Head of Internal Audit

Job Description:

PURPOSE OF ROLE:

Rakuten Europe Bank S.A. (“REB”), one of group companies of Rakuten Group, Inc. started operating as a bank in 2016. Prior to that it was known as Rakuten Payment Services S.A. a Payment Institution intermediating payments between the consumers and the merchants on the Rakuten's European e-commerce platforms. Rakuten Europe Bank S.A. is situated in the very heart of the city of Luxembourg and will soon be offering a range of banking products. In Luxembourg, we have a great team with people from all over Europe and beyond.

Currently we are looking for the head of internal audit to lead internal audit to be newly established, with a big picture, forward-looking and strong varied audit, risk, compliance, and IT background (ideally in Fintech domain). The ideal candidate also shows great interest in project-based work and working across functions to enhance corporate governance, compliance and internal controls to support REB to grow sustainably.

RESPONSIBILITIES & DUTIES:

• Develop strong and sustainable internal audit function in REB by sourcing and forming competent audit team, setting policies (respecting IIA standards, audit frameworks and 3 lines of defense model), assurance model, discipline (according to Rakuten’s competency), process and procedures in order to cover a diverse audit portfolio, and collaboration with Rakuten group internal audit.
• Planning, organization and execution of audits based on the annual audit plan to comply with such as CSSF regulation, statutory audit, and Rakuten group requirements (group regulations), as well as ad-hoc audits requested by the management of REB. The plan must not only ensure that departments, functions and business units are operating consistently with REB’s policies and procedures, but also must reflect a thorough understanding of the REB's evolving business strategies, services, IT systems, products and operations, whilst catching up with changing regulatory environment and its impact on corporate governance and internal controls. This is necessary to provide both internal and external assurance with various stakeholders.
• Day-to-day management and supervision of internal audit staffs, and overall control of the audit process, programs and review of test results and working paper quality.  In addition, where it’s necessary, conduct audit or investigation by her/himself, especially in complex, sensitive audit domains requiring sound knowledge, experience, skills and special due care. 
• Overall control of solution-oriented evaluation of the audit results, identification of risks and agreement upon risk-minimizing measures with the relevant departments, including follow-up support on findings from statutory auditor and regulators (CSSF, etc).
• Regular reporting of results and status update of remedial actions, where it’s necessary, to authorized management, at board of directors meeting, internal controls system committee and other important management meetings, and for urgent or critical matters, report immediately and effectively to management.
• Maintain and further enhance audit quality (including archiving and roll-forward working papers), provide internal audit staff with continuous professional development opportunity
• Further development of policies, methods, processes and technologies used for internal auditing by leveraging group internal audit resource and know-how, or external resource.
• Primary contact point for statutory auditors and supervisory authorities for internal audit, and coordinate responses with various stakeholders in REB, and Rakuten group.
• Budget planning and maintenance to sustain internal audit activities throughout the year.

 EXPERIENCE, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED FOR THE ROLE:

• Relevant university degree in the field of finance, accounting or audit and 10+ years of experience in internal audit or similar role (Big4 experience is a plus), with at least 5 years in management role.
• Hands-on experience in implementing or assisting to implement process and internal controls (including IT systems), evaluating and improving those process and controls (including SDLC).
• Hands-on experience in responding to external auditors and regulators is a big advantage.
• Experience of regular reporting to management on audit, regulatory, compliance matters within internet e-commerce, banking / fintech industries is a big advantage.
• Knowledge and experience in IT security, DORA, GDPR (or privacy laws in other regions), AML-CFT, CSRD, IFRS (Financial Reporting) are an advantage.
• Relevant audit or accounting certification desired (CIA, CISA, ISMS, ACCA, CPA, CFE, AML-CFT, etc.), and strong interest and ability to acquire innovative audit methodologies, and technologies are an advantage.
• Excellent IT literacy and skills. Preferably has experience of ERP, Banking systems, Technologies in fintech, Business Intelligence, CAAT, AI etc.
• Excellent interpersonal skills building relationships across European businesses, international company and with internal and external partners.
• Rigorous, organized and disciplined.
• Excellent communication and consultation skills, both written and verbal in English. French, German or other language skills are an advantage.

Languages: