A Deputy Chief Audit Executive and Senior Audit Manager is a pivotal senior leadership role within an organization's internal audit function, often found in large, complex multinational corporations, particularly within the financial services sector. This high-level position serves as the right hand to the Chief Audit Executive (CAE), sharing the critical responsibility of providing independent, objective assurance and advisory services to the board and senior management. Professionals in these jobs are entrusted with safeguarding the organization's assets, reputation, and sustainability by evaluating and improving the effectiveness of governance, risk management, and internal control processes. The typical responsibilities for this profession are extensive and strategic. A Deputy Chief Audit Executive supports the development and execution of a comprehensive, risk-based audit plan that covers the entire organization or a significant geographic region. This involves overseeing multiple concurrent audit engagements, ensuring they are completed on time, to a high standard, and that the resulting reports are insightful, concise, and actionable. A core duty is to validate the remediation of audit findings and regulatory issues, confirming that management actions have effectively addressed the root causes. Furthermore, this role is central to stakeholder engagement; they regularly report to audit committees, management boards, and regulators, presenting audit plans, results, and providing forward-looking insights on emerging risks and the control environment. They are also responsible for building and maintaining strong, constructive relationships with senior leaders across the business, offering credible challenge and influencing a positive culture of risk management and ethical conduct. In terms of people and resource management, a Senior Audit Manager in this capacity is crucial for attracting, mentoring, and developing a high-performing and diverse audit team. They work to maximize the efficiency and effectiveness of the internal audit department by leveraging global resources, different audit methodologies, and industry best practices. Identifying and nurturing talent for long-term career growth, both within the audit function and the wider organization, is a key success factor. The typical skills and requirements for these senior audit jobs are demanding. Candidates usually possess a bachelor's degree, often complemented by a relevant professional qualification such as Certified Internal Auditor (CIA), Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Chartered Accountant (CA), or Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA). Extensive experience in internal audit, preferably within a large, international institution, is essential. This must be coupled with deep proficiency in risk and control analysis, a strong understanding of regulatory frameworks relevant to the industry, and demonstrable product knowledge. Exceptional leadership and communication skills are non-negotiable, as the role requires executive presence, the ability to negotiate and influence senior stakeholders, and provide constructive challenge. Successful individuals in these jobs are typically resilient, agile, strategic thinkers with a commercial mindset, capable of comprehending complex issues and providing pragmatic solutions to enhance the organization's control and governance landscape.
