Head of Internal Audit Job in County Westmeath, Ireland at Microsoft

Microsoft is recruiting a Head of Internal Audit for Microsoft Ireland Payment Services Limited (MIPSL), alongside responsibility for selected audit programmes across other Microsoft business functions. The role is designed for an experienced audit or risk professional with a strong background in regulated financial services and the ability to work with senior leaders and board-level stakeholders.

The successful candidate will establish and oversee the internal audit function for MIPSL, develop risk-based audit plans, report findings to the board and help strengthen governance, risk management and internal controls. The position also involves leading targeted audit programmes across other parts of Microsoft.

Job Overview

• Job Title: Head of Internal Audit, MIPSL and Audit Program Management
• Employer: Microsoft
• Location: County Westmeath, Ireland
• Job Type: Full-time
• Advertised Annual Salary: €101,100 to €151,700
• Seniority: Senior audit leadership
• Main Areas: Internal audit, financial services regulation, risk management and audit programme leadership
• Professional Qualification: Relevant qualification such as CIA, ACA, ACCA, CPA, CIMA or CISA, or equivalent
• Regulatory Context: Central Bank of Ireland requirements
• Travel: Domestic and international travel of up to 20% may be required
• Application Period: Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis until the position is filled, with the listing stating a minimum opening period of five days

About the Employer

Microsoft is a global technology company with business operations across a range of industries and markets. This position is connected to Microsoft Ireland Payment Services Limited, whose internal audit function reports into and receives support from Microsoft’s wider Internal Audit Group.

The role requires collaboration with senior management, the MIPSL Board, the Audit Committee and relevant regulatory stakeholders. It also contributes to risk oversight and audit activities across selected Microsoft business functions.

Job Description

The Head of Internal Audit will establish and maintain MIPSL’s internal audit function, including its strategy, governance arrangements, audit charter and annual audit plan. The role requires independent judgement, effective reporting and the ability to identify weaknesses in governance, risk management and internal controls.

In addition to the MIPSL responsibilities, the employee will lead selected audit programmes across other Microsoft functions. This involves identifying emerging risks, planning audit projects, overseeing execution and communicating findings and recommendations to senior leadership.

The position requires a strong understanding of Irish and European financial services regulation, particularly as it applies to payment institutions.

Key Responsibilities

MIPSL Internal Audit Leadership

• Establish and maintain the internal audit function for Microsoft Ireland Payment Services Limited.
• Develop and communicate the function’s objectives, strategy and vision.
• Prepare an internal audit charter for approval by the MIPSL Board.
• Develop and implement risk-based internal audit plans.
• Agree audit scope and terms of reference with relevant department managers.
• Coordinate with Microsoft Internal Audit resources to deliver the audit plan.
• Prepare quarterly and annual reports for the MIPSL Board.
• Maintain independence and professional standards when conducting audit work.
• Recommend improvements to controls, systems and processes.
• Participate in the MIPSL Audit Committee and report on relevant audit matters.
• Monitor changes in financial services regulation, market conditions and operational risks.
• Conduct special audits, investigations and advisory assignments when requested or directed through the relevant governance or regulatory process.
• Build the team’s audit capability through leadership, training and professional development.

Microsoft Audit Programme Management

• Analyse risk trends and develop annual audit programme plans for assigned business functions.
• Work with business teams to ensure audit projects address significant risks.
• Oversee audit project execution and maintain focus on key risk areas.
• Advise management on risks, control weaknesses and potential blind spots.
• Review management action plans and assess whether proposed actions address identified risks.
• Present clear audit findings and analysis to senior leaders and the Microsoft Board of Directors.

Leadership and Professional Development

• Develop business understanding and promote a strong risk management culture.
• Encourage an inclusive and collaborative working environment.
• Support continuous learning and technical development within the audit team.
• Work in line with Microsoft’s values and growth mindset.

Qualifications and Requirements

Applicants should have a relevant professional qualification, such as CIA, ACA, ACCA, CPA, CIMA, CISA or an equivalent credential, along with relevant experience in internal audit, risk or assurance.

The minimum qualifications described in the listing include:

• Experience in a senior audit leadership role within regulated financial services.
• Strong understanding of the Irish and European regulatory environment for payment institutions and financial services.
• Experience leading internal audit functions and developing risk-based audit plans.
• Knowledge of professional audit standards and continuous improvement practices.
• Expertise in assessing governance, risk management and internal control frameworks.
• Ability to identify control weaknesses, analyse root causes and recommend practical improvements.

The employer also identifies the following as preferred qualifications or experience:

• Previous approval by the Central Bank of Ireland for a pre-approved control function role involving internal audit.
• Strong professional judgement, integrity and independence.
• Confidence in challenging senior stakeholders and escalating significant issues appropriately.
• Experience managing audit or compliance programmes in changing, decentralised organisations.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills.
• Experience reporting audit opinions and findings to boards, audit committees, executives and regulators.
• Ability to assess business models, strategic initiatives and emerging risks.
• Experience preparing advisory memorandums with findings, conclusions and recommendations.
• Ability to travel domestically and internationally up to 20% of the year.
• A bachelor’s degree in a related field, with an advanced degree also listed as preferred.

Salary and Benefits

Microsoft advertises a typical annual base salary range of €101,100 to €151,700 for this role in Ireland.

The listing notes that certain roles may qualify for benefits and additional compensation. However, it does not specify a complete benefits package for this particular vacancy. Applicants can review Microsoft’s Ireland corporate pay information for further details.

Who Should Apply?

This position is intended for experienced internal audit, risk or assurance professionals with leadership experience in regulated financial services. It may suit candidates who have managed audit functions, developed risk-based plans and presented findings to boards, regulators and senior executives.

A strong understanding of Irish and European payment services regulation is particularly important. Applicants should also be comfortable maintaining audit independence while working closely with senior business leaders.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Where is the Head of Internal Audit position based?

The listing identifies County Westmeath, Ireland, as the job location.

2. What salary does Microsoft offer?

The advertised annual base salary range is €101,100 to €151,700.

3. Is the position full-time?

Yes. The listing describes the role as full-time.

4. What professional qualifications are accepted?

The listing gives CIA, ACA, ACCA, CPA, CIMA and CISA as examples of relevant professional qualifications, or an equivalent qualification.

5. Is financial services experience required?

Yes. The minimum qualifications include experience in a senior audit leadership role within regulated financial services and a strong understanding of the relevant Irish and European regulatory environment.

6. Does the role involve travel?

Yes. The listing states that domestic and international travel of up to 20% of the year may be required.

7. Does Microsoft provide visa sponsorship?

The supplied listing does not confirm visa sponsorship for this vacancy. Candidates who require employment sponsorship should verify eligibility and support directly with Microsoft.

8. What is the application deadline?

The listing states that the position will remain open for at least five days, with applications accepted on an ongoing basis until the role is filled. It does not provide a fixed closing date.