Job Summary

The Auditor – Shari’ah plays a crucial role in supporting the Shari’ah Head of Audit in the UAE by independently evaluating the effectiveness and design of controls that mitigate Shari’ah risks, ensuring that all Islamic Banking activities comply strictly with Shari’ah principles. This role sits within the UAE Internal Shari’ah Audit Department (ISAD), which forms part of Standard Chartered Bank’s Group Internal Audit & Investigations (GIAI) function and operates with the independence required of an effective third line of defence.

The successful candidate will contribute directly to the robust Shari’ah governance and risk management framework of SCB’s Islamic Banking business in the UAE, working to uphold regulatory compliance standards and foster continuous improvement in oversight mechanisms. This dynamic role requires a careful balance of technical expertise, analytical thinking and effective communication, to ensure that Shari’ah audit processes are both thorough and impactful.

This position offers a unique opportunity to engage with a diverse portfolio of Islamic financial products and participate in a forward-looking team dedicated to maintaining the highest standards of Shari’ah compliance and governance within a globally recognised banking institution.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct Shari’ah audit assignments as a key team member, assisting with planning, execution, and reporting phases to assess key Shari’ah control mechanisms within the UAE Islamic Banking business.
• Prepare and review audit documentation including audit planning documentation, control testing results, and findings, ensuring clarity and comprehensiveness.
• Identify and assess Shari’ah compliance risks including drafting precise audit issues and collaborating closely with management to develop and obtain effective action plans to mitigate identified risks.
• Manage professional relationships with auditee management and Islamic Banking stakeholders to foster constructive dialogue and facilitate timely issue resolution.
• Monitor ongoing compliance matters, such as raising non-audit observations to promote swift remediation of control gaps and enhance the overall control environment.
• Contribute to department-wide initiatives including annual risk assessments, audit planning, and delivering internal training on Shari’ah audit methodologies and best practices.
• Track progress and validate closure of management action plans related to audit findings to maintain accountability and ensure sustainable improvements.
• Support the Shari’ah Head of Audit at formal committees and meetings such as the Internal Shari’ah Supervision Committee (ISSC) and Islamic Banking Risk Committee, effectively communicating audit insights.
• Provide expertise to other GIAI audit teams when required, sharing specialist knowledge of Shari’ah products to enhance audit quality across the organisation.

Skills and Experience

• Comprehensive knowledge of Shari’ah principles including an understanding of their application in the UAE Islamic Banking market.
• Exceptional communication skills both written and verbal, enabling clear articulation of audit findings, control requirements, and risk implications to a diverse range of stakeholders.
• Confidence and professionalism to raise and escalate concerns in a timely, constructive manner, fostering a culture of transparency and integrity.
• Strong analytical and investigative skills capable of working independently with minimal supervision while applying sound professional judgment and discretion in sensitive situations.
• Ability to build effective relationships within a global team setting, facilitating collaboration and knowledge sharing across functions and geographies.
• Proactive mindset with attention to detail and the aptitude to manage multiple priorities effectively within defined timelines and resource constraints.

Qualifications

• A minimum of three years’ direct experience in auditing and/or assurance.
• A recognised university degree specialising in Shari’ah studies, providing a solid theoretical foundation for the role.
• Professional certification such as the AAOIFI Certified Shari’ah Auditor and Accountant (CSAA) or an equivalent credential demonstrating proficiency in Shari’ah audit standards.
• Fluency in English, with a reasonable command of Arabic, to facilitate effective communication and comprehension of regulatory requirements.
• Understanding of the UAE Islamic Banking regulatory landscape.
• Proven ability to build collaborative working relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including regulators and senior management.
• Strong communication skills, both in writing and verbally, with confidence in presenting and discussing audit issues professionally.
• Self-motivated and disciplined, capable of independently managing workloads and timelines without constant supervision.

About Standard Chartered

At Standard Chartered, we operate as a global bank with a rich heritage spanning over 170 years, combining agility with scale to create meaningful impact. Our commitment is to drive commerce and prosperity through embracing our unique diversity and fostering inclusive, purpose-driven teamwork.

We champion a culture that encourages challenging the status quo and seizing opportunities to innovate and improve continuously. Working here means being part of an organisation that values doing the right thing, never settling for less, and thriving better together—where every voice and perspective is respected.

Joining our team means you will thrive in an environment where your distinct talents are celebrated and nurtured, with countless opportunities for learning, development, and making a lasting difference in the financial services industry and the communities we serve.

What we offer

We are dedicated to supporting the holistic wellbeing and career development of our colleagues through:

• Competitive remuneration packages aligned with our Fair Pay Charter, ensuring equitable and fair compensation.
• Comprehensive benefits including core banking provisions for retirement planning, medical and life insurance, supplemented by flexible and voluntary options tailored to individual needs.
• Generous leave policies encompassing annual leave, parental leave (including up to 20 weeks maternity), sabbaticals, and volunteering leave, together with recognised public holidays, amounting to at least 30 days annually.
• Flexible working arrangements designed to support work-life balance, enabling collaborative work both remotely and on-site as appropriate.
• Robust wellbeing resources featuring access to digital platforms such as Unmind, mental health first-aiders, resilience training, employee assistance programmes, and self-help toolkits to encourage mental and physical health.
• A vibrant learning culture providing continuous professional development opportunities, reskilling, and upskilling through various physical, virtual, and digital training formats.
• An inclusive workplace ethos fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion that empowers all colleagues to bring their authentic selves to work and fulfil their potential fully.