Principal, Audit Manager (Finance & Corporate Services)

Job Posting Organization:
The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) was established in 1991 with the mission to promote the transition to open market-oriented economies and to foster private and entrepreneurial initiative in countries from Central Europe to Central Asia. The EBRD operates in over 30 countries and employs a diverse workforce of approximately 2,000 employees. The organization is committed to sustainability, equality, and digital transformation, and values diversity as one of its core principles, ensuring that all employees are treated with respect and given equal opportunities.

Job Overview:
The Principal, Audit Manager (Finance & Corporate Services) plays a crucial role in leading and coordinating various audit activities across multiple business functions, including Finance, Operations, Treasury, HR, Legal, Compliance, and Risk. This position requires strong influencing and communication skills to engage stakeholders effectively and ensure high-quality audit delivery. The Principal Audit Manager operates with a high degree of autonomy, guiding multidisciplinary audit teams and providing direction to ensure that audit outputs meet the required standards. The role also involves navigating complex and sensitive situations with sound judgment, contributing to strong governance and effective risk management within the bank. Additionally, the position may require limited travel to fulfill audit responsibilities.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Principal, Audit Manager is responsible for continuously monitoring and assessing organizational risks and controls within their assigned portfolio. They independently plan and execute audit engagements with minimal supervision, ensuring adherence to quality standards set by the Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA). The role involves supervising multi-disciplinary teams, providing constructive feedback, and taking accountability for the quality of audit deliverables. The Principal Audit Manager develops and maintains open working relationships with stakeholders, delivers engagements in accordance with IIA standards, and supports departmental initiatives. They are also responsible for keeping abreast of industry developments to inform audit coverage and drive improvements in audit practices.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a university degree, preferably in finance, business, economics, law, or a related discipline. A relevant professional qualification in internal auditing, such as CIA, ACCA, or CA, is highly desirable. The role requires demonstrated experience in leading internal audit engagements within complex financial services or investment banking environments, including the ability to supervise teams and deliver high-quality risk-based audit work. Candidates should have experience engaging with senior stakeholders and the ability to influence outcomes in sensitive situations. Post-qualification experience in banking, risk management, or compliance is essential for providing authoritative insights into assigned activities.

Educational Background:
A university degree in finance, business, economics, law, or a related field is required. Candidates with relevant professional qualifications in internal auditing, such as CIA, ACCA, or CA, will be preferred. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of the financial services sector and for effectively managing audit processes.

Experience:
Candidates should have substantial experience leading or managing internal audit engagements in complex financial services or investment banking environments. This includes a proven track record of supervising teams and delivering high-quality risk-based audit work. Experience engaging with senior stakeholders and the ability to navigate sensitive discussions are critical for success in this role. Additionally, post-qualification experience in banking, risk management, or compliance is necessary to provide authoritative insights into the audit activities.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, as exceptional verbal and written communication skills are essential for articulating complex audit issues to diverse audiences. Knowledge of additional languages may be considered an asset, particularly if it enhances communication with stakeholders across the EBRD's operational regions.

Additional Notes:
This position is a regular contract with no direct budget or line management responsibilities. The Principal, Audit Manager is expected to supervise other team members and external consultants as needed. The role is full-time, and the EBRD promotes flexible working arrangements, expecting employees to attend the office 50% of their working time. The organization encourages applications from qualified candidates who are nationals of EBRD member countries, promoting an inclusive work environment that values diversity.