head of internal audit.

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced and proactive Head of Internal Audit to establish and lead the internal audit function for a rapidly growing manufacturing company in Malaysia. This role is critical in driving strong governance, risk management, and internal control frameworks in preparation for the company’s initial public offering (IPO) on the Malaysian stock exchange. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in audit and risk management, preferably in a pre-IPO or public listed company environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Establish, develop, and lead the internal audit function, including strategy, frameworks, and audit plans aligned with the company’s IPO readiness and long-term goals.

• Design and execute risk-based audit programs across operations, finance, compliance, and IT, with a focus on internal control effectiveness and operational efficiency.

• Assess and strengthen internal controls, policies, and governance structures in alignment with Bursa Malaysia and regulatory requirements.

• Provide independent assurance to the Audit Committee and senior management on the adequacy of internal controls, risk management, and corporate governance practices.

• Collaborate with external consultants, auditors, and legal advisors to support IPO readiness, including internal control over financial reporting (ICFR), regulatory compliance, and documentation.

• Monitor and report on key risks, audit findings, and remediation status, providing strategic recommendations and follow-up actions to management.

• Build and lead a competent internal audit team capable of supporting the company's growth and complexity post-IPO.

• Stay up to date with emerging risks, audit trends, and regulatory changes relevant to the manufacturing and public listing environment.

Key Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business, or a related field; Professional certifications such as CIA, CPA, ACCA, or CIMA are required.

• Minimum 10 years of relevant experience in internal audit, with at least 3–5 years in a leadership role. Big 4 background or prior IPO/internal audit setup experience is highly desirable.

• Strong knowledge of internal controls, risk management frameworks, and regulatory compliance requirements for public listed companies in Malaysia.

• Experience in a manufacturing environment is a must.

• Proven ability to establish and lead an internal audit function from the ground up.

• Strong stakeholder management and communication skills, with the ability to influence at board and senior management levels.

• High integrity, independence, and a hands-on approach.