Head of Internal Audit - SMBC

Headquartered in Tokyo, Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation (SMBC) is a leading global financial institution and a core member of Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group (SMBC Group). Built upon our rich Japanese heritage since 1876, we put our customers first and provide seamless access to, from and within the Asia Pacific region. SMBC is one of the largest Japanese banks by assets and maintain strong credit ratings across our global integrated network. We work closely as one SMBC Group to offer personal, corporate and investment banking services to meet the needs of our customers.

With sustainability embedded within our strategy and operations, we are committed to creating a society in which today's generation can enjoy economic prosperity and well-being, and pass it on to future generations.

The incumbent will play a pivotal role within the department to ensure effective oversight of audit activities and risk management tailored to SMBC India Division. You will work closely with the regional internal audit teams and senior management in IADAP to assess and monitor the performance of audit functions across branches in India, ensuring alignment with SMBC established internal audit frameworks, methodologies, and quality standards. Your responsibilities will include facilitating risk-based supervision, enhancing collaboration among audit teams, and fostering knowledge sharing to strengthen control mechanisms, compliance, and risk management practices throughout the organization in accordance with regulatory expectations set forth by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI).

Key Responsibilities

• Responsible for SMBC India Division audit-related matters, coordinate pre-consultations / approvals by IADAP for appointment of internal audit key personnel, updates to local audit policies, methodologies, and ensuring timely reporting and escalation of significant issues to senior management.
• Develop and organise the internal audit plan for SMBC India Division, ensuring alignment with SMBC India Division objectives, SMBC internal audit framework and local regulatory standards.
• Supervise risk-based audits covering governance, risk management, compliance, and operational controls, to ensure delivery of requirements as mandated by IADAP management and provide independent assurance on the effectiveness of internal controls, risk management, and governance processes.
• Monitor and evaluate the implementation of audit recommendations and remediation actions by stakeholder management.

• Respond to RBI on internal audit related matters, support regulatory inspection process, oversee audit attestation for regulatory submissions, as well as remediation of regulatory findings raised toward internal audit.
• Monitor changes in local regulatory requirements and adapt audit strategies accordingly, to ensure compliance with RBI regulations, local laws, and SMBC internal audit standards.

• Collaborate with SMBC India Division senior management and key business stakeholders to present audit findings, recommendations and audit status updates.
• Keep a continuous eye on the SMBC India Division risk landscape and promote a culture of control awareness and risk management across SMBC India branches / business units.

• Mentor and develop a team of high performing internal auditors in SMBC India Division, fostering a culture of excellence and ensuring continuous professional development.

Requirements

• Bachelor or Master degree in Accounting, Finance, Business, or a related field. Certification in internal auditing (e.g., CIA), Chartered Accountant (CA) or equivalent is preferred.
• Minimum of 12~15 years of experience of internal audit within financial institutions is required. Candidates should have expertise in both corporate and and retail banking products.
• Experience in leading audits in a complex, multi-branch environment.
• Strong analytical, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to work in a dynamic regulatory environment with evolving compliance requirements.
• Experience in data analytics and technology-driven audits is a plus.