Head of Internal Audit - Director

ppAt Swissquote, we’re all in.br/All in to shake things up. All in to build the bank people actually want to use. All in to make finance less boring — and a lot more powerful. /ppWe’re Switzerland’s leading digital bank — 1,500+ people across Europe, the Middle East and Asia, building real financial solutions for over a million clients worldwide. From trading and investing to everyday banking, we cover the full picture. We move fast, but we build things we’re genuinely proud of. Have a look behind the scenes by checking Humans of Swissquote on Instagram. /ppGrowing fast creates room. Room to try things, own things, and grow at a pace most places can’t offer. Whether you like the spotlight or prefer to just put your head down and do great work, there’s space for both here. /ppWe’ve ditched the dress code — but never the chance to celebrate. Big win or small, we make it count. The kind of place where the atmosphere takes care of itself. /ppAs an equal opportunity employer, we welcome candidates from all backgrounds, experiences and perspectives to join our team and contribute to our shared success. /ppFeeling it? It’s a good start. /ph3Head of Internal Audit - Director /h3pAs the Head of Internal Audit, you will lead the Group’s independent Internal Audit function, providing objective assurance and strategic insight on the effectiveness of Swissquote’s governance, risk management and internal control framework. /ppReporting directly to the Board of Directors, the role oversees the Internal Audit function across the Swissquote Group, defining a risk-based audit strategy and ensuring appropriate coverage of financial, regulatory, operational, technology and emerging risks. /ppAs the Bank transitions from Category 4 to Category 3 under FINMA's banking categorization, Swissquote will internalize the Internal Audit function currently performed by an external provider. The objective is to broaden the risk assessment expertise, audit planning and internal audit governance in-house, while retaining the flexibility and specialist expertise of external providers through a co-sourced internal audit model. /ppThe Head of Internal Audit will lead the internalization process and build the function from the ground up, including its governance, charter, methodology, team, tools and audit universe. The role will ensure a smooth transition from the outgoing external partner and full compliance with FINMA requirements applicable to a Category 3 institution. /ppActing as a trusted advisor to senior stakeholders, the Head of Internal Audit will maintain the highest standards of independence, professional scepticism and integrity while contributing to the continuous strengthening of Swissquote’s governance and control environment. /ppThis position is a highly visible, build-and-lead mandate, with direct exposure to the Board of Directors and Audit Committee. /ph3Key Responsibilities: /h3h3Internal Audit Strategy Governance /h3ulliDefine and maintain the Internal Audit strategy, methodology and multi-year audit plan, aligned with Swissquote's business model, risk profile and regulatory requirements. /liliEstablish, maintain and periodically review the Internal Audit Charter and ensure Board approval and alignment with regulatory and professional standards. /liliDevelop a risk-based audit universe and annual audit plan, ensuring appropriate coverage of material financial, operational, technological and regulatory risks. /liliEnsure that Internal Audit operates in accordance with applicable FINMA requirements and recognised professional standards. /liliRegularly assess the effectiveness and adequacy of the Internal Audit framework and continuously improve its methodology, tools and processes. /liliMaintain an appropriate level of independence from the activities and functions being audited. /liliEstablish safeguards ensuring objectivity and independence of the Internal Audit function and address any actual, potential or perceived impairments. /liliLead and personally perform selected audits in areas where the Head of Internal Audit’s expertise is most relevant or where the use of external resources is not justified by risk, complexity, or cost. /liliMaintain overall accountability for the quality, supervision and reliance placed on work performed by co-sourcing partners and external specialists. /liliAcross the years, progressively build and develop the Internal Audit team in line with the evolution of the function and the organisation’s risk profile, with strong emphasis on internal development, cross-functional exposure and the development of future audit talent. Establish a clear vision for a lean and digitally enabled Internal Audit function, including the development of data analytics, IT audit capabilities, automated monitoring and management dashboards. /liliDesign, implement and maintain a Quality Assurance and Improvement Program (QAIP) covering internal and external assessments, performance measurement and continuous improvement of the Internal Audit function and ensure the QAIP is assessed in accordance with Global Internal Audit Standards. /liliDevelop and manage the Internal Audit budget and resource plan, ensuring sufficient capabilities and capacity to fulfil the approved audit plan. /liliEstablish and report performance metrics demonstrating the effectiveness, efficiency and value contribution of Internal Audit. /li /ulh3Risk Control Assurance /h3ulliProvide independent assurance to the Board and Executive Management on the effectiveness of Swissquote's governance, risk management and internal control framework, through a risk-based and forward-looking