Head of Internal Audit

We're recruiting for Head of Internal Audit (HoIA) to lead our local third line. A pragmatic and influential leader, with in-depth knowledge of financial services regulatory environment and skilled at guiding and supporting change initiatives that enhance the business without compromising controls. 

What you'll do
The Head of Internal Audit (HoIA) will oversee the internal audit function for AXA Ireland, delivering independent assurance and expert guidance that strengthens risk management, internal controls, and governance to the CEO, the Board and Audit Committee, and senior management for all AXA Ireland Group companies.

A key component of the role involves partnering with business leaders and acting as a change agent by proactively engaging with transformation initiatives to enhance overall business readiness. Additionally, the HoIA will promote a resilient control environment and ensure that the Internal Audit function upholds the highest standards of professionalism and independence.

1.    Lead Ireland Internal Audit in accordance with Group and IIA standards, reporting to the Board and Audit Committee on the adequacy of internal controls, and providing timely assurance, challenges, and insights on risk and control environments.
2.    Support and guide both executive and non-executive management through risk, control, and governance reviews during audits across AXA Ireland Group companies and develop the internal audit plan to evaluate key processes, systems, and controls for efficiency and compliance.
3.    Develop and manage the annual audit plan, including risk assessments and budgeting, and monitor issue resolution and closure status.
4.    Partner with business leaders and be a change leader for readiness for regulatory changes, strategic initiatives, product launches, and technology transformations.
5.    Champion a strong control culture and ensure the IA function adheres to professional standards, maintains independence, and coordinates effectively with risk, compliance, and external regulators.
6.    Identify emerging risks and issues, supporting the overall risk management framework by evaluating significant risks and developing appropriate audit responses.
7.    Maintain strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including external auditors, regulators, peers, and key opinion formers, to stay informed of industry trends and foster influence in the financial services environment.
8.    Report to the Director of Internal Audit, AXA UK & Ireland, and contribute to the Group Audit Leadership Team (GALT) participating in projects on behalf of AXA Ireland Group companies and the AXA Global Group.
9.    Own and be accountable for all elements of investigations in AXA Ireland Group companies, ensuring appropriate allocation of resource, always keeping Group Head of Investigations fully informed as appropriate throughout.
10.    Strengthen the capability of the IA team through coaching, mentoring, and promoting best practices, while identifying training needs and fostering talent development.

About You
The ideal candidate demonstrates a strong sense of empathy and possesses the ability to effectively influence and engage stakeholders at all levels of the organisation. They are skilled at guiding and supporting change initiatives that enhance the business without compromising controls. Resilient under pressure, they excel at solving complex problems with innovative solutions and exhibit strong leadership capabilities, inspiring confidence and driving positive outcomes across the organisation.

1.    In depth knowledge (10 years) of the insurance business environment or in-depth knowledge of an audit, control or risk management function, preferentially in an Irish regulated environment in one or more of Financial Services, Insurance or Audit / similar control function
2.    Demonstrates auditing capability in rapid-change contexts and proactively engages with change to drive business readiness
3.    Strong leadership skills with a pragmatic, common sense attitude
4.    Excellent interpersonal skills to build relationships, influence at all levels throughout the organisation, combined with empathy and a clear appreciation of business fundamentals, positioning oneself as a trusted business enabler
5.    Skilled at communicating complex matters in a simple manner, adopting style to suit the audience and situation, while being respectful and sensitive to the organisational and individual impacts of change. 
6.    Strong problem-solving skills and decision-making skills - Thinks objectively demonstrating sound judgement
7.    Demonstrates confidence and determination to challenge current practices, mindsets, and ways of working across all levels of the organisation, while maintaining effective relationships
8.    Professional Internal Audit qualification, with relevant primary degree and/or qualification in Accountancy  or equivalent combination of education and experience.

This role is an allocated Controlled Function (PCF13) under Fitness & Probity Regime, which means the successful candidate will be subject to an enhanced level of background screening requirements. You can find more information on

At AXA we work smart, empowering our people to balance their time between home and the office in a way that works best for them, their team, and our customers. You'll work away from home majority of your working week. Away from home means either attendance at one of our office locations, visiting clients or attending industry events.

As a precondition of employment for this role, you must be eligible and authorised to work in Ireland and/or the United Kingdom.