Head, Internal Audit & Risk at WTS Energy

Job Summary:

• WTS Energy is seeking a Head, Internal Audit & Risk to lead and manage the internal audit and risk management functions. This role is within a dynamic upstream oil and gas exploration and production environment, providing independent assurance to the Board Audit Committee. The successful candidate will be responsible for identifying, assessing, and mitigating operational, financial, and compliance risks while ensuring adherence to regulatory requirements and internal policies. Key duties include developing risk management strategies, conducting audits across various business areas, and fostering a risk-aware culture throughout the organization. This position offers the opportunity to influence governance and control frameworks at a senior level, working closely with executive leadership and external stakeholders. Candidates can expect to drive continuous improvement in risk mitigation and internal controls, contributing to the company’s resilience and strategic objectives.

Responsibilities:

• Lead the development and execution of comprehensive internal audit plans, providing independent assurance on governance, risk management, and internal controls to the Board Audit Committee and senior management.
• Conduct thorough risk assessments to identify, analyze, and prioritize potential threats to the organization’s operations, assets, and reputation, utilizing risk maps and heat charts.
• Design, implement, and continuously improve risk management strategies, ensuring integration of risk mitigation processes into business decisions, contracts, and operational activities.
• Oversee the monitoring and reporting of risk management practices, preparing detailed risk reports with actionable recommendations for senior leadership and stakeholders.
• Develop and maintain robust business continuity and disaster recovery plans, leading crisis simulations and readiness exercises to ensure organizational resilience.
• Manage and coordinate internal audit reviews across financial, operational, compliance, IT, and project domains, including subsidiaries and joint ventures, assessing control effectiveness and recommending improvements.
• Collaborate closely with external auditors, regulators, and assurance providers to optimize audit coverage, avoid duplication, and ensure timely resolution of issues.
• Promote a strong risk-aware culture throughout the organization by leading risk awareness programs and training initiatives at all levels.
• Serve as the primary liaison for external regulators, auditors, and third-party risk management entities, ensuring compliance with all legal, regulatory, and contractual obligations.
• Utilize data analytics and audit tools to enhance audit efficiency, coverage, and insight, supporting continuous improvement of internal control environments and governance practices.

Qualifications:

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Risk Management, Economics, Finance, or Business Administration.
• Minimum of 12-15 years of progressive experience in risk management, compliance, internal audit, or related fields within oil and gas exploration and production organizations.
• At least 5 years in senior management or leadership roles.
• Proven experience in internal control and risk management frameworks applicable to asset-intensive industries.
• Strong knowledge of IFRS, financial controls, treasury operations, and project-based financial structures including Joint Ventures and Production Sharing Contracts.
• Demonstrated ability to engage effectively with Boards, Audit Committees, senior executives, and regulators.
• Proficiency in audit, risk assessment, and data analytics tools to support assurance activities.
• High professional integrity, objectivity, and confidentiality with a clear understanding of internal audit independence.
• Excellent leadership, communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills with the ability to influence organizational change.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making capabilities under pressure.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master's degree in Finance, Risk Management, Economics, or an MBA.
• Professional certifications such as Certified Internal Auditor (CIA), Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Institute of Risk Management (IRM), Certified Risk Management Professional (CRMP), Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialist (ACAMS), or similar.
• Previous experience with a Big Four international audit firm.
• Working knowledge and practical implementation experience of risk management frameworks such as ERM, COSO, and ISO 31000.
• Experience leading high-risk or sensitive internal audit and risk management assignments.
• Strong project management and crisis management experience.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint.
• Demonstrated ability to work flexibly and independently within diverse, multicultural teams.
• Commercially astute with excellent diplomacy and investor relations communication skills.

What We Offer:

• Comprehensive professional development opportunities including support for advanced certifications and continuous learning in risk management and internal audit.
• Exposure to a senior, board-facing leadership role with significant influence on corporate governance and strategic risk management.
• Collaborative work environment engaging with diverse internal departments and external stakeholders, fostering broad professional networks.
• Opportunity to lead and shape risk management and internal audit functions within a dynamic, asset-intensive industry.
• Access to advanced audit and risk assessment tools, including data analytics, enhancing operational efficiency and insight.
• Commitment to promoting a risk-conscious culture and ethical standards across the organization.
• Participation in crisis management and business continuity planning, ensuring organizational resilience.
• Supportive culture valuing integrity, professionalism, and proactive problem-solving in a multicultural team setting.

Desired Skills and Experience

• Energy & Renewables