Manager – Internal Audit

Waystone leads the way in specialist services for the asset management industry.

Partnering with institutional investors, investment funds and asset managers, Waystone builds, supports and protects investment structures and strategies worldwide.

With over 20 years' experience and a comprehensive range of specialist services to its name, Waystone is now serving assets under management in excess of $2Tn. Waystone provides its clients with the guidance and tools to allow them to focus on managing their investment goals with confidence.

This role will be an integral part of the team's success. The Manager within the Waystone Compliance Solutions Services function will primarily focus on delivering Internal Audit services to a diverse portfolio of external clients. As a key member of the Compliance Solutions Services team, they will be responsible for addressing clients' compliance needs, with Internal Audit as the core area of focus. Additional responsibilities will include gap analysis, licensing applications, drafting policies, conducting training, and other ad hoc compliance-related tasks. The minimum expectations for the role are outlined below.

Essential Duties And Responsibilities

• Lead Internal Audit engagements for a portfolio of clients, ensuring audits are conducted effectively, efficiently, and in accordance with regulatory and industry standards.
• Develop and execute Internal Audit plans based on clients' regulatory obligations and risk profiles, identifying key gaps and recommending remediation measures.
• Provide detailed findings and actionable recommendations to clients, ensuring risks are understood and internal controls are implemented appropriately.
• Maintain comprehensive records of all work performed, including supporting documents, checklists, and relevant communications.
• Continuously monitor regulatory changes and incorporate updates into Internal Audit processes to maintain compliance and best practices.
• Lead major Internal Audit projects, including framework development, audit checklists, and engagement proposals for licensed entities across the UAE mainland, Abu Dhabi Global Markets, Dubai International Finance Centre.
• Implement process and system improvements to enhance efficiency, scalability, and quality of audit delivery.
• Identify opportunities to expand Internal Audit services and contribute to business development initiatives.
• Supervise, mentor, and guide team members, providing coaching on Internal Audit and compliance-related work.
• Manage workload distribution, engagement, retention, professional development, and wellbeing of team members.
• Conduct performance monitoring, reviews, and provide actionable feedback to drive consistent high performance within the team.
• Liaise professionally and independently with clients, external auditors, fund administrators, and regulatory authorities such as Financial Services Regulatory Authority, Dubai Financial Services Authority, Securities and Commodities Authority and Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority, ensuring timely and effective communication.
• Participate in client-facing initiatives, including networking events and business development opportunities, to promote services and expand client relationships.
• Influence operational practices and internal controls by leveraging expertise in regulatory and audit standards.
• Demonstrate deep knowledge of the financial regulatory sector, particularly fund management and payment services, and maintain awareness of relevant jurisdictions.
• Attend trainings, seminars, and external courses to continually enhance professional knowledge and maintain subject matter expertise.
• Lead the development and dissemination of internal and client-facing knowledge materials to strengthen the firm's compliance and audit capabilities.
• Oversee alignment of finance processes to ensure client payments reflect completion of audit work and engagement terms.
• Undertake additional ad hoc projects or initiatives as required to meet business demands and departmental objectives.
• Assist in communicating and liaising with the Financial Services Regulatory Authority, the Dubai Financial Services Authority, the Securities and Commodities Authority and the Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority.
• Display an in-depth understanding of the financial regulatory sector.
• Identify opportunities to cross-sell our services.
• Where suitable, attend networking events to promote our services.
• Attend external trainings and courses to continue gaining professional knowledge.
• Follow current Waystone policies and procedures as set out in the Employee Handbook and/or develop additional policies as needed for the jurisdiction specifically.

Experience

• Minimum 3 to 5 years' experience in financial regulatory compliance in the UAE.
• Deep expertise in Internal Audit and regulatory compliance within financial services.
• Proven ability to manage complex projects and lead teams with multiple responsibilities.
• Ability to work independently in a pressurised environment and with tight deadlines
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, including external engagement.
• Recognised subject matter expert capable of influencing operational practices and departmental strategy.
• Fluent in English (written and spoken).
• Proficient in MS Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, and Teams).

Education:

• Internationally 3rd level professional qualification required.