Job description

Role Overview
We are seeking an experienced AML Internal Audit Specialist to support the Internal Audit function of a leading fintech organization. The role will focus on evaluating the effectiveness of Anti-Money Laundering (AML), Counter-Terrorist Financing (CTF), sanctions screening, KYC, and financial crime compliance controls in line with regulatory requirements and industry best practices.

Key Responsibilities

• Plan and execute AML and Financial Crime audits across business units.
• Assess the adequacy and effectiveness of AML, KYC/CDD/EDD, sanctions screening, and transaction monitoring controls.
• Review compliance with UAE Central Bank regulations and applicable AML laws.
• Evaluate suspicious transaction reporting (STR/SAR) processes and escalation mechanisms.
• Identify control gaps, compliance risks, and process weaknesses.
• Conduct root cause analysis and recommend practical remediation measures.
• Prepare audit reports with clear findings, risk ratings, and recommendations.
• Follow up on audit observations and validate closure of corrective actions.
• Engage with stakeholders to strengthen governance and regulatory compliance frameworks.
• Support special investigations and regulatory reviews where required.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or related field.
• Professional certifications preferred: CIA, CAMS, CFE, ACCA, CPA, or equivalent.
• 8-10 years of Internal Audit experience with significant exposure to AML and Financial Crime Compliance.
• Strong understanding of AML/CTF regulations, sanctions compliance, and financial crime risk management.
• Experience within fintech, digital payments, banking, or regulated financial institutions.
• Excellent report writing and stakeholder management skills.
• Knowledge of data analytics and audit tools is an advantage.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, Risk Management, or a related discipline.
• Professional certification such as CIA, ACCA, CA, CPA, CFE, CRBA, or equivalent.
• 8-15+ years of Internal Audit, Risk Advisory, Compliance, Governance, or Internal Controls experience.
• Prior experience within a Big 4 firm (EY, Deloitte, PwC, or KPMG) is highly preferred.
• Experience within large organizations, industrial operations, utilities, environmental services, infrastructure, manufacturing, or diversified groups is desirable