Head of Internal Audit Cigna

Key Responsibilities

• Lead, coach, and develop the Internal Audit team to deliver risk-based audits across the region, while also ensuring adequate coverage relative to core businesses, processes and functions.
• Design and maintain a strategic audit plan aligned with the Companies objectives, risks, and both UAE and broader Middle East regulatory obligations.
• Manage execution of audits, including scoping, planning, supervision, documentation, and reporting.
• Prepare and deliver presentations regarding audit findings to stakeholders, including senior management and the Executive Committees.
• Monitor the implementation of audit recommendations and escalate overdue actions.
• Engage with stakeholders on key initiatives to provide consultation regarding governance and internal control best practices.
• Build strong business relationships and work collaboratively with key functions, ensuring close coordination with Compliance and Risk Management to support a unified approach to control effectiveness and risk mitigation.
• Collaborate with Internal Audit teams operating globally to ensure alignment on audit coverage, knowledge sharing, and consistent application of best practices across the region.
• Act as the primary Internal Audit contact for regulatory matters across the Middle East, including ongoing engagement with regulators such as the Central Bank of the UAE.

Qualifications:

• Bacehelor s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field, with a Postgraduate degree (i.e. Masters) preferred.
• Professional certifications such as CA, CPA, or CIA are highly desirable.
• Minimum of 10 years experience in Internal Audit within the insurance sector, including at least 3 years experience in the UAE.

Knowledge and Abilities:

• Sound knowledge of UAE regulatory frameworks and financial reporting requirements.
• Strong technical expertise in accounting principles, control procedures, audit standards, and best practices.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills in English; proficiency in Arabic is an advantage.
• Strong interpersonal and presentation skills, with the ability to engage and influence stakeholders at all levels.
• Proven leadership and project management skills; capable of motivating and guiding cross-functional teams.
• Demonstrated ability to build and sustain effective relationships across global and multicultural teams.
• High level of analytical thinking and sound judgment, with a track record of making effective, well-reasoned decisions.
• Innovative mindset with the courage to challenge conventional thinking and improve processes.
• Strong organizational agility, ability to multi-task, and adapt to changing priorities.
• Comfortable operating in both office-based and virtual collaborative environments.
• Willingness to travel up to 30%, with a strong commitment to working in multicultural settings.
• Demonstrates unquestionable ethics and integrity in all professional dealings.

The appointment is contingent upon obtaining all necessary regulatory approvals.