Company Description:
As a leading global investment management firm, AB fosters diverse perspectives and embraces innovation to help our clients navigate the uncertainty of capital markets. Through high-quality research and diversified investment services, we serve institutions, individuals, and private wealth clients in major markets worldwide. Our ambition is simple: to be our clients’ most valued asset-management partner.
With about 4400 employees across 52 cities in 26 countries, our people are our advantage. We foster a culture of intellectual curiosity and collaboration to create an environment where everyone can thrive and do their best work. Whether you are producing thought-provoking research, identifying compelling investment opportunities, infusing new technologies into our business, or providing thoughtful advice to clients, we are looking for unique voices to help lead us forward. If you are ready to challenge your limits and build your future, join us.
Job Description:
The Audit Director - India in the Internal Audit Department (IAD) performs activities under the guidance of Audit Management (i.e., the Chief Audit Officer and Senior Managing Director of Internal Audit, Non-US) and is responsible for the internal audit plan for AB India. Specifically, the Audit Director annually implements and executes the assurance and advisory program designed to assess the adequacy and effectiveness of the investment management and core advisory processes, the effectiveness of internal controls, and compliance with management instituted policies and procedures and applicable regulatory rules and regulations. The Audit Director is expected to demonstrate proficiency in performing risk assessments around the country business activities, evaluating controls and risk mitigation. Through execution of diverse assignments, this position offers exposure to all levels of management and the global investment management business.
The mission of the IAD is to be a world class department which:
- Serves as a trusted advisor.
- Provides global audit assurance and advisory services that facilitate risk mitigation and operational excellence.
- Employs highly competent, well-credentialed personnel applying audit best practice standards; whose priorities are deeply aligned with the interests of the firm’s clients and unit holders.
SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES:
The Audit Director is responsible for performing the following duties with assistance from direct reports and/or other pooled teams in local and remote locations (London, Nashville, Taipei, Hong Kong, and Pune).
Maintaining high standards of audit quality by the following means:
- Performing and reviewing risk assessments.
- Managing a team in developing and planning the scope of assignments.
- Monitoring the status of audits and reviewing workpapers to ensure that sufficient documentation supports audit findings and that the workpapers comply with IAD Standards.
- Coordinating co-sourcing engagements, if any.
- Participating in audit planning, progress, and wrap-up meetings.
- Preparing and reviewing audit report drafts to ensure full and complete reporting of essential information in a professional manner.
- Follow-up on implementation of agreed corrective actions with Management.
- Oversee AB India’s IAD function with at least four local direct reports.
Assist Audit Management in accomplishing the following:
- Preparation of risk assessments/annual audit plans.
- Recruitment of IAD staff.
- Preparation of staff evaluations.
- Communication of audit plans with department heads.
- Preparation of Global Audit and Risk Committee materials and presentation, as necessary.
- Preparation of Strategic Business Unit/country governance committee materials and present at meetings.
- Assist with budgeting as required.
- Completion/update of Better Audit Management System (BAMS) in preparation of the monthly KPI Reporting.
This position requires the Audit Director to perform detailed audit procedures in addition to managerial oversight and team development.
OTHER EXPECTATIONS:
- Leading the ICFR testing program for the local India office.
- Manage/conduct audits assignments within India/overall non-US regions and participate in Global audits.
- Coordinate audit activities with the other IAD teams when appropriate.
- Provide practical solutions to achieve risk mitigation.
- Participate in internal audit scope (Brainstorming) meetings and audit report review meetings (Peer Review Committee) meetings for Global IAD.
- Establish and maintain Executive and Senior Management stakeholder relationships.
- Represent Internal Audit at local Board of Directors and at other governance bodies.
- Keep current as to the development of relevant technology, industry, regulatory and corporate matters that may affect the firm and the scope of the IAD’s work.
- Keep abreast of evolving audit techniques and practices.
- Monitor internal and external emerging risks for possible pivot for coverage as applicable.
- Maintain any country IAD regulatory designations/registrations and meet required responsibilities.
- Liaise with country regulators as required, respond to inquiries and follow-up, fulfill any ad hoc or regular regulatory requests/reporting.
- Contribute to the strength of the IAD through participation in appropriate professional associations.
- Demonstrate leadership qualities in all aspects of their responsibilities.
- Mentor and develop staff.
- Create a positive climate to foster teamwork and achievement of department goals.
REQUIREMENTS FOR CANDIDACY:
This position requires:
- A university degree.
- Recognized India accountancy certification.
- At least ten plus (10+) years’ experience within financial services. Fund management experience desirable.
- Internal audit experience, although similar risk and controls assessment skills gained in business operations, compliance or risk management will be considered.
- Working knowledge of the India Companies Act as it relates to private companies and the responsibilities of the appointed Internal Auditor (Section 1 Section 138 of the Companies Act, 2013, read with Rule 13 of the Companies (Accounts) Rules, 2014).
- Working knowledge of the USA Sarbanes-Oxley Act – Section 404 as well as India IFCR under the Companies Act, 2013.
- Working knowledge of the Indian Standards on Internal Audit issued by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India.
Personal Attributes:
- Self-starter. Must be able to work without frequent direct supervision.
- Comfortable as an individual contributor on assignments and collaboratively as part of a team.
- Adaptable. Ability to operate in a diverse, cross-functional and international environment.
- Strong project management and administrative skills
- Strong influencing, relationship management and team building skills.
- Strong analytical skills and proactive problem solver with the ability to thoroughly identify and investigate issues.
- Well-developed technical skills in use of Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Visio. Data analytics and AI capabilities desirable.
- Ability to communicate clearly, concisely and with conviction with all levels of business management and manage confidential information and sensitive matters with tact.
- Fluent verbal and written English.
Location:
- Pune.
- The ability to travel internationally if needed. Expected to be minimal to none.
