Head of Internal Audit

Recruitment Context

We are opening this position as part of our continued commitment to strengthening iBanFirst’s internal control environment and governance framework. As we scale internationally across 11 European countries and operate under the supervision of the National Bank of Belgium, maintaining a robust and independent internal audit function is a core priority.

The incoming Head of Internal Audit will join a well‑established framework—an existing audit plan and control environment is already in place—and will have the opportunity to build on these foundations, bring their own expertise, and grow with the function.

Manager & Team

You will report to Arnaud de la Porte (CFO/Deputy CEO/Board Member), with a dotted line to senior governance bodies including the ExCo and the Board.

You will further establish and lead the Internal Audit function—a setup that comes with a lot of autonomy and direct ownership over the full audit scope. As iBanFirst continues to grow, the internal audit function would naturally follow. You will have direct, regular access to iBanFirst's Executive Committee and the opportunity to present directly to the Board of Directors.

You will also work closely with:

• External auditors
• The National Bank of Belgium (regulator)
• All business functions across iBanFirst’s 11 European offices

The role is based in Brussels or in Paris.

What will you do?

As Head of Internal Audit, you will lead the Internal Audit function and act as the Third Line of Defence, providing independent assurance to senior management and governance bodies on the effectiveness of iBanFirst’s governance, risk management, internal control, and regulatory compliance frameworks.

Key responsibilities:

Audit Planning & Execution

• Develop and annually review the risk‑based internal audit plan across the group, incorporating input from key internal and external stakeholders
• Execute internal audit engagements for the non‑IT scope in line with the approved audit plan and internal audit standards
• Produce high‑quality audit reports with clear findings and actionable recommendations

Oversight & Monitoring

• Oversee and monitor the performance of outsourced IT internal audits
• Track and monitor the implementation of audit recommendations across the organization
• Ensure audit activities are aligned with regulatory expectations, particularly those of the National Bank of Belgium

Stakeholder Engagement

• Periodically present audit results, key risks, and remediation progress to senior management, ExCo and the Board of Directors
• Coordinate and collaborate with external auditors and the NBB when required
• Build trusted relationships across all business functions—acting as a constructive and credible voice on governance and control matters

Role Objectives

First 3 months:

• Get fully up to speed with iBanFirst's business, regulatory environment, and existing audit framework
• Build strong working relationships with key internal stakeholders, across ExCo and business functions, as well as with the outsourced IT internal auditors
• Take full ownership of the audit plan and ongoing engagements

First 6 months:

• Operate fully independently—ExCo members understand and value the function’s output
• Deliver first audit reports and present findings confidently to senior governance bodies
• Establish a smooth working rhythm with external auditors and the NBB

First 12 months:

• Contribute to the internal audit function being recognized as trusted, credible and autonomous
• Deliver high‑quality internal audit reports in line with the internal audit plan
• Potentially contribute to expanding the team

What do you bring?

Experience:

• 5+ years of experience in internal or external audit
• Background in financial services, banking, or a regulated fintech environment—experience with AML and financial crime topics is a strong asset
• Demonstrated experience as the responsible for the internal audit function is a plus

Must‑have skills:

• Fully autonomous and self‑directed — you don’t need a mentor or a team to deliver; you take ownership and drive your own agenda
• Comfortable working independently — you enjoy the depth and focus that comes with being a one‑person function
• Excellent written communication— you write clear, structured, impactful audit reports in English
• Confident presenter— you confidently and clearly present findings to ExCo and Board members; credible and composed in high‑stakes settings
• Proactive and transparent— you flag issues early, communicate openly, and don’t hold back
• Highly organized and rigorous— you follow through on commitments, track recommendations, and manage your own planning with discipline
• Critical and analytical mindset— you dig into documents and data, ask the right questions, and form well‑grounded conclusions
• Fluent in English (required); French or Dutch strongly preferred

Nice to have:

• CIA certification (Certified Internal Auditor) — or genuine willingness to obtain it
• Experience in a fast‑growing start‑up/scale‑up environment
• Familiarity with the National Bank of Belgium’s regulatory expectations

What do we offer?

• Permanent contract
• Compensation: €70,000 - €80,000 gross annual (fix + performance bonus)
• Office location: Brussels or Paris
• Hybrid work policy: Flexible, possibility to work from home two days per week

Benefits & perks:

• Net allowances
• Meal vouchers — €8 per working day
• Phone subscription
• Company car with fuel card
• Health insurance

Why this is a great opportunity:

• Direct access to ExCo and Board— a rare opportunity to learn, raise awareness and drive the importance of internal audit in the company
• Fast learning environment— you’ll be exposed to a broad range of business topics, geographies, and regulatory frameworks
• Travel opportunities— occasional visits to iBanFirst’s 14 offices across Europe
• Certification support— iBanFirst supports you in your development and in obtaining the CIA certification