Principal, Audit Manager (CSG)

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 committed to democratic principles. The EBRD operates in over 30 countries across Europe, Asia, and North Africa, employing a diverse workforce of approximately 2,000 employees. The organization is dedicated to supporting sustainable development and enhancing the quality of life in the regions it serves, focusing on projects that promote economic growth, environmental sustainability, and social inclusion.

Job Overview:
The Principal, Audit Manager (CSG) plays a pivotal role in leading and coordinating audit activities across various business functions within the EBRD. This position requires a strong ability to influence, communicate effectively, and build relationships to ensure stakeholder engagement and facilitate effective audit delivery. The Principal, Audit Manager must convey complex audit issues clearly and tailor messages for diverse and senior audiences, fostering constructive relationships that promote open dialogue and collaboration. The role operates with a high degree of autonomy, guiding multidisciplinary audit teams, including guest auditors and co-sourced staff, while providing direction and feedback to ensure high-quality and timely outputs. The focus of this position is on audits within the EBRD’s Client Services Group (CSG), which encompasses a wide range of banking and donor-funded operations, risk management, compliance, and sustainability reviews. The role may involve limited travel to various countries of operations, including new regions in Sub-Saharan Africa and Iraq.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Principal, Audit Manager is responsible for conducting audit risk assessments and delivering audit engagements with minimal supervision. This includes continuously monitoring and assessing organizational, risk, and control developments within their assigned portfolio. The role requires effective supervision of multi-disciplinary teams, guest auditors, and external consultants, ensuring that all work adheres to the quality standards set by the Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA). The Principal, Audit Manager is accountable for the end product of audit engagements, ensuring timely monitoring and validation of open audit issues. Additionally, they are expected to develop and maintain constructive working relationships with stakeholders, deliver engagements in accordance with IIA standards, and support departmental initiatives and improvements. The role also involves staying updated on relevant industry developments to inform audit coverage and drive innovation within the Internal Audit Department (IAD).

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 the Certified Internal Auditor (CIA), is highly desirable. The ideal candidate should have demonstrated experience leading or managing internal audit engagements in complex financial services or investment banking environments, with a proven ability to supervise teams and deliver high-quality risk-based audit work. Experience engaging with senior stakeholders and the ability to challenge constructively in sensitive situations is essential. Candidates should also have post-qualification experience in front-office banking, risk management, and compliance, providing authoritative insight into core CSG activities.

Educational Background:
A university degree in finance, business, economics, law, or a related field is required. Candidates with additional professional qualifications in internal auditing, such as the CIA, will be given preference. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of the banking and financial services sector, as well as the regulatory environment in which the EBRD operates.

Experience:
Candidates should have significant experience in leading or managing internal audit engagements, particularly in complex financial services or investment banking settings. This includes a track record of supervising teams and delivering high-quality, risk-based audit work. Experience in engaging with senior stakeholders and navigating sensitive discussions is critical, as is post-qualification experience in areas such as front-office banking, risk management, and compliance. The ability to work across diverse business areas and manage multiple tasks/projects simultaneously is also essential.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, as the role requires exceptional verbal and written communication skills to articulate complex audit issues clearly to senior and diverse audiences. Proficiency in additional languages relevant to the EBRD's operational regions would be considered an asset, enhancing the candidate's ability to engage with a broader range of stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
This position is a regular contract role with no specified contract length, indicating a long-term employment opportunity. The EBRD promotes a flexible working environment, expecting employees to work in the office approximately 50% of their time. The organization values diversity and encourages applications from qualified candidates regardless of their background, gender, sexual orientation, or disabilities. The EBRD also emphasizes the importance of sustainability, equality, and digital transformation in its operations.