Zonal Head-Internal Audit & Quality Assurance

The Zonal Head IA & QA is responsible for leading and managing Internal Audit and Quality Assurance functions across the assigned zone, ensuring strong governance, regulatory compliance, operational risk mitigation, and adherence to organizational standards. The role acts as a strategic partner to business and operations while maintaining audit independence and integrity.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Zonal Audit Planning and Governance

• Develop and implement zonal audit plans aligned with the corporate audit universe and risk framework.
• Contribute inputs for updating the audit universe based on zonal risk landscape, business expansion, and regulatory changes.
• Ensure execution of audits in accordance with approved audit scope, charter, and timelines.
• Maintain audit independence and uphold principles defined in the Internal Audit Charter.
• Monitor zonal audit coverage to ensure all branches, NBPS units, and functional areas are adequately audited.

2.Branch Audit Management

• Develop and execute comprehensive branch audit plans for all branches within the zone.
• Ensure timely completion of scheduled branch audits, snap audits, and surprise audits.
• Lead fraud investigations and serious incident reviews within the zone and recommend corrective measures.
• Ensure HOTO audits during branch transitions to validate asset and process integrity.
• Conduct periodic risk assessments and maintain zonal risk gradation systems.
• Monitor audit progress through MIS dashboards, review meetings, and field visits.
• Ensure strong closure mechanism for audit observations and ATR tracking.

3.Functional and Process Audit Oversight

• Execute zonal functional, process, and management audits as per corporate audit plan.
• Participate in audit lifecycle including announcement, data collection, kick-off meetings, fieldwork, analysis, draft reporting, and final reporting.
• Ensure quality documentation, risk categorization, and actionable recommendations.
• Provide leadership and guidance to Audit Managers and Internal Auditors within the zone.
• Optimize audit resource allocation for effective coverage.

4.IS Audit Coordination (Zonal Level)

• Coordinate with Corporate IS Audit team for zonal IT audits.
• Facilitate audits of IT infrastructure, applications, and outsourced vendors operating within the zone.
• Support implementation of IS audit recommendations and monitor closure.

5. Compliance and Quality Assurance

• Ensure compliance with all applicable regulatory guidelines governing NBFC operations.
• Monitor monthly compliance trackers and escalate deviations.
• Conduct periodic Quality Assurance reviews of audit files and field execution.
• Ensure audit reports meet defined quality benchmarks and timelines.
• Provide zonal QA inputs to Corporate IA, Audit Committee, and Top Management.

KEY INTERACTIONS

Internal Stakeholders

• Head IAQA
• CBO/Zonal Heads Branch Business
• Regional Managers
• Branch Operations Team
• Chief Compliance Officer
• Risk Management Team
• IS Audit Team
• Gold Inspection

External Stakeholders

• External Auditors
• Regulatory Authorities
• Vendors
• Compliance Bodies
• Statutory Auditors
• Investors and Shareholders

KEY SKILLS & BEHAVIOURAL ATTRIBUTES

Key Skills

• Strong organizational and stakeholder management abilities.
• Proficient in data analysis, audit methodologies, and reporting tools.
• Excellent communication and leadership skills.
• Expertise in regulatory compliance and reporting frameworks.
• Leadership and team management abilities
• Communication and stakeholder management skills
• Skills to have high attention to details and control orientation
• Ability to delegate jobs with responsibility to the team

Behavioural Attributes

• Analytical thinking and attention to detail.
• Proactive problem-solving and decision-making.
• High ethical standards and integrity.
• Adaptability and Resilience
• Innovative thinking and action

EDUCATION / EXPERIENCE

Minimum Educational Qualifications:

• Post graduate degree in any discipline

Experience:

• At least 15+ years of banking / NBFC / any other financial or Insurance sector experience