Head of Internal Audit

Job description

Wizz Air is a leading European low-cost airline. Our mission is to provide affordable and reliable air travel to everyone, everywhere, while minimizing our environmental impact. We are proud to foster a diverse and inclusive team of over 8,000 employees from more than 110 nationalities, who share our values of inclusivity, positivity, dedication, integrity, and sustainability. As a rapidly expanding airline, we offer exciting career opportunities across a range of functions, from flight operations to engineering, customer experience, finance, and more. We provide extensive training and development opportunities to help our employees grow and succeed in their roles. Joining Wizz Air means joining a team that is passionate about aviation, dedicated to excellence, and committed to making air travel accessible and sustainable for all. If you are looking for a challenging and rewarding career in the aviation industry, we welcome you to explore our job opportunities and become a part of our success story. Head of Internal Audit Based in Budapest Purpose of the position: The Head of Internal Audit leads the Internal Audit department across the Group, ensuring independent and objective assurance that strengthens governance, risk management, and internal control frameworks. The role is responsible for designing and executing a Group‑wide audit strategy, providing expert insight to senior leadership, and safeguarding organizational value. As a key advisor to executive management and the Audit Committee, the Head of Internal Audit ensures that the department operates with the highest professional standards, delivers meaningful business impact, and proactively identifies emerging risks affecting the Group’s operations and long‑term objectives. What we offer: • Base salary and employee bonus scheme. • Unlimited number of significantly discounted and confirmed seating tickets, giving access to a continuously growing network of destinations. • Relocation package (if applicable) – expense budget, Temporary accommodation, Administration support. • Life insurance. • AYCM sport pass contracting possibility. • Instant impact, from any level of the organisation, exposure to C-suite management. • Fast career progression, internal mobility and talent management supported by training opportunities. • True international and multi-cultural work environment, passionate, driven and diverse teams. Responsibilities: Strategic Leadership & Governance • Develop, communicate, and maintain a comprehensive, risk based annual internal audit plan for review and approval by the Audit Committee and senior leadership. • Provide strategic insight and advisory support to management on governance, risk, and controls across all entities and business functions. • Ensure the independence of the Internal Audit department and represent Internal Audit as a valued business partner in executive and Board discussions. Audit Planning & Execution • Execute the internal audit plan, ensuring high quality audit engagements, timely delivery, and alignment with Group priorities. • Ensure proper scoping, resource planning, methodology adherence, and effective communication of audit results. • Review and update the internal audit plan based on emerging risks, strategic changes, regulatory developments, and operational needs. Reporting & Follow Up • Present audit findings, recommendations, and risk insights to the Audit Committee and senior leadership in a clear and impactful manner. • Oversee timely follow up of corrective actions, escalating critical issues where appropriate. • Report periodically on the performance of the internal audit activity, conformance with standards, major risk exposures, and improvement areas. Risk & Compliance Insight • Monitor trends, regulatory developments, industry practices, and emerging risks affecting the Group and communicate these proactively. • Advise senior leaders on strengthening risk management, internal controls, and compliance frameworks. People Leadership & Functional Excellence • Build an effective network across the organization to ensure delivery of the Internal Audit objectives. • Build and lead a high performing internal audit team, ensuring the department collectively maintains the required knowledge, skills, and competencies. • Promote a culture of integrity, continuous improvement, and professional excellence within the Internal Audit function. • Establish and maintain Internal Audit policies, procedures, methodologies, and quality assurance processes. • Ensure full compliance with the International Standards for the Professional Practice of Internal Auditing and The Institute of Internal Auditors' framework. Experience: • 10+ years of overall working experience, with 6+ years in internal audit, risk management, or a related assurance field. • Proven experience in a multinational company or complex organizational environment. • Prior experience leading audit teams or managing a function is strongly preferred. • Deep understanding of governance, risk management, internal control frameworks, and auditing practices across financial, operational, and commercial areas. Technical Skills, Knowledge: • Strong command of internal audit methodologies and risk ‑ based auditing. • Excellent communication and presentation skills, including ability to engage with senior executives and Board/Audit Committee members. • Ability to interpret complex business issues and provide clear, actionable recommendations. Education: • Completed Bachelor’s degree in Economics, Commerce, Finance, Accounting, or a related discipline. • Professional certifications (CIA, ACCA, CPA, CISA) are a strong advantage. Languages: • Fluency in English (written and spoken). Competencies/skills: • High personal integrity, sound judgment, and strong ethical standards. • Strategic thinker with the ability to challenge and influence at senior levels. • Strong leadership capabilities and experience managing teams. • Proactive, solutions oriented mindset with a focus on continuous improvement. • Excellent communication and presentation skills. • Ability to get results delivered across multiple teams. When applying, please only provide valid information regarding your educational background and certificates, as the original documents will be requested during the hiring process. We look forward to meeting you and learning more about your skills and experience. Join the Wizz Air team and discover the world of opportunities.