Assistant Director (Internal Audit)

The Assistant Director, Internal Audit reports to the Director of Internal Audit (DIA) and is a senior leadership role within the Internal Audit Office at HKUST.

The appointee will lead and oversee internal audit and advisory engagements across financial, compliance, operational efficiency and governance-related areas.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead and oversee internal audit and advisory engagements, applying appropriate methodologies and delivering practical, independent and value-added recommendations that support sustainable improvements across the University.
• Support the DIA in shaping audit scopes, audit approaches and review priorities, ensuring the audit work is risk-based, proportionate and aligned with University priorities.
• Review and challenge audit work, observations and draft reports to ensure conclusions are well-substantiated, balanced, evidenced-based and clearly articulated.
• Prepare, review high-quality audit report, management papers and Audit Committee materials, ensuring audit deliverables are completed to an appropriate professional standard and within agreed timelines.
• Engage constructively with senior management and stakeholders on audit findings, risk implications and improvement opportunities, providing objective and independent advice while maintaining appropriate professional independence.
• Contribute to the enhancement of audit methodologies, reporting practices, data analytics capabilities and other initiatives supporting the continuous improvement of the Internal Audit Office.
• Supervise, mentor, coach and support the development of audit team members in a collaborative leadership style, providing timely and constructive feedback to support their professional development.
• Assist the DIA in co-ordinating co-sourced audit assignments, including working with external audit firms, where appropriate.
• Support and, where appropriate, lead sensitive reviews, whistleblowing-related assignments, special projects and other ad hoc matters as directed by the DIA.
• Develop a strong understanding of University operations, governance arrangements and emerging risks through proactive engagement with stakeholders across HKUST.

Desired Competencies and Attributes:

• Strong professional judgement, independence and integrity, with the ability to assess complex issues objectively and in line with internal audit professional standards.
• Proven ability to lead complex audit and advisory engagements, including scoping, stakeholder engagement, fieldwork oversight, report review and management action follow-up.
• Strong analytical skills, with the ability to synthesise fragmented information from multiple sources to formulate well‑substantiated audit observations and advisory insights without omitting critical details.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills in English, with ability to produce clear, concise and balanced audit reports and committee-level materials.
• Confidence, maturity and resilience in handling audit challenges and sensitive issues, with the ability to deliver independent advice and achieve constructive, win‑win outcomes.
• Strong stakeholder management and influencing skills, with the ability to engage credibly with senior management and facilitate constructive discussions on governance, risk and control matters.
• Ability to exercise sound judgement in complex or ambiguous situations and operate effectively as a trusted deputy to the DIA.
• Strong interpersonal and stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to build effective working relationships across the University and develop a strong understanding of diverse operations and risks.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple audits or assignments concurrently, including reviews at different stages of the engagement.
• Interest and capability in improving internal audit practices, including methodology, reporting, data analytics, technology-enabled audits and management information.
• Strong technology literacy, including effective use of Microsoft Office applications, data analytics and other tools to support audit delivery and reporting.

Qualifications and Experience:

• Applicants should hold a recognised degree, preferably in business, accounting, finance, or information systems management, with at least 12+ years of relevant internal audit experience.
• Professional qualifications such as Certified Internal Auditor (CIA), Chartered Accountant (CA), Certified Public Accountant (CPA), or equivalent are preferred.
• Technology related credentials such as Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) or practical experience in information systems auditing, data analytics or technology enabled audit approaches, would be advantageous.

The position provides a strong development platform for candidates seeking progression toward broader internal audit leadership roles.

This is a 2-year contract, renewable. Starting salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience. Fringe benefits including annual leave, medical and dental benefits will be provided. A gratuity will be payable upon successful completion of contract.