Are you motivated by building something that truly matters? Do you bring the judgement and confidence to engage a Board as an independent, trusted voice? Are you ready to shape how risk, assurance, and accountability are embedded across a global organisation?
CFA Institute is seeking a Head, Internal Audit to establish and lead its global internal audit function. This is a rare opportunity to define the internal audit operating model, transition from a fully outsourced approach to a hybrid in-house capability, and embed audit as a respected and effective third line of defence within a complex, mission-driven organisation.
The role operates under a dual reporting line to the Chair of the Board Risk Committee and the Chief Legal and Compliance Officer. This structure is intentional and designed to preserve independence while ensuring strong executive sponsorship. Success in this role requires sound judgement, professional credibility, and the ability to influence senior stakeholders while maintaining appropriate challenge, objectivity, and integrity.
What You’ll Do
Establish and lead CFA Institute’s global internal audit function, transitioning from an outsourced model to a hybrid in-house capability
Design and deliver enterprise-wide risk assessments and risk-based internal audit plans aligned to organisational priorities
Set audit methodologies, standards, policies, and procedures in line with the Institute of Internal Auditors’ International Professional Practices Framework
Maintain and oversee a Quality Assurance and Improvement Program to ensure continuous improvement and professional compliance
Serve as a trusted advisor to executive leadership and the Board Risk Committee on governance, risk management, and internal control matters
Deliver high-quality, timely, and actionable audit reports to senior management, the Risk Committee, and the Board of Governors
Oversee audits across financial, operational, regulatory, and technology risk areas, including cybersecurity, data governance, and digital transformation
Identify audit themes and emerging risks, advising on effective remediation and continuous improvement
Manage relationships with external audit and co-sourcing partners, ensuring strong governance and coordination
Build, develop, and lead an internal audit team while fostering a culture of integrity, accountability, and professional excellence
Promote risk awareness and control consciousness across a globally distributed organisation while preserving independence and objectivity
What We’re Looking For
Senior internal audit leadership experience, including building, transforming, or materially enhancing an internal audit function within a complex organisation
Demonstrated success operating in multinational, multi-entity environments with diverse regulatory and cultural contexts
Proven experience engaging Boards, Audit or Risk Committees, and senior executives with confidence, clarity, and professional authority
Deep knowledge of internal audit standards and governance frameworks, with experience operating within international regulatory and data privacy environments, with familiarity in SOX advantageous
Professionally qualified accountant and/or internal auditor (e.g. CISA, CIA, or equivalent)
Experience auditing technology risk, cybersecurity, digital transformation initiatives, and data governance frameworks
A leadership approach grounded in integrity, sound judgement, and the ability to balance constructive challenge with collaboration
Excellent written, verbal, and presentation skills, with the ability to communicate complex issues clearly to non-specialist audiences
Comfort operating across geographies, cultures, and time zones, managing multiple priorities with rigour and discretion
Why Join Us
A unique opportunity to build and define CFA Institute’s global internal audit function and operating model
Direct, independent reporting access to the Board Risk Committee
Strong executive sponsorship and close partnership with Legal, Compliance, Risk, and Finance
Exposure to a globally recognised organisation with geographic, regulatory, and operational complexity
The chance to apply a build-and-shape mindset within a mature governance environment
At CFA Institute, we are committed to transparency and equity in our hiring process. In compliance with wage transparency laws in many of the jurisdictions in which we recruit, we provide the following information regarding compensation for this position: Expected salary range: UK £120,000-£150,000 per year. All salary ranges are subject to adjustment based on experience, education, location and other factors relevant to the position. Additional benefits include eligibility for an annual incentive bonus, a 12% employer contribution to a 401(k)/pension plan, and a comprehensive medical benefits package.
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About CFA Institute
CFA Institute are the global leader in investment excellence and ethics. With nearly 200,000 charterholders across 160 markets, we drive professional growth, ethical behavior, and better markets. We care about our employees’ well-being, offering industry-leading benefits like:
Comprehensive health coverage for you and your family
Generous leave and time off
Competitive retirement plans
Flexible work options
Wellness, education, and support programs
If you feel this opportunity could be the next step in your career, we encourage you to click “Apply” and complete our three-minute application.
Be part of a team committed to putting investors first and growing economies. Follow us @CFAInstitute on LinkedIn and X.
Important Message: Your application must clearly demonstrate how you meet the requirements as CFA Institute cannot make assumptions about your education, experience, or location. We thank all those who apply. Only those selected for further consideration will be contacted.
We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. CFA Institute prohibits both discrimination and harassment with regard to all identifying characteristics: any individual employee, group of employees, or prospective employee on the basis of race, color, national origin, citizenship or immigration status, religion, creed or belief, age, marital or partnership status, marital or family status, care giver status, pregnancy and maternity, sexual and other reproductive health decisions, physical abilities/qualities, disability, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, predisposing genetic characteristic, military or veteran status, status as a victim or witness of domestic violence or sex offense or stalking, unemployment status, infectious disease carrier status, migrant worker status, educational background, socio-economic status, geographic location and culture or any other basis protected by applicable law. This policy impacts all aspects of employment, including but not limited to, recruitment, hiring, compensation, training, development, promotion, demotion, layoff, recall, furlough, transfer, leave of absence, and dismissal. This is a global policy that applies to all CFA Institute employees, regardless of location.
If, due to a disability or current medical condition, you need an accommodation or assistance to complete a job application, you can request one at any stage of the recruitment process. Please send an email to [email protected] noting the accommodations or assistance you are requesting. Please do not include any medical or health information in this email. We will review your request and contact you to discuss the possible options and arrangements. We will try our best to provide you with an accommodation or assistance that meets your needs and respects your preferences.
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