Deputy Chief Internal Auditor

Headquartered in Tokyo, Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation (SMBC) is a leading global financial institution and a core member of Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group (SMBC Group). Built upon our rich Japanese heritage since 1876, we put our customers first and provide seamless access to, from and within the Asia Pacific region.   SMBC is one of the largest Japanese banks by assets and maintain strong credit ratings across our global integrated network.  We work closely as one SMBC Group to offer personal, corporate and investment banking services to meet the needs of our customers.

With sustainability embedded within our strategy and operations, we are committed to creating a society in which today’s generation can enjoy economic prosperity and well-being, and pass it on to future generations.

SUMITOMO MITSUI BANKING CORPORATION MALAYSIA BERHAD - SMBCMY

JOB SUMMARY

As the Deputy Chief Internal Auditor (“DCIA”), you will be assigned to assist the Chief Internal Auditor (“CIA”) to oversee the internal audit function.  Your day-to-day responsibilities will involve strategic planning of the audit assurance activities, guiding the team through the audits and ensuring consistent focus on risk areas and compliance with the Bank’s policies and procedures and regulator’s policy documents while upholding independence, objectivity and integrity throughout your performance.

JOB DESCRIPTION

1. Audit Leadership and Delivery

• Deputise for the CIA in overseeing the development and implementation of the annual audit plan and budgets ensuring alignment with formulated review strategies based on business risks and regulatory expectations.
• Assist the CIA in the managing the execution of the annual audit plan ensuring achievement of the department’s key performance indicators set and as approved by the Board Audit Committee.
• Direct the planning of the audit assignments by ensuring the scope and extent of work is in accordance with the approved plan, timing and budget man-days are reasonable, procedures are efficient and adequate, appropriate resources are assigned and audit objectives, scope and risks understood.
• Drive consistent application of SMBC group audit methodology and standard (e.g. risk assessment, scoping, testing, issue grading, reporting standards etc), uphold the Bank’s core values by maintaining integrity and objectivity within the team during all audit activities.

2. Annual Risk Assessment and Audit Planning

• Support the CIA in developing the annual risk assessment and audit plan for Board Audit Committee approval.
• Maintain an audit universe that reflects Malaysia’s legal entity structure, products, and key processes, while aligning with global, regional and local assurance priorities, ensuring audit coverage is proportionate to business risk profile, regulatory expectations, change initiatives, and emerging risks.

3. Governance, Board and Senior Management Engagement

• As delegated, present audit results, thematic observations, and key risk trends to the Board Audit Committee and senior management.
• Build strong working relationships with CEO and senior management while preserving independence and professional scepticism.
• Maintain effective relationships with audit clients, external auditors, regulators, and other stakeholders to address business issues and provide value-added advisory.
• Prepare ad-hoc and periodic reports detailing achievements against the annual audit plan to the Board Audit Committee and Management. Proactively escalate material risks, control gaps, and delayed remediation to the CIA and/or Board Audit Committee as appropriate.

4. Issue Assurance and Remediation Oversight

• Strengthen issue assurance discipline: root cause clarity, action plan quality, ownership, timelines, and sustainable closure criteria.
• Ensure high-quality standards in reporting audit findings, issues and recommendations that contribute to business and operational improvements throughout the Bank.
• Follow-up closely and close out identified issues efficiently to support the audit client’s effective implementation of controls. Challenge management where remediation is weak, overdue, or not addressing underlying control design deficiencies.

5. People Management, Capability Building, and Change Implementation

• Manage the development of staff by providing direction and coaching, impart specialized skills and/ or knowledge to internal auditors through discussions, coaching and performance management.
• Keep abreast of changes in laws, regulations, regulatory policies, professional standards, changes in the Bank and emerging risks in the industry that could affect the business risk profile.
• Lead and/or support key change initiatives sponsored by Global and Regional IAD management for local implementation, including adoption of new audit methodology/standards, QAIP enhancements, audit tools and data analytics, reporting and issue assurance improvements, and any new governance or operating model requirements.

6. Quality Assurance and Continuous Improvement

• Support the CIA in Quality Assurance and Improvement Program (QAIP), including periodic self-assessments and external quality review readiness.
• Implement process improvements in audit execution, reporting quality, data analytics adoption, and stakeholder communication.

JOB REQUIREMENTS:

1. Your extensive experience in audit assurance will enable you to excel as the Deputy CIA.  You bring not only technical expertise but also strong interpersonal skills that foster collaboration among teams.  Your proven background in leading audit assurance functions within large organizations equips you with the insight needed to navigate complex business environments.  Your commitment to professional growth ensures that methodologies remain current with global best practices.  By leveraging your negotiation skills and empathetic approach towards team development, you will help cultivate an environment where operational excellence breeds and thrives.
2. Minimum bachelor’s degree in any discipline; preference given to candidates with qualifications related to finance, banking or auditing.
3. Professional qualification in a relevant field such as ACCA, CPA or equivalent is highly desirable for this senior role.  Possessing the professional AICB certification in Certified Bank Auditor and a professional qualification of a Certified Internal Auditor from The IIA Inc. (USA) are an added advantage.
4. At least about 20 years’ experience in audit assurance in a global or regional banking institution is required. Prior experience working with or presenting to Board Audit Committee is strongly preferred.
5. Demonstrated track record of holding management role for at least 10 to 15 years with substantive leadership responsibilities, with a proven ability to effectively balance local regulatory requirements and group-wide objectives, supported by sound judgment, adaptability, and strong stakeholder management skills.
6. Strong analytical skills with good business acumen and resourceful of business and industry development.
7. Excellent command of written and spoken English is essential for effective communication across diverse teams.
8. Proven ability to communicate and articulate clearly and active listening to negotiate successfully with stakeholders at all levels within the Bank.
9. Strong interpersonal skills with an empathetic approach towards team development and stakeholder engagement without compromising on the internal auditing function’s independence and objectivity are crucial for success.
10. Familiar with audit processes and methodologies.
11. Commitment to continuous professional development including keeping abreast of global best practices in auditing standards is expected.
12. Ability to maintain confidentiality while handling sensitive work, assignments or reviews.
13. Able to coach, guide and conduct training to the team in developing their knowledge and skill-sets and where necessary, in conducting sessions in areas of risk and control for audit clients’ awareness.