Director of Internal Audit

Job Posting Details

Founded in 1991, HKUST is an international research university dedicated to the advancement of science, engineering, business & management, and humanities & social science, and interdisciplinary education of the next generation of leaders for the world. With equal emphasis on undergraduate and postgraduate education as well as close collaboration with industry and business, HKUST is a leading university with significant international impact and strong local commitment. It has established a substantial presence in the global higher education sector and garnered considerable international recognition.

With the launching of the HKUST 3.0 Vision Plan and the HKUST Strategic Plan 2031, the University is embarking on an exciting journey and aspires to become a University of Talents; an International Leader in Education and Research; a Visionary of Innovation & Entrepreneurship; an Exemplar of Best-In-Class Sustainable & Quality Practices; and a Champion of Diversity, Inclusiveness, and Openness. The University is dedicated to achieving the next level of excellence with the ability to anticipate changes and respond with agility, while delivering transformative changes in teaching, learning, research, knowledge creation and transfer as well as contributing to economic and societal development.

The University is inviting applications from seasoned internal audit and advisory professionals to lead the University’s Internal Audit Office (IAO). IAO provides an independent and objective assurance on the effectiveness of the University’s governance and internal control framework adopted for all processes. In addition to assurance reviews, IAO also assists the University management to prioritize and perform business advisory reviews to identify opportunities and provide actionable recommendations to streamline the University’s processes for efficiency improvement.

The Role

The Director will report administratively to the President and work closely with the Vice-President for Administration and Business.The Director will also report to the Audit Committee of the University Council to ensure independence of internal audit functions.

• Develop a rotational risk-based audit work plan covering all critical processes and high-risk areas of the University for the endorsement of Senior Management and approval of the Audit Committee, and ensure the approved assignments implemented as scheduled.
• Provide professional leadership to the internal audit team and outsourced consultants to deliver assurance as well as value-added reviews.
• Conduct audits of financial, operational and compliance activities to identify areas for improvement, make constructive recommendations to enhance processes, and provide the Audit Committee and Management with analyses of areas of control deficiencies, non-compliance with legal / regulatory / University requirements, potential fraud, loss, error, or inefficiency identified.
• Compile clear and concise audit reports, summarize findings, implications, and recommendations, and perform follow-up audits to ensure the full and effective implementation of audit recommendations for enhancing the adequacy and compliance with the control procedures, rules, regulations and laws.
• Manage, on behalf of the Audit Committee, the policy, respective process and investigations in relation to Whistleblowing.
• Coach and develop the internal audit team to adopt best industry practice; ensure the internal audit team remains up to date on professional standards / regulatory requirements and technological advances, including data analytics.
• Serve as the Secretary of the Audit Committee of the University Council.
• Work in partnership with the University’s Legal Office on regulatory compliance related activities
• Perform other duties related to internal audit as assigned by the Senior Management and Audit Committee from time to time.

The Candidate

Candidates should possess a recognized university degree and a professional qualification in accounting or internal audit, and should be a seasoned professional with 15+ years of internal audit and business advisory experience, of which at least 10 years of leadership experiences in sizable organizations known for best practices are required. Familiarity with, and experience working in or advising, higher education institutions is highly preferable. Excellent leadership, interpersonal and communication skills with service efficiency and a proactive mindset, strong business acumen and management capability, and flexibility to adapt to a changing environment are desirable. A good command of both written and spoken English and Chinese; and knowledge of management information systems, computer-based accounting systems and data analytics are expected.

Terms and Applications

The appointment will be on contract terms of 2 to 3 years, renewable subject to mutual agreement. Competitive remuneration and generous fringe benefits, including housing where appropriate, will be provided. A gratuity will be payable upon successful completion of contract.

Application Procedure

Interested applicants should complete an online application form through the HKUST Careers website () and return it online, together with a full curriculum vitae and names and addresses of three referees, to the Human Resources Office on or before Monday, 21 July 2025 . Review of applications will continue until the position is filled. Applicants will receive an acknowledgement by email upon successful submission. We thank applicants for their interest, but advise that only shortlisted candidates will be notified of the result of the application.

Information provided by applicants will be used for recruitment and other employment-related purposes. Applicants should read the before submission of application.)

HKUST is an equal opportunities employer and is committed to our core values of

inclusiveness, diversity, and respect.