Job Description:

Position: Head - Internal Audit

Reporting To: Chief Financial Officer (CFO) / Audit Committee of the Board

Location: Corporate Office, Hyderabad

Industry: Pharmaceuticals / Life Sciences / Healthcare Manufacturing

Experience: 18-25 years of progressive experience in Internal Audit, Risk Management, Finance Controls, and Corporate Governance, with at least 8-10 years in a leadership role within pharma industry. Experience in the pharmaceutical, healthcare, biotech, or regulated manufacturing industry is highly preferred.

Qualification: Chartered Accountant (CA) - Mandatory

Role Purpose: The Head - Internal Audit will provide independent and objective assurance on the effectiveness of governance, risk management, and internal control systems across the organization. The role will be responsible for establishing a world-class internal audit function aligned with global best practices, regulatory requirements, and business objectives while supporting the Audit Committee and senior management in strengthening organizational controls and mitigating enterprise risks.

Key Responsibilities:

Internal Audit Strategy:

- Develop and implement the organization's annual risk-based internal audit plan.

- Present the audit plan to the Audit Committee for approval.

- Ensure audit coverage across all business functions, manufacturing plants, R&D centers, sales, distribution, corporate functions, and international operations.

- Build a future-ready audit framework leveraging technology, analytics, and automation.

Risk Assessment & Enterprise Risk Management:

- Lead enterprise-wide risk assessments and continuously monitor emerging business risks.

- Evaluate strategic, operational, financial, compliance, cybersecurity, ESG, and reputational risks.

- Collaborate with business leadership to strengthen risk mitigation frameworks.

- Support the implementation and maturity of Enterprise Risk Management (ERM).

Operational Audits:

- Conduct comprehensive operational audits to improve efficiency, productivity, and profitability.

- Review manufacturing operations, procurement, supply chain, logistics, inventory management, contract manufacturing, and distribution processes.

- Recommend process improvements and cost optimization initiatives.

Financial & Internal Controls:

- Assess the adequacy and effectiveness of financial controls.

- Evaluate compliance with internal financial control requirements and accounting standards.

- Review treasury, taxation, revenue recognition, capital expenditure, inventory valuation, and working capital controls.

- Support statutory auditors and external auditors wherever required.

Regulatory & Compliance Audits:

- Ensure compliance with pharmaceutical regulations and quality systems including: GMP, GLP, GCP, 21 CFR Part 11, US FDA requirements, EMA regulations, CDSCO requirements, and WHO GMP guidelines.

- Evaluate adherence to company policies and regulatory obligations across domestic and international operations.

Fraud Risk Management:

- Develop fraud prevention and detection mechanisms.

- Lead investigations into suspected fraud, misconduct, policy violations, and whistleblower complaints.

- Recommend corrective and preventive actions.

Data Analytics & Digital Audit:

- Introduce continuous auditing methodologies.

- Utilize data analytics, AI-enabled audit tools, and visualization platforms to improve audit coverage and effectiveness.

- Drive automation within the audit lifecycle.

Governance & Audit Committee:

- Prepare high-quality audit reports highlighting key risks and actionable recommendations.

- Present findings to senior leadership, executive management, and the Audit Committee.

- Monitor timely closure of audit observations and report implementation status.

Team Leadership:

- Lead and mentor a high-performing internal audit team.

- Build functional capabilities in risk-based auditing, forensic reviews, compliance, and digital auditing.

- Drive a culture of integrity, accountability, and continuous improvement.