Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Internal audit is at a crossroads.The teams that embrace AI will lead. The ones that don't will become irrelevant. I've spent the last 14 years on the front lines of audit, risk, and governance — and I'm now building the playbook for audit leaders who want to be on the right side of that shift.I'm a Chartered Accountant (CA) and Director of Internal Audit with deep experience across hospitality, F&B, real estate, retail, and FMCG in the GCC and India. My professional certifications include CISA, FRM, FAFD, CRISP, GRCP, GRCA, and IPMP, and I'm currently pursuing the CIA qualification. I've led audit functions, built risk frameworks from the ground up, overseen forensic reviews, and partnered with audit committees and boards to deliver assurance that actually drives decisions — not just ticks boxes.But what excites me most right now is what's next.I'm deeply focused on how AI and data analytics are reshaping internal audit — from risk sensing and predictive audit planning to automated control testing and fraud detection. I believe internal audit's future isn't just about compliance. It's about becoming a strategic business partner that delivers forward-looking insights while maintaining independence and objectivity.Here on LinkedIn, I share:→ Practical frameworks for AI-enabled internal auditing→ Risk management and governance lessons from real GCC engagements→ Insights on corporate governance in hospitality, real estate, and family businesses→ Career guidance and certification roadmaps for audit professionals→ Honest reflections from 14 years of building an audit career across India, Kuwait, and Saudi ArabiaWhether you're a fellow auditor exploring AI, a risk professional in the GCC, or a governance leader looking for fresh perspectives — you'll find something valuable here.Hit Follow to join a growing community of audit and risk professionals. Have a question or want to collaborate? My DMs are always open.
Leading the Internal Audit function for a diversified investment group with operations across hospitality, F&B, real estate, retail, and corporate investments, providing independent and objective assurance to senior management and the Audit Committee. Key responsibilities and impact include: - Designing and executing risk-based internal audit plans aligned with business strategy, regulatory requirements, and emerging risk areas - Strengthening corporate governance, internal control frameworks, and risk management practices across operating entities - Partnering with senior leadership and Audit Committee members to deliver practical, value-driven audit insights beyond compliance - Overseeing forensic reviews, fraud risk assessments, and special investigations in complex operational environments - Supporting the enhancement of Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) and control maturity across the group - Leveraging data analytics and AI-enabled audit techniques to improve audit planning, control testing, risk sensing, and management reporting - Leading and mentoring the internal audit team while maintaining independence, objectivity, and professional standards
Managed and executed risk-based internal audits across hospitality, F&B, real estate, and corporate functions, supporting senior management with independent assurance and actionable insights. Key contributions included: - Leading the planning and execution of internal audit engagements in line with risk priorities and governance requirements - Assessing and strengthening internal controls, compliance, and operational risk management across operating entities - Supporting forensic reviews, fraud risk assessments, and special assignments in complex business environments - Coordinating audit reporting, management action plans, and follow-up on remediation - Contributing to the development and enhancement of internal audit methodologies, ERM, and control frameworks - Mentoring junior team members and supporting the overall effectiveness of the Internal Audit function
Led and delivered internal audit, risk management, and governance advisory engagements for listed and large private organizations across Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, UAE, and the wider Middle East, supporting boards and senior management on control, risk, and compliance matters. Key areas of work included: - Setting up and operationalising Internal Audit functions for organizations at different stages of maturity - Delivering risk-based internal audits, internal control reviews, and governance assessments across diverse industries - Advising management on Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) frameworks and risk governance structures - Supporting Audit Committees and senior leadership with actionable insights and practical recommendations - Leading multi-location engagements, managing teams, and ensuring delivery in line with global consulting and audit methodologies - Working closely with clients in hospitality, real estate, retail, FMCG, and diversified groups in complex regulatory environments
Built a strong foundation in external audit, assurance, and financial reporting through engagements with listed and non-listed companies across multiple sectors. Key experience included: - Executing and supervising statutory audits in accordance with IFRS, ISA, and applicable regulatory requirements - Identifying key business and financial risks and supporting the design of appropriate audit approaches and procedures - Reviewing financial statements and supporting group audits and consolidation assignments - Preparing audit deliverables, management letters, and reports for senior management and partners Coordinating directly with client finance teams and acting as a key point of contact during audit engagements Supervising and mentoring junior team members to ensure quality and timely delivery
> Planning for Assurance engagements including reviewing engagement risk on the clients’ respective business environments, before commencement of actual audit. > Exposure to complex clients and working on diverse environment with skills like coordination, communication and team management skills. > Conducting analytical review on FS and verifying compliance with IFRS , ISA's and other local regulations > Assist the engagement manager in meeting the client expectations and delivering quality results > To coach juniors and assist them in order to prepare engagement papers.
> Planning for Assurance engagements including reviewing engagement risk on the clients’ respective business environments, before commencement of actual audit.• > Exposure to working on both listed and private clients. Experience as an independently working on small private clients with less complexity• > Reviewed financial statements prepared by the management and verified compliance with Accounting Standards and Schedule III of Companies Act 2013• > Identifying audit issues and communicating to the engagement manager and partner.• > Independent completion of allocated areas within budgeted time•