Operations Internal Audit Manager

Saudi Pro League (SPL)

Role Main Purpose:

Manage the planning, implementation, and execution of internal audits specifically focused on football operations, ensuring compliance with league regulations, financial integrity, and operational efficiency within the football-related aspects of the organization. This includes areas such as player contracts, scouting, and match day operations, and related revenue streams.

Operational Responsibilities:

• Execute audit procedures related to football operations, including player contracts, transfer fees, and related financial transactions.
• Review documentation related to scouting activities, youth development programs, and other football-related initiatives.
• Prepare draft audit reports detailing findings, recommendations, and management responses.
• Follow up on management's implementation of corrective actions related to audit findings.
• Assist in the implementation of internal audit policies and procedures relevant to football operations.
• Maintain organized audit documentation and working papers.
• Perform other internal audit-related tasks as directed by the Director of Internal Audit.
• Attend meetings with football operations staff to gather information and understand processes.

Strategic & Leadership Responsibilities:

• Contribute to the development of the annual internal audit plan, identifying key areas of risk within football operations.
• Analyze football-related regulations and compliance requirements to inform the audit plan and procedures.
• Develop and refine audit programs specific to football operations, covering areas such as player acquisitions, budget management, and match-day revenue.
• Provide training and guidance to audit staff on the specific nuances of auditing football operations.
• Recommend improvements to internal controls and processes within football operations to enhance compliance and efficiency.
• Collaborate with management in football operations to develop and implement corrective actions in response to audit findings.

Performance Indicators:

• Audits Audit Completion Rate
• Audit Report Quality Score
• Audit Program Coverage
• Agreed Upon Findings
• Repeat Findings

Internal Contacts:

• Director of Internal Audit
• Operational Management & staff

Education & Experiences:

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field, such as accounting, finance, business administration, or football business.
• Professional certification in internal auditing (e.g., CIA, CISA) is highly desirable.
• Minimum 7 years of experience in a senior internal audit or risk management role, preferably within the sports, entertainment, or consulting industries.

Knowledge & Skills:

• Demonstrable experience in conducting financial and administrative audits, including testing internal controls and evaluating compliance with accounting standards and regulations.
• Demonstrable experience in conducting operational and compliance audits, with a focus on areas such as player contracts, transfer fees, and match-day operations.
• Strong understanding of league regulations (e.g., FIFA, UEFA, or domestic league rules), financial fair play requirements, and best practices in football governance.
• Knowledge of financial accounting principles and internal control frameworks, with the ability to apply them to football-specific transactions.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills, with the ability to explain complex regulations and financial concepts to non-technical stakeholders.
• Ability to maintain objectivity and independence when dealing with sensitive information related to football operations.