Internal Audit Manager

Functional Lead – Internal Audit

The Role

Our client is a well-established financial institution looking to strengthen its Internal Audit function with the appointment of a Functional Lead – Internal Audit .

Internal Audit plays an independent role in ensuring the effectiveness of the organisation's risk management, internal controls and operational processes. Through a structured, risk-based approach, the department provides assurance to senior management and supports the organisation in maintaining strong governance standards.

As Functional Lead, you will play an important role in the continued development and management of the audit team. You will provide technical guidance and challenge to auditors throughout the audit process, oversee the quality and consistency of audit deliverables, and support the Chief Audit Executive in delivering the department's strategy and operational objectives.

You will also act as a key point of contact for senior stakeholders, including executive management and the Audit Committee.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide functional leadership across a number of audit domains, overseeing the delivery and effectiveness of audit assignments.

• Guide, coach and challenge auditors throughout the full audit lifecycle, from initial planning and scope definition through to reporting.

• Review and validate audit plans, work programmes, testing approaches, findings and final reports.

• Ensure audit activities comply with established methodologies and professional standards, including those of the Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA).

• Monitor the quality and consistency of audit findings, overall audit assessments and supporting documentation.

• Coordinate the annual audit cycle across assigned business areas, including audit universe reviews, risk assessments and evaluation of results.

• Maintain an ongoing understanding of risks and developments across assigned business domains, acting as a central point of contact for relevant stakeholders.

• Build effective relationships across the organisation, working closely with business teams and second-line functions such as Risk and Compliance.

• Contribute to the ongoing improvement of audit methodologies, processes and ways of working.

• Support the Chief Audit Executive with strategic and operational activities, including the preparation of materials for senior management and Audit Committee meetings.

Your Profile

• Master's degree, preferably in Economics, Business, Finance or a related field, or equivalent relevant professional experience within financial services.

• At least 3–5 years of relevant experience in Internal Audit, Risk Management or a closely related discipline.

• Previous experience in a functional leadership, audit coordination or senior audit role is highly desirable.

• Strong technical knowledge of internal audit and risk management principles, with the ability to guide and challenge experienced professionals.

• CIA or CISA certification is an advantage, or a willingness to obtain one.

• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to present complex topics clearly to senior management.

• Strong analytical capabilities and a structured, methodical approach to problem-solving.

• A proactive and results-oriented mindset, with the ability to work independently and manage competing priorities.

• Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to motivate, coach and develop team members.

• High levels of integrity, resilience and assertiveness, with the ability to perform effectively under pressure and within tight deadlines.

• Fluent in Dutch and French, with an excellent command of English.

• Willingness to travel regularly between the organisation's offices in different Belgian locations.