Head of Internal Audit - Director

As the Head of Internal Audit, you will lead the Group’s independent Internal Audit function, providing objective assurance and strategic insight on the effectiveness of Swissquote’s governance, risk management and internal control framework. Reporting directly to the Board of Directors and its Audit & Risk Committee, the role oversees the Internal Audit function across the Swissquote Group, defining a risk-based audit strategy and ensuring appropriate coverage of financial, regulatory, operational, technology and emerging risks. The Head of Internal Audit will lead the internalization process and build the function from the ground up, including its governance, charter, methodology, team, tools and audit universe. The role will ensure a smooth transition from the outgoing external partner and full compliance with FINMA requirements applicable to a Category 3 institution. Acting as a trusted advisor to senior stakeholders, the Head of Internal Audit will maintain the highest standards of independence, professional scepticism and integrity while contributing to the continuous strengthening of Swissquote’s governance and control environment. This position is a highly visible, build-and-lead mandate, with direct exposure to the Board of Directors and Audit Committee.

At Swissquote, we’re all in. All in to shake things up. All in to build the bank people actually want to use. All in to make finance less boring — and a lot more powerful. We’re Switzerland’s leading digital bank — 1,500+ people across Europe, the Middle East and Asia, building real financial solutions for over a million clients worldwide. From trading and investing to everyday banking, we cover the full picture. We move fast, but we build things we’re genuinely proud of. Have a look behind the scenes by checking Humans of Swissquote on Instagram. Growing fast creates room. Room to try things, own things, and grow at a pace most places can’t offer. Whether you like the spotlight or prefer to just put your head down and do great work, there’s space for both here. We’ve ditched the dress code — but never the chance to celebrate. Big win or small, we make it count. The kind of place where the atmosphere takes care of itself. As an equal opportunity employer, we welcome candidates from all backgrounds, experiences and perspectives to join our team and contribute to our shared success.

• Master's degree or equivalent in Finance, Accounting, Economics, Business Administration, Law or another relevant discipline from a recognised university.

• Professional Internal Audit qualification, Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) or Federal Diploma as a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) is a must.

• In-depth knowledge of the Swiss banking regulatory environment and FINMA requirements, particularly in relation to corporate governance, risk management, internal controls and Internal Audit.

• Ability to assess the effectiveness, scope, documentation, and lessons learned from the previously outsourced internal audit model.

• Build strong working relationships with senior management while reinforcing the independent role of internal audit.

• Strong understanding of international banking regulation and recognised industry practices.

• Excellent analytical, communication, report-writing, stakeholder management, and influencing skills.

• High level of integrity, independence, professional judgment, and discretion.

• Strong business acumen with the ability to identify emerging strategic, operational, financial, and compliance risks.

• English is a must, French and German an asset.

• 10+ years of relevant experience in internal/external audit, risk management and assessment, compliance or a closely related function within financial services.

• At least 3 years as a Head Internal Audit, Internal Audit Director, or Big 4 Senior Manager/Director, preferably with direct exposure to the Board of Directors and/or Audit Committee, ideally with an experience managing co-sourced or outsourced audit providers.

• Demonstrated experience within a FINMA-regulated Swiss bank or comparable internationally regulated banking environment.

• Strong knowledge of Global Internal Audit Standards (IIA Standards 2024) and quality assessment requirements.

• Proven experience in establishing, insourcing or significantly transforming an Internal Audit function within a regulated financial institution is strongly preferred.

• Demonstrated ability to develop an Internal Audit function from the ground up, including the Internal Audit Charter, audit universe, risk assessment methodology, audit strategy, risk-based audit plan, audit methodology, reporting framework, issue follow-up process, quality assurance programme, technology/tooling and staffing model.

• Experience managing the transition from an outsourced Internal Audit model to an effective in-house function, including knowledge transfer, documentation handover, recruitment and selective use of co-sourcing arrangements.

• Strong knowledge of key banking risks, including credit, market, liquidity, operational, compliance, AML/financial crime, conduct, cross-border, technology/cybersecurity and outsourcing risks.

• Proven ability to interact effectively with FINMA, external auditors, the Board/Audit Committee and senior management.

• Significant international exposure and experience working across multiple jurisdictions.