ISMAIL ALI ABDALLA
DUBAI
Summary
Focused, diligent, experienced in the field of Information Systems and Technology Audit, having trained and obtained multiple professional license in IT Audit, Risk and Security. With over 18 years of banking experience with proven history of successful work in various positions, I have obtained vast knowledge in various banking products, systems and processes. Aiming to grow my career in Information Systems and Security Audit as well as through my experience and acquired skills, contribute towards the success of the organization.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Senior Manager IT Audit
National Bank Of Fujairah
01.2022 - Current
- Conduct risk assessments to determine areas requiring increased focus during subsequent technology audits.
- Develop and implement comprehensive IT Audit plan and strategies.
- Review and evaluate the effectiveness of IT Controls and make recommendations for improvement.
- Leading and managing all aspects of the IT Audit function within the organization.
- Contribute to the development of new auditing techniques, staying ahead in a rapidly evolving technology landscape.
- Manage multiple concurrent audit engagements, prioritizing tasks to meet deadlines without compromising quality.
- Maintain confidentiality, handling sensitive information discreetly throughout all stages of the audit process.
- Prepared working papers, reports and supporting documentation for audit findings.
- Provide detailed documentation on audit findings, facilitating swift corrective action when necessary.
- Streamline audit processes, improving efficiency and reducing time spent on each audit engagement.
- Identify control gaps in processes, procedures and systems through in-depth research, assessment and suggest methods for improvement.
- Administer and ensure quality audit programs to address risks and evaluate compliance with regulatory requirements.
- Interview auditees to gather data needed to conduct audits.
- Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements by performing regular audits and staying up-to-date on industry standards.
- Establish strong relationship with senior management, promoting open communication and collaboration on audit findings and recommendations.
- Champion cross-departmental collaboration, ensuring a holistic approach to risk management and process improvement initiatives.
- Mentor junior auditors in career development activities, nurturing future leaders in the field of internal auditing.
- Present IT audit findings and recommendations to management, demonstrating clear communication skills and ability to influence decision-making at the highest levels of the organization.
- Implement best practices in internal auditing by staying current on industry trends and emerging issues through ongoing professional development activities.
- Conduct regular training sessions for staff members on various topics related to IT audit principles, improving overall understanding within the organization.
- Manage a team of IT auditors, providing guidance, development opportunities, and performance feedback for continuous improvement.
- Prepare audit reports that clearly communicate findings and recommendations to key stakeholders.
Manager IT Audit
National Bank Of Fujairah
07.2019 - 12.2021
- Conduct risk assessment and prioritize audit activities based on the assessment of IT Risks.
- Assist in developing and execution of comprehensive IT Audit plan and program in alignment with organizational objectives and regulatory requirements.
- Develop comprehensive audit programs and audit test steps and approach for technical and complex audits.
- Communicate audit findings, recommendations and action plans to management and key stakeholders in a clear and concise manner.
- Monitor and implementation of audit recommendations and follow up on remediation activities to ensure timely resolution of identified issues.
- Foster strong relationships with business partners and IT Stakeholders to promote collaboration and alignment on IT Audit initiatives.
- Lead and manage a team of IT Auditors providing guidance, coaching and support to ensure high quality audit deliverables.
- Stay abreast of emerging IT trends, technologies and regulatory developments and incorporate them in the IT audit process.
Senior Information Systems Auditor
Kenya Pipeline Company Limited
01.2017 - 06.2019
- Complete in-depth audit tests on both OT and IT environments.
- Enhance internal controls and reduced risks through conducting comprehensive assessments and reviews of IT processes.
- Develop robust internal audit programs for information systems, aligning them with industry best practices and standards.
- Establish strong working relationships with management team members, fostering open communication channels that led to more effective audits.
- Ensure accuracy in audit documentation by maintaining meticulous records, reducing potential errors during the review process.
- Provided ongoing professional development opportunities for junior auditors through mentorship programs, enhancing their expertise in information systems auditing.
- Increased stakeholder confidence by presenting clear and concise reports on audit findings and recommendations for improvement.
- Championed the use of audit management software Teammate within the organization, streamlining workflow and increasing overall team productivity.
- Improved overall information systems audit effectiveness by implementing a risk-based approach to prioritize audits.
Senior IT Auditor
Dubai Islamic Bank
01.2016 - 12.2016
- Participate in overall IT Audit planning.
