Senior Manager Internal Audit 100% (m/f/d)

Arcera is a global life sciences company headquartered in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. Our purpose is to enable longer and healthier lives while creating sustainable growth. We develop, manufacture, and commercialize a broad range of high-quality innovative and proven medicines in key international markets.

With a large footprint reaching patients in over 120 markets, and manufacturing and packaging facilities in eight countries, we offer more than 2,000 medicines across various therapeutic areas worldwide. The companies Acino, Amoun, Birgi Mefar Group, and M8 are all part of Arcera Life Sciences.

The Senior Manager Internal Audit will play a key role in overseeing and managing internal audit activities across the organization. This includes executing risk-based audits, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards, evaluating the effectiveness of internal controls, and driving continuous improvement. The role involves approx.30% global travel, providing leadership in the execution of audits and advisory services to senior management.

Key Responsibilities

1. Audit Planning and Execution:

Lead and conduct audits of business processes, financial reporting, compliance, and operational functions across global markets.

Support the development of comprehensive audit plans, ensuring alignment with company objectives, risk profiles, and regulatory requirements.

Perform risk assessments and execute audit assignments within budgeted timelines, ensuring thoroughness, accuracy, and compliance.

2. Team Leadership & Development:

Supervise and guide third party service providers and audit staff, providing mentorship.

Support the Chief Audit Executive in resource management, performance reviews, and training programs for the audit team.

3. Internal Control & Risk Management:

Evaluate internal control systems, identifying areas for improvement, and providing recommendations to mitigate risks and enhance operational efficiency.

Assess the adequacy of control systems, ensuring compliance with industry standards and regulatory requirements.

Collaborate with key business functions to develop action plans to address audit findings and ensure follow-up on the implementation of recommendations.

4. Global Compliance & Regulatory Oversight:

Monitor and assess the company’s adherence to local, regional, and global regulations, including compliance with pharmaceutical laws and industry standards (e.g., FDA, EMA, WHO, ADAA and local regulatory bodies).

Ensure audits are conducted in line with applicable laws and ensure that all necessary corrective actions are taken to address compliance issues.

Provide advisory support to management on complex issues, helping ensure regulatory compliance across markets.

5. Audit Reporting & Communication:

Prepare detailed audit reports that provide a clear, concise analysis of findings, risks, and recommendations.

Present audit results to senior management and the Audit and Risk Committee and liaise with external auditors and regulatory authorities when necessary.

Provide effective communication to stakeholders, offering insights into the company’s risk profile, control weaknesses, and opportunities for improvement.

6. Continuous Improvement:

Contribute to the development of audit methodologies, tools, and processes to enhance audit efficiency and effectiveness.

Lead initiatives aimed at enhancing internal control frameworks, operational processes, and risk management practices.

Key Skills

Strong analytical, problem-solving, and risk assessment skills.

Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage effectively with senior executives and stakeholders across regions.

High level of proficiency in auditing software (e.g. GRC), Excel, and ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle).

Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously while maintaining high standards of quality and efficiency.

Ability to work independently and within a team in a dynamic environment.

Qualifications & Experience 

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, natural sciences or related field.

Professional certifications such as CIA, CA, CPA, or equivalent is preferred.

10+ years of experience in internal auditing, finance, risk management, or compliance, preferably within the life sciences or healthcare industry.

Proven experience leading audit teams and managing large, complex audit engagements, including global audit experience.

Excellent business acumen and strong understanding of pharmaceutical regulations (GxP, SOX compliance), financial reporting standards, and industry-specific risks.

Experience in working across diverse markets, with an understanding of international compliance standards.

Proficiency in English (both written and spoken). Knowledge of additional languages is a plus.

In connection with your application, Arcera will collect, process and store personal data about you. Our

Privacy Notice for Prospective Employees provides an overview of the personal data that Arcera processes during the application process. 

Note: This Privacy Notice may be updated by Arcera, we therefore invite you to consult the latest versions via the above links. In the event of any conflict between the English and German versions of this Privacy Notice, the English version shall prevail.

We look forward to receiving your application and exploring how your skills and experience can contribute to Arcera’s mission.