Senior Auditor - Internal Shariah Audit

Job Purpose
• Assist Audit Manager, ISA/ Head ISA in preparation of quarterly presentations for Board Audit Committee (BAC), Internal Shariah Supervision Committee (ISSC), and MBO Review with CEO.
• Contributes to the Examination and evaluation of the adequacy and effectiveness of Shari’ah Governance and Internal Controls of Islamic businesses, branches, departments and activities, relating to compliance with resolutions (Fatawa), guidelines and instructions issued by the Internal Shari’ah Supervision Committee (ISSC) and Central Bank of UAE Higher Shari’ah Authority (CBUAE HSA). 3 Dimensions Operating Budget Number of Staff NA Capital Exp. Budget Other NA 

Key Result Areas  - Internal Shari’ah Audit (ISA)
• Conduct Shari’ah field audits/reviews, in accordance with the agreed Internal Shari’ah Audit plan, in an efficient and effective manner, covering Islamic products, service forms, transactions, etc. as per the Shari’ah audit procedures laid down in the approved Audit Program (BPRA) and maintain required audit work papers.
• Discuss with Audit Manager/Head ISA Shari’ah audit coverage during the planning of the Shari’ah audit and document the same in the APM. Develop and update the BPRA for the Shari’ah compliance coverage.
• Manage Shariah Audit team (comprising 2 – 3 members for relatively small branches/units) as Shariah Auditor Incharge to execute audits with focus on the processes under review and effectively communicate with the Unit Management to improve deficiencies and identify opportunities for improvements.
• Develop Shariah Audit action plan and present for discussions and acceptance in Exit meetings at end of audit for common understanding on issues and agree to appropriate steps to be taken by the unit to ensure these do not re-occur.
• Provide inputs during GRAM and annual planning exercise for Shari’ah Audit Entities based on evaluation of processes/activities/systems relating to Islamic products & services and agree it with Head ISA.
• Conduct regular follow-up with management for timely implementation of Shari’ah action plans.
• Coordinate with Internal Audit team and exchange relevant information, findings, reports etc.
• Contribute effectively to the preparation of ISSC Meeting presentation along with ISA Action Plan status report.
• Make amendments to the Shariah audit plan, under the supervision of Senior Auditor, ISA/ Manager ISA, as and when advised and circulate the revised plan.
• As custodian of GRAM, consolidate and maintain annual GRAM Score sheets as advised by Audit.
• Take part in Audit Challenge sessions to evaluate from QA perspective.
• Contribute effectively to the preparation of quarterly BAC meeting presentation with inputs from IA.
• Contribute effectively to the preparation of quarterly IAG MBO Review presentation with inputs from IA.
• Assist Senior Auditor/Audit Manager in preparation & consolidation of Annual IAG Plan with inputs from IA.
• Assist Senior Auditor/Audit Manager in revising, updating & maintaining Internal Shariah Audit Manual.
• Update, manage and maintain IAG Intranet pages on Mashreq Intranet. 

Operating Environment, Framework and Boundaries, Working Relationships
• Independent of business groups, conduct Shariah audit for all applicable units of the bank including its subsidiaries to report on the effectiveness of internal controls and recommend improvements in controls.
• Shariah Audits are carried out in accordance with the department’s risk-based auditing techniques and procedures. These systems and procedures are changed according to the changing requirements of the bank. All operational functions of the bank are covered within the audit scope.
• A good working relationship is essential to carry out audits and get acceptance for the recommendations on further improvement. 

Problem Solving
• As a Shariah Auditor, resolve various tactical issues relating to audit findings with auditees including Manager of the Units or Line Manager at H.O. in order to achieve their total acceptance which is considered essential to take corrective steps to address issues.

Responsibilities

• Conduct independent Shariah audits for all applicable units, including subsidiaries, to evaluate internal controls.
• Apply risk-based auditing techniques and procedures, adapting to the bank's evolving needs.
• Cover all operational functions within the audit scope.
• Foster good working relationships with auditees to gain acceptance for audit recommendations.
• Resolve tactical issues related to audit findings with auditees, including managers, to achieve total acceptance for corrective actions.
• Assign risk ratings for units, finalizing them through discussions with the Head of Audit and Head of the Division.
• Prepare and finalize audit reports and action plans, ensuring timely and accurate documentation.
• Allocate resources and develop audit plans for each unit, considering risk assessments.

Qualifications

• CA /CPA/ ACCA/MBA in Finance & Accounting, preferably with CIA or Banking Diploma.
• University degree in Islamic Shari'ah or relevant specializations, with professional certification like CSAA in Shari'ah and Islamic Banking Audit from AAOIFI/CIBAFI.
• 5-7 years of experience in a bank's audit department or an audit firm, with at least 5 years in Shari'ah audit.
• Muslim candidate with strong command of spoken and written English, and reasonable Arabic proficiency.
• Computer literacy and proficiency in relevant software and tools for audit processes.
• Excellent problem-solving and decision-making skills, with the ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Strong analytical and critical thinking abilities, with a keen eye for detail.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills to build relationships and convey audit findings.
• Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines, managing multiple tasks simultaneously.