audit approach. /liliLead the assessment of risks across the organisation and ensure that the Internal Audit plan evolves in line with Swissquote's risk profile and business strategy. /liliChallenge management constructively on significant control weaknesses, risk exposures and remediation plans, ensuring that material findings are appropriately addressed and escalated when necessary. /li /ulh3Board and Audit Risk Committee /h3ulliAct as the primary Internal Audit advisor to the Board of Directors, providing an independent view on the overall effectiveness of Swissquote's governance, risk management and control environment. /liliPresent and discuss the Internal Audit Charter, the Internal Audit strategy, annual plan, key findings, emerging risk themes and QIAP. /li /ulh3Regulatory External Stakeholder Management /h3ulliMaintain a constructive relationship with FINMA, the external audit firm and other relevant regulatory stakeholders. /liliCoordinate, where appropriate, with external audit and other assurance functions (internal and external) to ensure appropriate coverage and avoid unnecessary duplication. /liliEnsure that Internal Audit is prepared to respond effectively to regulatory reviews and supervisory expectations. /liliMonitor regulatory developments and assess their implications for the Internal Audit plan. /li /ulh3Digital Technology Audit /h3ulliEnsure adequate audit coverage of IT architecture, applications, infrastructure and technology governance. /liliAssess cybersecurity, identity and access management, data management and technology resilience. /liliReview the governance and control environment surrounding AI and emerging technologies. /liliAI fluency, with demonstrated experience, a strong sensitivity to AI-related topics, and the ability to confidently assess and challenge AI-generated outputs. /liliDevelop appropriate use of data analytics and automation within Internal Audit. /liliEnsure Internal Audit evolves alongside Swissquote's technology and digital transformation. /li /ulh3People Leadership /h3ulliBuild, lead, develop and motivate the Internal Audit team and foster a strong culture of professional scepticism, independence, integrity and continuous improvement. /liliAttract, develop, and retain top talents while ensuring clear roles, performance goals, and career progression paths. /liliEnsure appropriate professional development and certification of Internal Audit professionals. /li /ulh3Qualifications /h3h3Education Professional Qualifications /h3ulliMaster's degree or equivalent in Finance, Accounting, Economics, Business Administration, Law or another relevant discipline from a recognised university. /liliProfessional Internal Audit qualification, Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) or Federal Diploma as a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) is a must. /liliIn-depth knowledge of the Swiss banking regulatory environment and FINMA requirements, particularly in relation to corporate governance, risk management, internal controls and Internal Audit. /liliAbility to assess the effectiveness, scope, documentation, and lessons learned from the previously outsourced internal audit model. /liliBuild strong working relationships with senior management while reinforcing the independent role of internal audit. /liliStrong understanding of international banking regulation and recognised industry practices. /liliExcellent analytical, communication, report-writing, stakeholder management, and influencing skills. /liliHigh level of integrity, independence, professional judgment, and discretion. /liliStrong business acumen with the ability to identify emerging strategic, operational, financial, and compliance risks. /liliEnglish is a must, French and German an asset. /li /ulh3Professional Experience /h3ulli10+ years of relevant experience in internal/external audit, risk management and assessment, compliance or a closely related function within financial services. /liliAt least 3 years as a Head Internal Audit, Internal Audit Director, or Big 4 Senior Manager/Director, preferably with direct exposure to the Board of Directors and/or Audit Committee, ideally with an experience managing co-sourced or outsourced audit providers. /liliDemonstrated experience within a FINMA-regulated Swiss bank or comparable internationally regulated banking environment. /liliStrong knowledge of Global Internal Audit Standards (IIA Standards 2024) and quality assessment requirements. /liliProven experience in establishing, insourcing or significantly transforming an Internal Audit function within a regulated financial institution is strongly preferred. /liliDemonstrated ability to develop an Internal Audit function from the ground up, including the Internal Audit Charter, audit universe, risk assessment methodology, audit strategy, risk-based audit plan, audit methodology, reporting framework, issue follow-up process, quality assurance programme, technology/tooling and staffing model. /liliExperience managing the transition from an outsourced Internal Audit model to an effective in-house function, including knowledge transfer, documentation handover, recruitment and selective use of co-sourcing arrangements. /liliStrong knowledge of key banking risks, including credit, market, liquidity, operational, compliance, AML/financial crime, conduct, cross-border, technology/cybersecurity and outsourcing risks. /liliProven ability to interact effectively with FINMA, external auditors, the Board/Audit Committee and senior management. /liliSignificant international exposure and experience working across multiple jurisdictions. /li /ulpSQ3 /p /p #J-18808-Ljbffr