Head of Internal Audit / Chief Audit Executive

About the role

We are seeking a Head of Internal Audit / Chief Audit Executive to lead the independent audit function for a leading international financial services group operating in Latin America. Reporting to the Audit Committee and working closely with the General Manager, you will be accountable for designing, executing and continuously improving the Internal Audit Unit.

Key responsibilities

• Develop and obtain approval for the Annual Internal Audit Plan and monitor its execution, providing quarterly status reports to the Audit Committee and regulators.
• Conduct audits to ensure compliance with banking laws, financial regulations and supervisory mandates.
• Evaluate and improve internal policies, operational procedures and risk management frameworks.
• Oversee AML/CTF systems, assessing their effectiveness across all banking operations.
• Assess IT security, cybersecurity, data protection controls and digital transformation initiatives.
• Enforce Quality Assurance and Improvement Program (QAIP) standards and drive methodological enhancements.
• Coordinate with corporate headquarters, external auditors and regulatory examiners to streamline oversight and remediate findings.
• Present audit insights and governance updates to senior leadership and the Audit Committee.

Required profile

• Extensive experience leading internal audit functions within large financial institutions.
• Proven track record of managing audit plans, regulatory compliance and risk‑based auditing.
• Strong understanding of AML/CTF, IT security and data protection frameworks.
• Excellent communication skills for reporting to senior executives and audit committees.

Required skills

• Internal audit methodology
• Regulatory compliance assessment
• Risk management
• AML/CTF oversight
• IT security and cybersecurity evaluation