Head of Internal Controls & Audit at RABKA Group (2015-06 – Present)
Responsible for strengthening the organization's operational risk posture by overseeing internal controls, audit functions, and risk mitigation strategies.
- Lead the internal audit function with dual focus on assurance and advisory services, incorporating operational risk considerations into all audit activities.
- Developed and implemented dynamic audit plans aligned with operational risk exposure, ensuring coverage of high-risk processes, fraud vulnerabilities, and regulatory compliance gaps.
- Identified controls deficiencies and process deficiencies and process inefficiencies through operational audits, recommending actionable risk remediation measures to reduce financial, compliance and reputational risks.
- Advise executive leadership on risk mitigation strategies and control enhancement opportunities.
- Conducted follow-up audits to track the implementation of risk mitigation measures, ensuring sustainable improvements in control effectiveness.
- Manage the complete audit lifecycle in compliance with IIA standards and regulatory requirements.
- Partnered with external auditors to align on risk assessment priorities, ensuring seamless regulatory audits and minimizing findings.
- Advised the senior leadership on internal control enhancement, risk appetite alignment, and emerging operational risk impacting business resilience.
- Managed concurrent audit projects with a risk-based approach, ensuring timely delivery while maintaining focus on high-impact risk areas.
- Reviewed and updated risk management policies and procedures regularly.
- Conducted operational risk-focused audits of high-impact global programs.
- Executed comprehensive assessments on audit records.
- Developed targeted audit programs focused on key risks.
- Managed the preparation of detailed audit reports and presented findings to stakeholders.
- Created detailed reports for Exit Conference evaluations.
- Provided detailed reports on audit conclusions directly to the head auditor.
- Analyzed incident reports to pinpoint root causes, preventing future occurrences.
- Collaborated with external regulators on audits and investigations.
AVP- Operational Risk at Barclays Bank PLC (2010-05 – 2015-05)
Focus on operational risk management and compliance within the banking sector.
- Supported business units in identifying, assessing, and managing operational risks.
- Coordinate the Quarterly Self Assessment for the Business, help respective units to report their self assessment result on Operational Risk tracking and reporting system (open page unified system- OPUS), ensure final submission and closure of quarterly self assessment package on OPUS.
- Led risk and control assessments (RCAs) to evaluate business processes.
- Implemented a comprehensive monitoring program for effectiveness evaluation.
- Issue tracking, follow-ups with business units for timely closure if issues and closure validation
- Managed timely reporting of risk events and led root cause analysis to drive improvements.
- Developed Key Risk Indicators (KRIs) and risk profiles for enhanced risk measurement.
- Advised business leaders on operational risk, fostering a culture of risk management.
- Continuous review of the processes to eliminate the gaps or break downs of processes
- Managed a team of operational risk champions, providing guidance and coaching.
Branch Operations Manager at Barclays Bank PLC (2008-04 – 2010-04)
Oversaw and managed operations within a retail banking branch.
- Managed day-to-day branch operations ensuring customer service excellence.
- Trained and developed branch operations staff on internal policies.
- Conducted regular audits of branch processes for compliance.
- Reviewed and authorized financial transactions for accuracy.
- Active member of Branch Expansion project.
- Responsible for completion of all operational requirement of a new branch prior to opening.
- Supervised and trained Cash Area employees.
- Responsible for renewal of department related internal policies, procedure and Service Level Agreements.
Cash Area Supervisor at Citibank N.A. Pakistan (2007-07 – 2008-04)
Responsible for managing cash operations and supervisory roles in the bank.
- Supervised cash operations, ensuring adherence to policies and regulations.
- Daily supervision of tellers to facilitate smooth customer traffic across the cash counter.
- Ensure strict compliance of all internal policies / SBP regulations / A&P / other manuals of Citibank.
- Ensure smooth operations of all the On-Site Off-Site ATMs.
- Managing the Risk Control Self Assessment of the branch cash area.
- Managed cash flow, ensuring accurate reporting and secure cash storage.
- Conducted reviews of cash handling processes to streamline operations.
- Designed training programs to ensure standardization of operational protocols across departments.
- Mentored team members to implement process improvements within their respective roles.
Customer Service Representative at Citibank N.A. Pakistan (2005-04 – 2007-06)
Involved in customer service and banking transaction operations.
- Processed banking transactions, ensuring accuracy and compliance.
- Responsible for Cash Withdrawals & Deposits from and to State Bank of Pakistan for Branch Cash Reserves.
- Processing of standing instruction transaction periodically.
- Handling ATM related customer complaints.
- Co-ordinate with bank's clearing department in case of Customer's queries.
- Issuance and redemption of Bank instruments like Manager's checks, Dollar Demand Drafts and Multi-Currency Demand Drafts.
- Reporting to treasury all necessary FCY and LCY transactions.
- Daily Balancing and Replenishment of new cash in On-Site Off-Site ATMs.
Self-Assessment Coordinator-QAU & Compliance at Citibank N.A. Pakistan (2004-04 – 2005-03)
Focused on internal controls and compliance within the organization.
- Reviewed departmental processes to identify control gaps.
- Participated in audits and developed self-assessment documents.
- Coordinated with law enforcement agencies on legal matters.
- Assist QA Head in conducting Business Risk Compliance & Control Committee meetings.
