Ali A. Ahmed Harby

Schedule and lead internal audits to ensure they are executed promptly and completed within the set timeframe and confirm that all activities are completed efficiently and in accordance with audit standards.  Develop a comprehensive internal audit plan annually, prioritizing high-risk areas and aligning with strategic organizational goals.  Enforce the department’s audit methodology, applying relevant tools, standards, and professional auditing practices throughout engagements.  Clearly outline the audit scope, objectives, focus areas, timelines, and key contacts within the audit program.  Continuously review internal operations and procedures to identify risk exposures and areas requiring attention or improvement.

 Audited global hubs and regional bureaus’ operations, including Procurement, HR, Finance, News, IT, Legal, Tax, Compliance, and asset safeguarding.  Conducted financial and operational audits for Al Jazeera bureaus worldwide.  Assessed compliance with internal policies, regional regulations, and international standards.  Evaluated the effectiveness of internal controls and risk management processes across bureaus.  Identified and reported irregularities and control gaps, providing practical recommendations for improvement.  Assisted in the development of the annual internal audit plan based on comprehensive risk assessments.  Collaborated with internal audit team members to align the audit plan with the organization’s strategic objectives.  Tracked and monitored the Internal Audit Department’s budget utilization.  Supported budget forecasting activities to ensure adequate resources were available for planned audits and adjustments.  Planned and executed end-to-end audit engagements, including planning, fieldwork, testing, analysis, and reporting.  Monitored the implementation of corrective actions and followed up on prior audit recommendations.

 Developed and executed the audit strategy and annual risk-based audit plan aligned with organizational objectives and priorities.  Led and managed audit engagements end-to-end, including planning, execution, supervision, and timely completion.  Established and implemented the Internal Audit framework, methodologies, standards, and audit programs.  Identified, assessed, and monitored organizational risks through continuous risk assessment and business process understanding.  Ensured audit objectives were achieved with adequate coverage and sufficient, appropriate audit evidence.  Supervised audit teams, reviewed working papers, and ensured compliance with Internal Audit quality standards.  Prepared, consolidated, and presented audit reports and periodic summaries to senior management, the audit committee, and key stakeholders.  Engaged with auditees and management to discuss findings, resolve issues, and agreed on practical improvement actions.  Evaluated management’s corrective actions through follow-up audits and ongoing review of action plans.  Promoted fraud risk awareness and contributed to strengthening governance and internal control culture.  Fostered collaboration across departments to remove barriers and support organizational improvement.  Committed to continuous professional development and the enhancement of audit practices.

 Managed and supervised the audit team and planned audits by identifying areas to be audited, developing audit plans and schedules, and determining the necessary resources.  Assessed the risks associated with the audited areas and prioritized audits based on identified risk levels.  Provided objective and professional evaluations of control, risk management, and governance processes.  Identified potential risks to the company's operations, reputation, or financial performance, and assessed their impact on the organization.  Contributed to periodic reporting on audit activities, performance relative to plans, significant risk exposures, control/governance issues, and related matters.  Presented audit objectives, scope, and results to senior management, articulating the potential impact of control gaps professionally and competently.  Communicated audit reports (findings, business impact, and recommendations) effectively to relevant levels of the organization and prepared supplemental documentation as needed.

 Performed audit assignments, ensured timely delivery of audit reports, conducted risk assessments (including fraud risk assessments) for identified processes, and achieved compliance with the annual audit plan.  Conducted audit assignments and provided insights used to prepare the Annual Audit Plan.  Conducted fieldwork by gathering evidence through interviews, observations, inspections, and testing.  Analyzed evidence gathered during fieldwork and evaluated the effectiveness of internal controls.  Evaluated compliance with company policies, procedures, and standards.  Assessed the reliability and integrity of financial reports and records.  Determined the extent of reliance on financial systems and statements.  Conducted kick-off and closing meetings and prepared draft and final reports.  Reported on the existence and effectiveness of internal control systems.  Adhere to the International Professional Practices Framework (IPPF) mandatory guidance.

 Analyzed the costs of raw materials, labor, overhead, and other expenses to determine the true cost of production.  Created and managed budgets for the production department, including forecasting costs and identifying areas for cost savings.  Forecasted future costs for raw materials, labor, and other expenses to assist in planning future production and pricing.  Analyzed variances between actual and budgeted costs, identifying specific reasons for discrepancies.  Identified opportunities for cost reduction and implemented/monitored cost control measures to ensure budget compliance.  Determined product production costs and set selling prices to ensure organizational profitability.  Provided regular management reports on cost analysis, budgeting, variances, cost reduction and control, and inventory management.