Senior Associate - Retail Banking and Operations Audit

About QNB Group

Founded in 1964 as Qatar's first Qatari-owned commercial bank, QNB Group has evolved into the largest banking entity across the Middle East and Africa regions. Operating in over 31 countries across three continents, QNB serves around 20 million customers with a network of more than 1,000 locations and 4,300 ATMs, employing over 28,000 people. It is highly rated by agencies such as Standard & Poor’s (A), Moody’s (Aa3), and Fitch (A+), and has earned multiple international accolades. Recognized as the most valuable bank brand in the MEA region, QNB actively supports community, educational, and sports initiatives.

Job Purpose

This role supports the Senior Vice President in executing retail banking and operations audits as per approved plans, providing independent assurance and advisory services within the Group Internal Audit Division. Key duties include managing audit activities, enhancing audit methods using data analytics and continuous auditing to boost efficiency and prompt risk detection, maintaining adherence to internal and external audit standards, and supporting compliance with regulatory mandates. This position plays a vital part in safeguarding customer trust, financial crime prevention, and regulatory compliance in the retail banking domain.

Core Responsibilities

• Assist in executing a risk-based audit plan aligned with group strategy to avoid financial, reputational, and operational risks.
• Identify compliance and operational risks that may affect financial outcomes and reputation, delivering practical mitigation recommendations.
• Assess effectiveness of retail banking and operational processes to strengthen governance and controls.
• Maintain performance standards and efficiency, driving cost-effectiveness and productivity improvements.
• Foster strong collaboration with retail banking, operations teams, and cross-functional business units.
• Communicate audit results and risk insights to senior leaders and stakeholders clearly and comprehensively.
• Serve as a trusted advisor on internal controls, consumer protection, crime prevention, and regulation adherence.
• Handle client queries related to bank products and facilitate suitable resolutions promptly.
• Perform full audit cycles for domestic retail banking and operational engagements complying with all relevant audit manuals and standards.
• Assist team leaders with audit planning, risk assessment, field testing, reporting, and issue follow-ups ensuring quality and timely completion.
• Collaborate to cover subsidiaries and control functions thoroughly and improve audit practices.
• Drive incorporation of data analytics and real-time continuous auditing within audits to enhance risk evaluation.
• Engage in ongoing professional development and certification pursuits, including CIA, CISA, CAMS, CRMA, CFA.
• Comply fully with legal, regulatory, and internal compliance policies, including but not limited to AML, CFT, sanctions, data protection, fraud control, and whistleblowing guidelines.
• Adhere to the Three Lines of Defense principles and promote a culture of compliance and ethics within the organization.
• Maintain comprehensive knowledge of relevant banking laws, consumer protection, market conduct, and regulatory frameworks.

Qualifications & Experience

• University degree in Banking, Finance, Accounting, Economics, Business Administration, IT, or related fields; Masters preferred.
• Minimum of 2 years' experience in internal audit, compliance, or related roles focused on retail banking and operations within a recognized bank.
• Certifications such as Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) are preferred; additional qualifications like CPA or CISA are advantageous.

Additional Information

• Applicants must provide a Resume/CV, copy of Passport or QID, and education certificate upon application.