Head of Internal Audit - Director

Job Description

As 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.

Reporting directly to the Board of Directors and its Audit & Risk Committee, 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.

As 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.

The 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.

Acting 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.

This position is a highly visible, build-and-lead mandate, with direct exposure to the Board of Directors and Audit Committee.

Key Responsibilities: 

Internal Audit Strategy & Governance 

• Define and maintain the Internal Audit strategy, methodology and multi-year audit plan, aligned with Swissquote's business model, risk profile and regulatory requirements. 
• Establish, maintain and periodically review the Internal Audit Charter and ensure Board approval and alignment with regulatory and professional standards.
• Develop a risk-based audit universe and annual audit plan, ensuring appropriate coverage of material financial, operational, technological and regulatory risks. 
• Ensure that Internal Audit operates in accordance with applicable FINMA requirements and recognised professional standards. 
• Regularly assess the effectiveness and adequacy of the Internal Audit framework and continuously improve its methodology, tools and processes.
• Maintain an appropriate level of independence from the activities and functions being audited. 
• Establish safeguards ensuring objectivity and independence of the Internal Audit function and address any actual, potential or perceived impairments.
• Lead 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.
• Maintain overall accountability for the quality, supervision and reliance placed on work performed by co-sourcing partners and external specialists.
• Across 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.
• Design, 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.
• Develop and manage the Internal Audit budget and resource plan, ensuring sufficient capabilities and capacity to fulfil the approved audit plan.
• Establish and report performance metrics demonstrating the effectiveness, efficiency and value contribution of Internal Audit.

Risk & Control Assurance 

• Provide 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. 
• Lead 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. 
• Challenge management constructively on significant control weaknesses, risk exposures and remediation plans, ensuring that material findings are appropriately addressed and escalated when necessary. 

Board and Audit & Risk Committee 

• Act as the primary Internal Audit advisor to the Board of Directors and its Audit & Risk Committee, providing an independent view on the overall effectiveness of Swissquote's governance, risk management and control environment. 
• Present and discuss the Internal Audit Charter, the Internal Audit strategy, annual plan, key findings, emerging risk themes and QIAP. 

Regulatory & External Stakeholder Management 

• Maintain a constructive relationship with FINMA, the external audit firm and other relevant regulatory stakeholders. 
• Coordinate, where appropriate, with external audit and other assurance functions (internal and external) to ensure appropriate coverage and avoid unnecessary duplication. 
• Ensure that Internal Audit is prepared to respond effectively to regulatory reviews and supervisory expectations. 
• Monitor regulatory developments and assess their implications for the Internal Audit plan. 

Digital & Technology Audit 

• Ensure adequate audit coverage of IT architecture, applications, infrastructure and technology governance. 
• Assess cybersecurity, identity and access management, data management and technology resilience. 
• Review the governance and control environment surrounding AI and emerging technologies. 
• AI fluency, with demonstrated experience, a strong sensitivity to AI-related topics, and the ability to confidently assess and challenge AI-generated outputs.
• Develop appropriate use of data analytics and automation within Internal Audit. 
• Ensure Internal Audit evolves alongside Swissquote's technology and digital transformation. 

People Leadership 

• Build, lead, develop and motivate the Internal Audit team and foster a strong culture of professional scepticism, independence, integrity and continuous improvement. 
• Attract, develop, and retain top talents while ensuring clear roles, performance goals, and career progression paths. 
• Ensure appropriate professional development and certification of Internal Audit professionals. 

Qualifications

Education & Professional Qualifications

• Master's degree or equivalent in Finance, Accounting, Economics, Business Administration, Law or another relevant discipline from a recognised university.
• Professional Internal Audit qualification, Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) or Federal Diploma as a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) is a must.
• In-depth knowledge of the Swiss banking regulatory environment and FINMA requirements, particularly in relation to corporate governance, risk management, internal controls and Internal Audit.
• Ability to assess the effectiveness, scope, documentation, and lessons learned from the previously outsourced internal audit model.
• Build strong working relationships with senior management while reinforcing the independent role of internal audit.
• Strong understanding of international banking regulation and recognised industry practices.
• Excellent analytical, communication, report-writing, stakeholder management, and influencing skills.
• High level of integrity, independence, professional judgment, and discretion.
• Strong business acumen with the ability to identify emerging strategic, operational, financial, and compliance risks.
• English is a must, French and German an asset. 

Professional Experience

• 10+ years of relevant experience in internal/external audit, risk management and assessment, compliance or a closely related function within financial services. 
• At 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.
• Demonstrated experience within a FINMA-regulated Swiss bank or comparable internationally regulated banking environment.
• Strong knowledge of Global Internal Audit Standards (IIA Standards 2024) and quality assessment requirements.
• Proven experience in establishing, insourcing or significantly transforming an Internal Audit function within a regulated financial institution is strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated 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.
• Experience 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.
• Strong knowledge of key banking risks, including credit, market, liquidity, operational, compliance, AML/financial crime, conduct, cross-border, technology/cybersecurity and outsourcing risks.
• Proven ability to interact effectively with FINMA, external auditors, the Board/Audit Committee and senior management.
• Significant international exposure and experience working across multiple jurisdictions.

Additional Information

Please note that Swissquote never requests sensitive personal information or payment of any kind during the recruitment process. Any such request is fraudulent.

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