Director of Internal Audit

About Riyadh University of Arts

Riyadh University of Arts (RUA) is an institution focused on cross-cultural arts education and creative innovation. The university aims to foster ideas that inspire progress and transform society through industry and academic collaboration, rethinking creative education within a culturally inspiring environment. RUA's vision is to be a beacon of knowledge, integrating culture and arts to empower students and foster creativity and cultural exchange. Its mission is to cultivate an innovative educational environment in culture and arts, delivering programs that enrich both Saudi and global communities.

The Role of Director of Internal Audit

The Director of Internal Audit will lead the internal audit function at Riyadh University of Arts, based in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. This full-time position involves developing and executing the internal audit strategy, ensuring compliance, managing risks, and providing assurance across various operational areas. The role requires a professional with over 10 years of experience in internal audit, capable of guiding a team and collaborating with leadership to enhance governance and control frameworks.

Key Responsibilities

• Drive the design and development of the Internal Audit strategy in collaboration with RUA's Leadership.
• Set Internal Audit's performance objectives and monitor progress.
• Oversee Internal Audit's budgeting cycle and lead the budgeting process.
• Formulate strategies to achieve positive financial impact and mitigate financial and operational risks.
• Direct the development and oversee the implementation of Internal Audit's policies, systems, processes, procedures, and controls.
• Oversee escalated non-compliance case resolution and reduce non-compliance.
• Participate in the identification and recruitment of key talent for the Internal Audit team.
• Guide, mentor, and support direct reports, developing performance objectives and providing feedback.
• Develop and maintain the annual Internal Audit plan based on risk assessments and organizational priorities.
• Lead Internal Audit scoping, planning, and coordination with business units.
• Translate Internal Audit findings into actionable recommendations.
• Report Internal Audit priorities, progress, and results to executive leadership and the Board.
• Direct Internal Audit engagements across financial, administrative, operational, and compliance areas.
• Review control design and operating effectiveness to identify gaps and inefficiencies.
• Oversee Internal Audit fieldwork, evidence evaluation, and conclusion setting.
• Validate that Internal Audit reports are clear, accurate, and supported by sufficient evidence.
• Oversee compliance-related Internal Audit activity and monitor remediation of agreed actions.
• Escalate significant control weaknesses, fraud indicators, and regulatory issues.
• Coordinate with external accountability bodies and regulatory stakeholders.
• Recommend control enhancements and risk mitigation measures.
• Build trusted relationships with senior leaders while maintaining independence and objectivity.
• Communicate Internal Audit insights to support informed decision-making and accountability.
• Partner with organizational units to track implementation of Internal Audit recommendations.

Qualifications and Experience

• A minimum of 10 years of experience in internal audit.
• Demonstrated ability to lead and develop an Internal Audit team.
• Experience in strategic planning and budget management for an audit function.
• Proficiency in developing and implementing policies, processes, and procedures.
• Strong understanding of governance, risk management, and internal controls.
• Ability to translate audit findings into actionable recommendations.
• Experience in reporting audit priorities and results to executive leadership and boards.
• Proven track record in overseeing compliance-related activities and managing investigations.

Work Environment

This is a full-time position located in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The Director of Internal Audit will operate within a dynamic academic environment, contributing to the development of Saudi Arabia’s cultural ecosystem and creative economy in alignment with Saudi Vision 2030.

About Riyadh University of Arts

RUA is positioned as a platform for discovery and a center for nurturing talent, serving as a gateway for Saudi art and culture to the world. As the first institution of its kind in the MENA region, RUA aims to be a hub of creativity, knowledge, and innovation, contributing to the growth of Saudi Arabia’s cultural sector.