# Internal Audit Executive

**Company:** [Optimal HR](http://jobs.workable.com/companies/dueHj2NeQb2u89DZHCHQDK.md)
**Location:** Athens, Greece
**Workplace:** on site
**Employment type:** Full-time
**Department:** Talent Acquisition

[Apply for this job](http://jobs.workable.com/view/17d175ff-a548-41b5-950d-4b1fab128444)

## Description

We are looking for an **Internal Audit Executive,** on behalf of one of our renowned clients - an established firm in the broader financial services sector, to be responsible for leading the Internal Audit function and providing **independent, objective assurance** to the **Audit Committee of the Board of Directors** and the **Chief Executive Officer**.

The role carries full accountability for assessing the effectiveness and adequacy of:

-   the **internal control environment**
-   the **enterprise risk management framework**
-   the **corporate governance structure**
-   the **regulatory compliance framework**
-   the **information systems and data control environment**

Operating as the **Third Line of Defence**, the role is central to ensuring that risks are appropriately identified, managed, and reported across the organisation.

**Key Responsibilities**

**Internal Audit Function Governance**

-   Define, implement, and continuously enhance the **Internal Audit framework**, ensuring alignment with international professional standards
-   Establish and maintain the **Internal Audit Charter**, safeguarding independence and authority of the function
-   Develop audit methodologies, quality assurance processes, and reporting standards

**Audit Universe & Risk Assessment**

-   Develop and maintain a comprehensive **audit universe**, covering all business, operational, and technology domains
-   Design and implement a structured **risk assessment methodology**, enabling prioritisation of audit activities
-   Ensure continuous alignment between audit coverage and the Company’s evolving risk profile

**Risk-Based Audit Planning**

-   Design and execute a **risk-based annual audit plan**, ensuring adequate coverage of key risk areas
-   Present and justify audit priorities to the **Audit Committee**
-   Monitor execution against plan and dynamically adjust where required

**Execution of Internal Audits**

-   Oversee the delivery of **operational, financial, IT, and data audits**
-   Assess the design and operating effectiveness of internal controls
-   Identify control gaps, systemic weaknesses, and emerging risks
-   Ensure structured documentation and evidence-based conclusions

**IT, Data & Technology Risk Assurance**

-   Provide assurance over controls related to **information systems, cybersecurity, and data governance**
-   Evaluate access controls, change management processes, data protection mechanisms, and system resilience
-   Ensure adequate audit coverage of risks related to **data integrity, reporting accuracy, and infrastructure reliability**

**Reporting & Audit Committee Interaction**

-   Deliver **clear, analytical, and decision-oriented audit reports**
-   Present key findings, risk exposures, and recommendations to the **Audit Committee and CEO**
-   Monitor and report on the timely implementation of corrective actions
-   Escalate critical issues impacting control effectiveness or risk exposure

**Candidate Profile**

**Experience**

-   15+ years of experience in **Internal Audit, Risk Management, or Assurance functions**
-   Proven track record in **senior or leadership roles**, ideally within **financial services, data-driven organisations, or regulated environments**
-   Strong exposure to **IT audit, data governance, and technology-related risks**

**Education**

-   Degree in Accounting, Finance, Economics, Information Systems, or Engineering
-   Postgraduate degree in Audit, Risk Management, or Information Security is considered an asset

**Professional Certifications**

-   CIA (Certified Internal Auditor)
-   CISA (Certified Information Systems Auditor)
-   CRMA or equivalent

**Leadership Profile**

-   Ability to operate effectively at **Board and Audit Committee level**
-   Strong analytical thinking and structured problem-solving capability
-   High level of **professional integrity, independence, and judgement**
-   Ability to challenge constructively and influence senior stakeholders
-   Balance between **strategic oversight and hands-on execution**

**Compensation & Benefits**

-   Competitive executive compensation package, aligned with the seniority and strategic importance of the role
-   Performance-based **Variable Bonus (VB)** scheme, linked to clearly defined **functional and corporate KPIs**
-   Participation in a structured remuneration framework that reinforces **accountability and alignment with organisational objectives**
-   Access to **executive-level training and continuous professional development** (e.g. audit, risk, data governance, regulatory developments)
-   Exposure to **Board-level interactions and decision-making processes**
-   Opportunity to operate within a **highly professional, governance-driven environment**
-   Long-term career development within a **systemically important financial infrastructure organization**

**About Optimal**

Since 2005, Optimal has provided unparalleled, bespoke HR services to large organizations and SMEs operating in the EMEA region. We pride ourselves on delivering a 360° business support platform to our clients through 6 service divisions:

-   Talent Acquisition
-   HR Strategy & Talent Development
-   Learning & Development
-   Workforce Management
-   Recruiting
-   Outplacement