Audit Director - Payments Core Banking

A seasoned technology audit leader with deep payments/core banking domain knowledge, strong regulatory awareness, proven people management skills, and the ability to influence at the most senior levels (Board, C-suite, Regulators).

1. Experience & Seniority

• 18+ years of senior-level professional experience.
• Deep expertise in payments and core banking technology controls, risk management, and assurance.
• Proven experience in large financial institutions (preferred).

2. Technical Expertise (Must-Have Knowledge)

• Payments & Core Banking Technologies:
• Payments processing & orchestration
• Core banking systems
• Real-time payment systems
• SWIFT infrastructure & financial messaging
• API & integration services
• Middleware, ESB, and messaging infrastructure
• Open Banking & API ecosystems
• Cloud-based payment services
• Digital workflow systems supporting core banking/payments
• Data Analytics:
• Proficiency in Python and SQL for audit testing and automation.
• Risk & Control Frameworks:
• Technology risk management
• Control design and effectiveness assessment
• Regulatory expectations (MAS, PRA, FCA)

3. Leadership & Stakeholder Management

• Proven ability to lead and manage Senior Audit Managers and teams.
• Experience engaging with:
• CIO, CTO, and payments/core banking leaders
• Board Audit Committees
• Regulators and external reviewers
• Ability to act as a trusted advisor and provide independent, forward-looking assurance.

4. Audit & Assurance Skills

• End-to-end audit delivery (planning, execution, reporting).
• Strong understanding of IIA standards and internal audit methodology.
• Experience in Board and Audit Committee reporting.
• Ability to identify emerging risks (e.g., cloud adoption, instant payments, open banking).

5. Soft Skills & Behaviours

• Excellent written and verbal communication – can explain complex risks to non-technical stakeholders.
• Confident and courageous – able to raise concerns professionally.
• Proactive, self-directed, and able to work with minimal supervision.
• Strong collaboration skills in a global team environment.

6. Education & Certifications

• Degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, Computer Engineering, or related field.
• Preferred certifications:
• CISA, CISM, CISSP, CRISC, CCSP (desirable)
• Accredited Payments Risk Professional or expertise in SWIFT, ISO 20022, real-time payments, or card processing.

7. Regulatory & Conduct Expectations

• Deep understanding of MAS, PRA, FCA regulatory requirements.
• Commitment to high ethical standards, Group Values, and Code of Conduct.

8. Budget & Resource Management

• Experience managing audit delivery within allocated budgets.
• Drive cost optimisation and productivity improvements.
• Leverage automation and data analytics to improve efficiency.