Head - Branch Audit - Consumer Banking

Role Overview:

To lead and transform the Bank Branch Audit function by driving a risk-based, technology-enabled, and continuous auditing framework. The role is responsible for ensuring robust assurance over branch operations through a blend of traditional audit methods and advanced analytics, digital surveillance, and predictive risk intelligence.

Audit Strategy & Execution:

• Drive a shift from periodic branch audits to continuous auditing frameworks, enabling near real-time risk monitoring across branch operations.
• Transition from sample-based testing to full-population analytics, leveraging data-driven techniques to enhance audit depth and coverage.
• Oversee execution of risk-based branch audits, thematic audits, and special audits to identify systemic issues and emerging risks.
• Implement predictive assurance methodologies to proactively identify potential control failures and operational risks.
• Ensure timely issuance of high-quality audit reports aligned with the Bank's Audit Manual and risk-based internal audit approach.

Technology & Data-Driven Assurance:

• Implement automated control monitoring systems to enable real-time tracking of key risk and control indicators.
• Leverage risk intelligence frameworks (RCSA, KRIs, analytics dashboards) for dynamic risk assessment and prioritization of audit focus areas.
• Strengthen use of digital surveillance tools in place of manual physical verification, wherever feasible, to enhance efficiency and audit trail accuracy.
• Collaborate with IT and Audit Analytics teams to embed data visualization and automated reporting into audit functions.

Audit Methodology Transformation:

• Transition from checklist-driven auditing to risk-focused and intelligence-led auditing frameworks.
• Replace manual observation reporting with structured, insights-driven reporting supported by data analytics and trend analysis.
• Ensure all audits are supported by digitally maintained evidence repositories in line with audit standards and regulatory requirements.
• Continuously refine audit methodologies to align with regulatory expectations (RBI) and best practices in internal audit.

Stakeholder Management & Reporting:

• Ensure high-quality, insight-driven audit reports that clearly highlight risks, root causes, and actionable recommendations.
• Engage proactively with auditees and business leaders to drive preventive controls and risk awareness.
• Present audit insights to senior stakeholders, including CXO leadership, with a focus on forward-looking risk themes.

Team Leadership & Capability Building:

• Lead and mentor the branch audit team, fostering a culture of analytical thinking, digital capability, and continuous learning.
• Build competencies in data analytics, automated auditing tools, and predictive risk assessment within the team.
• Ensure optimal resource allocation and maintain audit team strength to effectively deliver the audit plan.
• Drive training initiatives on evolving regulatory requirements, products, and audit methodologies.
• Drive adoption of next-generation audit approaches across all regions.

Governance, Compliance & Process Excellence:

• Ensure adherence to Audit Manual, QAIP standards, and regulatory requirements.
• Monitor timely closure of audit observations through automated tracking mechanisms.
• Strengthen audit MIS frameworks with real-time dashboards and performance metrics.
• Ensure audit processes contribute to overall enterprise risk management and control environment strengthening.