- Conduct independent Risk Assessments on technology audit entities.
- Lead and execute audit assignments as per the audit plan by performing planning, scoping, fieldwork, highlighting controls gaps and documenting recommendations.
- Follow up on outstanding audit issues with relevant stakeholders and ensure closure as per the agreed timelines.
- Review and recommend improvement in various bank’s policies, processes and procedures to add operational value.
- Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements, bank policies, standards and industry best practice.
- Manage, develop and grow team members to achieve overall success of business.
- Provide advisory and value addition in IT Projects.
- Develop audit programs / Risk control matrix for annual audit plan and any adhoc assignments.
Manager Information Systems Audit
Kenya Commercial Bank
01.2013 - 12.2015
- Lead and execute Information systems audit including planning, scoping, fieldwork and reporting phases.
- Evaluate the design and effectiveness of IT Controls including general Infrastructure controls, application controls and cybersecurity controls.
- Develop audit programs and test plans to address identified risks and ensure comprehensive coverage of audit objectives.
- Document audit findings and recommendations in clear and concise audit reports.
- Monitor and track the implementation of audit recommendations and follow up with relevant stakeholders for timely closure.
IT System Support Engineer
Kenya Commercial Bank
01.2009 - 12.2012
- Upgrade operating systems and computer software to perform compatibility with programs.
- Analyzed and managed software patches and versions necessary for successful operating system upgrades.
- Optimized help desk operations through thorough analysis of ticket trends and implementing targeted process improvements.
- Streamlined processes for diagnosing and fixing hardware, software, and network problems, resulting in quicker resolution times.
- Implemented technical solutions to solve customer issues and increase satisfaction.
- Collaborated with vendors to locate replacement components and resolve advanced problems.
- Communicated with clients to verify roots and causes of computer problems.
- Enhanced system performance by troubleshooting and resolving technical issues promptly.
Systems Administrator, Card Operations
Kenya Commercial Bank
04.2004 - 12.2008
- Monitor system performance, troubleshoot issues and implement solutions to ensure the reliability, availability and security of card processing systems.
- Implement and maintain security measures to protect sensitive cardholder data and prevent unauthorized access to card processing system.
- Perform end of day activities and prepare reports for various departments for reconciliation activities.
- Assisted in the evaluation and selection of new technology tools to enhance card operations capabilities.
- Served as a subject matter expert on card operations systems-related matters during interdepartmental meetings.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Information Technology
Jomo Kenyatta University of A. & Technology
Nairobi, Kenya03.2004
Skills
- Leadership and management skills
- Communication and Interpersonal skill
- Technical proficiency
- Analytical and critical thinking abilities
Certification
- Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) - 2020
- ISO 27001 Lead Auditor - 2020
- Certified Data Privacy Solution Engineer (CDPSE) - 2020
- Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) - 2018
- Certified Information Security Manager (CISM) - 2018
- SAP Certified Technology Associate - Authorization & Auditing - 2018
- Certified in Risk and Information Systems Control (CRISC) - 2017
- Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) - 2012
- Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) - 2011
- Microsoft Certified Information Technology Professional (MCITP) - 2010
Timeline
Senior Manager IT Audit
National Bank Of Fujairah
01.2022 - Current
Manager IT Audit
National Bank Of Fujairah
07.2019 - 12.2021
Senior Information Systems Auditor
Kenya Pipeline Company Limited
01.2017 - 06.2019
Senior IT Auditor
Dubai Islamic Bank
01.2016 - 12.2016
Manager Information Systems Audit
Kenya Commercial Bank
01.2013 - 12.2015
IT System Support Engineer
Kenya Commercial Bank
01.2009 - 12.2012
Systems Administrator, Card Operations
Kenya Commercial Bank
04.2004 - 12.2008
Bachelor of Science - Information Technology
Jomo Kenyatta University of A. & Technology
- Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) - 2020
- ISO 27001 Lead Auditor - 2020
- Certified Data Privacy Solution Engineer (CDPSE) - 2020
- Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) - 2018
- Certified Information Security Manager (CISM) - 2018
- SAP Certified Technology Associate - Authorization & Auditing - 2018
- Certified in Risk and Information Systems Control (CRISC) - 2017
- Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) - 2012
- Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) - 2011
- Microsoft Certified Information Technology Professional (MCITP) - 2010
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