Group Internal Audit Director

Brightwater Executive is partnering exclusively with a global insurance leader seeking an enterprise-level Group Audit Director to provide independent assurance over critical finance risks, internal controls over financial reporting (ICFR ), and financial reporting processes along with wider enterprise-wide risks.

This is a unique time to join at a group level and be part of a transformative internal audit leadership team.

The organisation has experienced significant growth through M&A and operates within a highly regulated, multi-entity environment. This role will ensure a robust emphasis on governance, risk management and control effectiveness and offers a key leadership position within a highly complex, multiple product and regional portfolio, across Europe, the UK, USA, APAC regions

Key Responsibilities:

Lead the planning, execution, completion and reporting of internal audit engagements across the Group:

• Own the ICFR Program: Drive the global framework encompassing risk assessment, scoping, testing strategy, quality assurance, training, execution oversight, and stakeholder reporting.
• Prepare and present audit materials to Group and any subsidiary Audit Committees and Boards.
• Set Coverage Strategy: Establish the risk-based audit coverage strategy for Finance-related risks and processes, prioritizing focus areas across relevant entities and regions.
• Lead Complex Audits: Direct finance, operational, governance, and pre-implementation audits from planning through to reporting, while challenging control designs and effectiveness.
• Collaborate & Influence: Engage directly with executive leadership, legal entity Audit Committees, and external auditors to drive reliance strategies, reduce duplication, and support aligned assurance.
• Deliver Strategic Insights: Present audit observations, ICFR results, emerging risk themes, and actionable recommendations to senior management forums and committees.
• Lead and deliver on wider enterprise-wide risk-based internal audits, that are aligned to the group’s strategy and risk profile.
• Coach & Mentor ahigh-performing audit team (located across 5 regions) and support technical skills development and career progression.
• Support the Group Chief Auditor on annual audit planning, methodology enhancements, quality initiatives, and strategic priorities.

The Ideal Candidate profile:

• 15+ years of progressive experience in enterprise-wide Internal Audit within a similar complex group function or Big 4 / Top 6 Audit Practice - currently operating at Senior Director / Partner Level, with sound SOX / ICFR risk management skills.
• Deep background in general insurance and / or life assurance. Other adjacent regulated financial services aligned with SoX controls and US GAAP / IFRS reporting standards may also be considered.
• Deep ICFR technical skills, covering financial reporting processes, governance frameworks, risk-based auditing principles, and IIA standards.
• Auditing Techniques: Ability to apply audit analytics and technology-enabled auditing techniques to improve risk assessment and insight generation.
• Qualifications: 3rd level degree in accounting, finance, or a related field, paired with a recognised designation (FCA, FCCA, FCPA, and / or Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) credential is a plus.
• Strong business acumen, executive presence, and the ability to build credibility, challenge assumptions constructively, and lead through influence across a multinational/matrixed environment.
• Change & Transformation: Experience supporting transformation initiatives, process improvement programs, or significant system implementations is an asset.

Estelle Davis at Brightwater Executive has been engaged exclusively on this key Group Internal Audit Director appointment.