Assistant Director (Internal Audit) - Internal Audit Office

Job description

Department: Internal Audit Office Job Posting Details About HKUST The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) is a world‑class research university committed to excellence in teaching, innovation, and global engagement. As a leading institution in Hong Kong and the region, HKUST upholds high standards of governance, accountability, and risk management to support its academic and operational missions. The Internal Audit Office plays a key role in strengthening these standards through independent assurance and value-added advisory services. Position Overview 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, supporting the delivery, quality and continuous improvement of the University’s internal audit function. The role is primarily responsible for leading Internal Audit Managers and/or Officers in the delivery of internal audit engagements, including financial, compliance, operational, and efficiency audits. The appointee will support the DIA to assess the adequacy and effectiveness of internal controls and provide practical, independent, and objective recommendations to enhance governance and operational effectiveness across the University, as well as contributing to the progressive modernisation of internal audit practices. The role also involves providing independent advisory input to management on risk, control, and governance matters, as well as occasional collaboration with external auditing firms engaged for co‑sourced audit assignments. It provides a strong development platform for candidates seeing progression toward broader internal audit leadership roles. Key Responsibilities Lead and support internal audit and advisory engagements, applying appropriate audit methodologies and tools; delivering value‑added and independent recommendations to management and audit clients that support positive and sustainable improvements at HKUST. Provide objective and independent advisory support to management on governance, risk management, and internal control matters, while maintaining appropriate professional independence. Ensure the timely delivery of high‑quality audit outcomes, including concise, clear, and comprehensive audit reports and Audit Committee papers, in accordance with approved timelines. Engage constructively with senior management and auditees on audit findings, risk implications, and agreed actions. Contribute to the enhancement of audit methodologies, tools, and techniques, and the development in leveraging use of data analytics and reporting tools. 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. Support and undertake ad‑hoc assignments, sensitive review, whistleblowing cases and special projects as directed by the Director of Internal Audit. Desired Competencies and Attributes Effective oral and written communication skills in English. Strong interpersonal skills, with an open mind and positive, professional attitude; with the ability to articulate audit issues clearly to management and committee-level audiences. High standards of integrity, independence and professionalism, in line with Internal Auditors’ professional standards, with the ability to navigate complex or sensitive situations objectively. 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 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. Proven ability to concurrently lead and manage two to three audits at different stages of execution. Demonstrated capability to operate in an independent advisory capacity, exercising sound professional judgment when advising senior management and stakeholders. Willingness to proactively engage and build networks with HKUST staff to develop institutional knowledge and gain insights into diverse University operations. Ability to make effective use of technology and data to support internal audit work, including analysis, reporting and management information. Proficiency in MS Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), Outlook, Visio, and other relevant auditing tools. 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. Experience from large professional auditing/services firms, exposure to UGC‑funded university environments, or organisations with mature governance and control framework are advantageous. Technology related credentials such as Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) or practical experience in information systems auditing, data analytics or technology enabled audit approaches, is an advantage. Candidates from other related fields who can demonstrate strong relevant competencies, sound professional judgment, and the ability to operate in an independent advisory capacity may also be considered. (Duration: 2 years, 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. Review of applications will continue until the position is filled. (Information provided by applicants will be used for recruitment and other employment-related purposes. Applicants should read th e Personal Information Collection Statement b efore submission of application.) HKUST is an equal opportunities employer and is committed to our core values of inclusiveness, diversity, and respect.