Head of Internal Audit - MIPSL and Audit Program Management

Overview

Do you enjoy working with dynamic people to solve complex business problems? If you love a challenge, have a passion for creating clarity, program management, and cross-group collaboration, we want you. This role will serve as the Head of Internal Audit for Microsoft Ireland Payment Services Limited (MIPSL). MIPSL’s Internal Audit function reports into and is supported by the Microsoft Internal Audit Group. The Head of MIPSL Internal Audit will be approved by the MIPSL Board and the Central Bank of Ireland (CBI) in line with the CBI’s Pre-Approved Control Function (PCF) requirements. In addition, this role will lead selective, outcome-focused audit programs across other business functions within Microsoft, developing and managing risk-based coverage in partnership with senior leadership.

Responsibilities

MIPSL Head of Internal Audit (CBI PCF-13)

• Establish and maintain the MIPSL internal audit function; set and communicate the objectives, vision and strategy of internal audit; prepare and submit an internal audit charter for MIPSL Board approval setting out audit standards and governance arrangements.

• Develop and implement the MIPSL Internal Audit Plan, communicate and agree audit scope and terms of reference with department managers prior to commencement of audit work; leverage Microsoft Internal Audit resources to deliver the plan.
• Provide quarterly and annual reports to the MIPSL Board on regular and special internal audit assignments, if any.
• Maintain independence, in particular to ensure ability to appropriately deliver role as Head of Internal Audit for MIPSL  
• Make constructive proposals to the MIPSL Board for minimization of risk, remediation of deficiencies and improvement of systems, processes and controls.
• Participate in the MIPSL Audit Committee, keeping the Committee fully up to date on all internal audit matters.
• Keep up to date with emerging external (markets, regulations) and internal (business, technology, operational risk events) factors, standards and practices to identify meaningful themes and trends in the payments industry; regularly review and update the internal audit framework and audit plan so it remains current and fit-for-purpose for the nature, scale and risk profile of MIPSL’s business.
• Actively engage in financial services Internal Audit industry groups, ensuring MIPSL’s Internal Audit function is up to speed on regulatory and legislative matters impacting the payments sector in the EEA.
• Conduct special audits, investigations and advisory assignments as agreed with the MIPSL Board, the MIPSL Audit Committee or as directed by the regulator.
• Build and maintain a high-performing financial services Internal Audit capability through the leadership and training of appropriately skilled resources, ensuring the function possesses the expertise and professional competencies to deliver the Internal Audit Plan.

Selective Microsoft Business Functions Audit Programs (Non-MIPSL)

• Analyze risk trends to the business to build the annual plan for assigned business function programs, identifying trends and potential blind spots for senior leadership and the Microsoft Board of Directors.
• Lead annual program and project planning by partnering with the business to ensure key risks are addressed by the audit project.
• Provide oversight on project execution, ensuring it focuses on key risks to Microsoft.
• Influence management as a trusted advisor to clarify risks to their business and where there may be potential blind spots.
• Ensure clear and concise audit reporting of risks tested during the audit; analyze and advise management on whether their planned actions will mitigate identified risks.
• Report clear and concise analysis of audit results to identify trends and blind spots for senior leadership and the Microsoft Board of Directors.

Leadership and Culture

• Build business acumen, foster an inclusive culture, and instill a risk mindset across the audit team.
• Embody Microsoft values and “One Microsoft,” while embracing a growth mindset and driving impact. Champion an inclusive and collaborative workplace where everyone can be their best.
• Raise the technical knowledge of self and group on assigned risk areas through training and continuous professional development.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

• Hold a relevant professional qualification (e.g. CIA, ACA, ACCA, CPA, CIMA, CISA or equivalent) and have relevant experience in Internal Audit, Risk, or Assurance, including experience in a senior audit leadership role within regulated financial services.
• Deep understanding of the Irish and European regulatory landscape for payment institutions and financial services.
• Proven experience leading Internal Audit functions within regulated financial services, including developing and executing risk-based audit plans, maintaining professional standards and driving continuous improvement.
• Expertise in evaluating governance, risk management and internal control frameworks, identifying control weaknesses, conducting root cause analysis and providing pragmatic, risk-focused recommendations in line with industry best practice and regulatory expectations.

The following are preferred:

• Previous experience holding a PCF role approved by the Central Bank of Ireland (CBI) with responsibility for Internal Audit within a regulated financial services firm.
• Strong professional judgement, integrity and independence, with the confidence to challenge senior stakeholders and escalate material issues appropriately to executive and board-level forums.
• Proven program management skills, with a record of effectively managing an audit or compliance program in a decentralized, empowered and constantly changing environment.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills, including persuasive delivery of controversial messages to senior management and experience reporting to Boards, Audit Committees, executive leadership and regulators on audit opinions, findings and emerging risks.
• Ability to assess business models, emerging risks and strategic initiatives, ensuring audit coverage remains aligned to organizational objectives and regulatory expectations.
• Demonstrated knowledge and experience in drafting advisory memorandums of findings, conclusions, and recommendations for management action plans.
• Ability to travel domestically and internationally up to 20% of the year.
• A BS/BA degree in related field
• Advanced degree

Internal Audit IC5 - The typical base pay range for this role across Ireland is € 101,100.00 - € 151,700.00 per year. Certain roles may be eligible for benefits and other compensation.

Find additional benefits and pay information here:
https://careers.microsoft.com/v2/global/en/corporate-pay/ireland-corporate-pay.html

Internal Audit IC5 - The typical base pay range for this role across Ireland is € 101,100.00 - € 151,700.00 per year. Certain roles may be eligible for benefits and other compensation.

Find additional benefits and pay information here:
https://careers.microsoft.com/v2/global/en/corporate-pay/ireland-corporate-pay.html

This position will be open for a minimum of 5 days, with applications accepted on an ongoing basis until the position is filled.

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Microsoft is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry, citizenship, color, family or medical care leave, gender identity or expression, genetic information, immigration status, marital status, medical condition, national origin, physical or mental disability, political affiliation, protected veteran or military status, race, ethnicity, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by applicable local laws, regulations and ordinances. If you need assistance with religious accommodations and/or a reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application process, read more about requesting accommodations.