complex, sensitive or high-risk audit procedures and investigations, including potential fraud-related matters.
• Identify financial and operational risks, control weaknesses and process inefficiencies, and recommend appropriate corrective actions.
• Prepare comprehensive audit reports outlining findings, risk exposures and practical recommendations.
• Present significant audit findings and recommendations to senior management and relevant governance stakeholders.
• Monitor management action plans and conduct follow-up reviews to ensure timely implementation of agreed corrective measures.
• Promote continuous improvement in audit methodologies and practices, ensuring alignment with recognised professional standards, including those of the Institute of Internal Auditors.
• Maintain independence, objectivity, confidentiality and the highest standards of professional ethics.
• Oversee audit budgets, resource allocation, engagement schedules and audit technology.
• Lead, mentor and develop the internal audit team.
• Coordinate with external auditors, consultants, regulatory bodies and other relevant stakeholders when required.
• Keep abreast of regulatory developments, industry practices, emerging fraud risks and developments in audit technology.

Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Accountancy or another business-related discipline.
• At least five years of relevant experience in financial and operational internal auditing.
• Strong background in risk assessment, internal controls, fraud detection, audit planning and regulatory compliance.
• Experience conducting branch or multi-location audits, preferably within financial services, lending, consumer finance or other multi-site operating environments.
• Demonstrated leadership and team-management capabilities.
• Strong analytical, report-writing, communication and stakeholder-management skills.
• High level of integrity, confidentiality, independence and professional judgment.
• Computer literate, with at least intermediate proficiency in Microsoft Office applications.
• Certified Public Accountant (CPA) or Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) qualification is an advantage.

Ideal Candidate

A technically strong and commercially aware audit professional who can balance independent oversight with practical business understanding. The ideal candidate is confident engaging senior stakeholders, identifying control gaps and driving meaningful improvements across business operations.