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Assistant Director - GDS Internal Audit
The opportunity
This role will be part of the GDS Internal Audit team, which is focused on in-house audits for GDS globally.
We are looking for candidates with strong technical depth in internal auditing, sound professional judgement, and the ability to leverage technology, data analytics, and emerging tools (including AI enabled audit techniques) to enhance audit quality and efficiency.
You will play a key leadership role in planning, overseeing, and delivering internal audits across the organisation, while partnering with senior stakeholders to strengthen risk management, governance, and control environments. This role involves managing teams, leading complex engagements, and driving high-quality audit outcomes across functions.
Your key responsibilities
Audit Planning & Execution
- Lead and oversee end-to-end internal audit engagements , including risk assessments, scoping, planning, execution, reporting, and follow-up.
- Ensure audits are executed in line with the Internal Audit methodology , IIA standards, and organisational policies.
- Apply risk-based judgement to prioritise audit areas, identify emerging risks, and adjust audit scope where necessary.
- Review audit workpapers, testing results, and audit reports to ensure quality, clarity, and consistency .
- Leverage data analytics, automation, and technology-enabled audit techniques to enhance audit effectiveness and efficiency.
Stakeholder Management & Business Partnership
- Act as a trusted advisor to senior management and function leaders , providing practical, value-adding insights on risks, controls, and governance
- Lead discussions on audit observations, risk implications, and remediation actions with stakeholders.
- Drive agreement on root causes, risk ownership, and realistic remediation plans , while maintaining professional independence.
- Manage stakeholder relationships effectively, including navigating sensitive discussions and competing priorities
Team Leadership & People Development
- Lead, coach, and develop audit team members across levels
- Allocate work, manage performance, and provide timely feedback aligned with audit quality and professional standards.
- Build team capability in technical auditing, risk assessment, documentation quality, and stakeholder engagement .
- Serve as a role model for professional scepticism, ethical behaviour, and audit excellence.
Risk, Governance & Continuous Improvement
- Contribute to the annual audit planning process , risk assessments, and audit universe updates.
- Identify systemic issues, trends, and emerging risks across audits and escalate appropriately.
- Support continuous improvement of audit methodology , templates, reporting standards, and use of technology.
- Provide input into management reporting, dashboards, and presentations for senior leadership committees.
Quality, Compliance & Professional Standards
- Ensure compliance with IIA Standards , internal quality assurance requirements, and regulatory expectations where applicable.
- Maintain confidentiality and independence while exercising sound professional judgement.
Skills and attributes for success
Technical & Professional Skills
- Strong understanding of internal audit, risk management, and internal control frameworks .
- Extensive experience in leading audits, including complex and concurrent audits
- Strong understanding of organisational processes across functions such as Finance, Procurement, Operations, Talent, and Shared Services
- High standards of audit documentation, review, and reporting
- Strong analytical mindset with the ability to identify root causes, trends, and practical solutions
- Experience in leveraging data analytics, audit tools, and technology-enabled audit approaches
- Exposure to AI-based audit tools, automation, and emerging audit technologies is an advantage
Leadership & Behavioural Skills
- Strong judgement, decision-making, and problem-solving capabilities.
- Confident communicator with the ability to influence and challenge constructively at senior levels
- Strong stakeholder management and relationship-building skills
- Well-organised, resilient, and able to manage competing priorities in a dynamic environment
- Proven ability to lead and develop teams, including coaching and performance management
- High level of integrity, professionalism, and ethical standards
To qualify for the role, you must have
- Chartered Accountant (CA) / CPA / ACCA / CIA or equivalent professional qualification
- Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business, or a related discipline
- 10–14+ years of relevant experience in Internal Audit
- Demonstrated experience in leading audits and managing teams in a complex, global environment
Ideally, you’ll also have
- Experience in a Big 4 / large professional services firm or a complex multinational organisation
- Experience across multiple domains such as Finance, Procurement, Operations, IT, or Shared Services
- Familiarity with data analytics driven audits and continuous auditing approaches
- Experience working in a global, matrixed organisation or shared services environment
- Strong interest in leveraging technology, automation, and AI in audit processes
- A mindset focused on quality, continuous improvement, and value addition
What we look for
- A strong leader with the ability to manage teams and drive high-quality audit outcomes
- Someone who can balance control assurance with practical business insights and stakeholder expectations
- A professional with strong judgement, resilience, and decision-making capability
- High integrity, professionalism, and accountability
- Ability to influence senior stakeholders and drive meaningful change
What we Offer
At EY, we’ll develop you with future-focused skills and equip you with world-class experiences. We’ll empower you in a flexible environment, and fuel you and your extraordinary talents in a diverse and inclusive culture of globally connected teams.
What working at GDS EY offers
EY GDS is a dynamic and truly global delivery network. We work across multiple locations – Argentina, Hungary, India, Mexico, the Philippines, Poland, Spain, Sri Lanka and the UK – and with teams from all EY service lines, geographies and sectors, playing a vital role in the delivery of the EY growth strategy. From accountants to coders to advisory consultants, we offer a wide variety of fulfilling career opportunities that span all business disciplines. In GDS, you will collaborate with EY teams on exciting projects and work with well-known brands from across the globe. We’ll introduce you to an ever-expanding ecosystem of people, learning, skills and insights that will stay with you throughout your career.
- Continuous learning : You’ll develop the mindset and skills to navigate whatever comes next.
- Success as defined by you : We’ll provide the tools and flexibility, so you can make a meaningful impact, your way.
- Transformative leadership: We’ll give you the insights, coaching and confidence to be the leader the world needs.
- Diverse and inclusive culture : You’ll be embraced for who you are and empowered to use your voice to help others find theirs.
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