Assistant Director (Internal Audit) - Internal Audit Office

About HKUST
The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) is a world‑class research university committed to excellence in teaching, innovation, and global engagement. As a leading institution in Hong Kong and the region, HKUST upholds high standards of governance, accountability, and risk management to support its academic and operational missions. The Internal Audit Office plays a key role in strengthening these standards through independent assurance and value‑added advisory services.


Position Overview

The Assistant Director, Internal Audit reports to the Director of Internal Audit (DIA) and is a senior leadership role within the Internal Audit Office at HKUST. The position operates as a trusted deputy to the DIA, supporting the delivery, quality assurance, continuous improvement and future development of the University's internal audit function.


The appointee will lead and oversee internal audit and advisory engagements across financial, compliance, operational efficiency and governance-related areas. This includes planning and directing audit work, reviewing audit observations and reports, engaging senior stakeholders and ensuring audit outputs are clear, balanced, evidence-based and actionable.


The role also contributes to audit planning, methodology development, Audit Committee reporting, co-sourced audits, whistleblowing-related assignments and other strategic or sensitive reviews. The successful candidate must demonstrate strong professional judgment, credibility, independence and the ability to provide practical advice on governance, risk management and internal control matters.

This position provides a strong development platform for candidates seeking progression toward broader internal audit leadership roles.


Key Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee internal audit and advisory engagements, applying appropriate methodologies and delivering practical, independent and value-added recommendations that support sustainable improvements across the University.
• Support the DIA in shaping audit scopes, audit approaches and review priorities, ensuring the audit work is risk-based, proportionate and aligned with University priorities.
• Review and challenge audit work, observations and draft reports to ensure conclusions are well-substantiated, balanced, evidenced-based and clearly articulated.
• Prepare, review high-quality audit report, management papers and Audit Committee materials, ensuring audit deliverables are completed to an appropriate professional standard and within agreed timelines.
• Engage constructively with senior management and stakeholders on audit findings, risk implications and improvement opportunities, providing objective and independent advice while maintaining appropriate professional independence.
• Contribute to the enhancement of audit methodologies, reporting practices, data analytics capabilities and other initiatives supporting the continuous improvement of the Internal Audit Office.
• Supervise, mentor, coach and support the development of audit team members in a collaborative leadership style, providing timely and constructive feedback to support their professional development.
• Assist the DIA in co-ordinating co-sourced audit assignments, including working with external audit firms, where appropriate.
• Support and, where appropriate, lead sensitive reviews, whistleblowing-related assignments, special projects and other ad hoc matters as directed by the DIA
• Develop a strong understanding of University operations, governance arrangements and emerging risks through proactive engagement with stakeholders across HKUST.

Desired Competencies and Attributes

• Strong professional judgement, independence and integrity, with the ability to assess complex issues objectively and in line with internal audit professional standards.
• Proven ability to lead complex audit and advisory engagements, including scoping, stakeholder engagement, fieldwork oversight, report review and management action follow-up.
• Strong analytical skills, with the ability to synthesise fragmented information from multiple sources to formulate well‑substantiated audit observations and advisory insights without omitting critical details.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills in English, with ability to produce clear, concise and balanced audit reports and committee-level materials.
• Confidence, maturity and resilience in handling audit challenges and sensitive issues, with the ability to deliver independent advice and achieve constructive, win‑win outcomes.
• Strong stakeholder management and influencing skills, with the ability to engage credibly with senior management and facilitate constructive discussions on governance, risk and control matters.
• Ability to exercise sound judgement in complex or ambiguous situations and operate effectively as a trusted deputy to the DIA.
• Strong interpersonal and stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to build effective working relationships across the University and develop a strong understanding of diverse operations and risks.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple audits or assignments concurrently, including reviews at different stages of the engagement.
• Interest and capability in improving internal audit practices, including methodology, reporting, data analytics, technology-enabled audits and management information.
• Strong technology literacy, including effective use of Microsoft Office applications, data analytics and other tools to support audit delivery and reporting.

Qualifications and Experience

• Applicants should hold a recognised degree, preferably in business, accounting, finance, or information systems management, with at least 12+ years of relevant internal audit experience.
• Professional qualifications such as Certified Internal Auditor (CIA), Chartered Accountant (CA), Certified Public Accountant (CPA), or equivalent are preferred. Experience from large professional auditing/services firms, exposure to UGC‑funded university environments, or organisations with mature governance and control framework are advantageous.
• Technology related credentials such as Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) or practical experience in information systems auditing, data analytics or technology enabled audit approaches, would be advantageous.
• Candidates from other related fields who can demonstrate strong relevant competencies, sound professional judgment, and the ability to operate in an independent advisory capacity may also be considered.

(Duration: 2 years, renewable)

Starting salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience. Fringe benefits including annual leave, medical and dental benefits will be provided. A gratuity will be payable upon successful completion of contract.



Review of applications will continue until the position is filled.