Head of Internal Audit, APAC

APAC | Regulatory Role with Hong Kong (HK) Insurance Authority

Cigna has a unique opportunity for experienced and talented audit leaders, who are motivated to be a part of Cigna’s rapidly growing business in the APAC.  This opportunity provides a unique experience to be responsible for leading the internal audit function for Cigna Healthcare’s APAC businesses, while also being a part of a fortune 15 global organization and internal audit function.  This role carries regulatory responsibility with the HK Insurance Authority and plays a key part in ensuring strong governance, risk management, and internal controls. The ideal candidate will bring extensive experience in the insurance sector, a strong understanding of Hong Kong and Singapore regulatory requirements, and the ability to lead audit teams in a dynamic and multicultural environment.

The Head of Internal Audit, APAC has a direct reporting line to Cigna Healthcare’s International Health Head of Audit.  In addition to collaborating with senior leadership and stakeholders, the Head of Internal Audit, APAC will have responsibility for engaging directly with internal governance committees and various regulators to deliver insights and to present the results of our audit activities, including recommendations for solutions to strengthen and drive efficiencies in the control environment.  Additionally, this leadership role includes the following responsibilities:

Key Responsibilities

• Lead, coach, and develop the APAC Internal Audit team to deliver risk-based audits across the region, while also ensuring adequate coverage relative to core businesses, processes and functions.
• Serve as the key person responsible for the Internal Audit function registered with the Hong Kong Insurance Authority.
• Maintain strong relationships with the Audit Committee members and the Board of Directors.
• Stay informed on internal audit activities of joint ventures.
• Design and maintain a strategic audit plan aligned with the Companies’ objectives, risks, and both Hong Kong and broader APAC regulatory obligations.
• Manage execution of audits, including scoping, planning, supervision, documentation, and reporting.
• Prepare and deliver presentations regarding audit findings to stakeholders, including senior management and the Executive Committees.
• Monitor the implementation of audit recommendations and escalate overdue actions.
• Engage with stakeholders on key initiatives to provide consultation regarding governance and internal control best practices. 
• Build strong business relationships and work collaboratively with key functions, ensuring close coordination with Compliance and Risk Management to support a unified approach to control effectiveness and risk mitigation.
• Collaborate with Internal Audit teams operating globally to ensure alignment on audit coverage, knowledge sharing, and consistent application of best practices across the region.
• Act as the primary Internal Audit contact for regulatory matters across the APAC, including ongoing engagement with regulators such as the HK Insurance Authority and the Monetary Authority of Singapore.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field, with a Postgraduate degree (i.e. Masters) preferred.
• Professional certifications such as CA, CPA, or CIA are highly desirable.
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in internal audit, with at least 4 years in a senior role.
• At least 5 years of prior experience in the Healthcare or Insurance industry, with a solid understanding of healthcare systems, insurance operations, and regulatory requirements specific to Hong Kong.

Knowledge And Abilities:

• Sound knowledge of Hong Kong regulatory frameworks and financial reporting requirements.
• Strong technical expertise in accounting principles, control procedures, audit standards, and best practices.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills in English; proficiency in Chinese is an advantage.
• Strong interpersonal and presentation skills, with the ability to engage and influence stakeholders at all levels.
• Proven leadership and project management skills; capable of motivating and guiding cross-functional teams.
• Demonstrated ability to build and sustain effective relationships across global and multicultural teams.
• High level of analytical thinking and sound judgment, with a track record of making effective, well-reasoned decisions.
• Innovative mindset with the courage to challenge conventional thinking and improve processes.
• Strong organizational agility, ability to multi-task, and adapt to changing priorities.
• Comfortable operating in both office-based and virtual collaborative environments.
• Willingness to travel up to 30%, with a strong commitment to working in multicultural settings.
• Demonstrates unquestionable ethics and integrity in all professional dealings.
• About The Cigna Group

Cigna Healthcare, a division of The Cigna Group, is an advocate for better health through every stage of life. We guide our customers through the health care system, empowering them with the information and insight they need to make the best choices for improving their health and vitality. Join us in driving growth and improving lives.