Design and execution of internal audit operating model
Financial management and budget ownership
The Chief Operating Officer (COO) – Internal Audit is responsible for the operational leadership, enablement and execution excellence of the Group Internal Audit (GIA) function
Job Summary
The Chief Operating Officer (COO) – Internal Audit is responsible for the operational leadership, enablement and execution excellence of the Group Internal Audit (GIA) function.
The role is pivotal in a large, complex banking group, providing strong operational discipline, governance, financial stewardship, people and capability enablement, and technology‑led modernisation of the Internal Audit function.
The COO owns the design, performance and continuous improvement of the Internal Audit operating model, enabling the CAE to focus on assurance, independence, stakeholder engagement and Audit Committee matters.
Matching Summary
The Chief Operating Officer (COO) – Internal Audit is responsible for the operational leadership, enablement and execution excellence of the Group Internal Audit (GIA) function.
Skills & Requirements
Must-have
Operational leadership of Group Internal Audit
Design and execution of Internal Audit operating model
Financial management and budget ownership
Technology adoption and optimisation for audit
Executive oversight of QAIP
Stakeholder engagement across the assurance ecosystem
Nice-to-have
Strategic, enterprise-minded leader
Leads through influence, clarity, and enablement
Models accountability, discipline, and continuous improvement
Builds confidence with Boards and executives
Key Requirements
Extensive experience in Internal Audit, Risk, Assurance or related governance roles
Proven executive-level experience leading large, multi-disciplinary teams
Strong operating model design, execution and transformation capability
Deep understanding of Internal Audit standards, governance and regulatory expectations
Demonstrated financial management and budget ownership experience
Professional qualification (e.g. CA(SA), CIA, CISA or equivalent)
Experience with audit technology, data analytics or digital transformation