Looking for a job

Mahesh Rao

@maheshrao

Message

I build internal audit, compliance, ethics, and governance functions for industrial organisations.

Oman

Message

What I'm looking for

I'm looking to build and strengthen internal audit, compliance, risk, ethics, and governance infrastructure where Board engagement, collaboration, and measurable operational impact matter.

At Sohar Aluminium, I built the Internal Audit & Compliance function from the ground up for a $1bn primary aluminium joint venture, establishing direct Board Audit Committee reporting, combined assurance, ethics infrastructure, and risk-based audit coverage that reached 90% of high- and medium-risk ERM areas.

Previously, I led risk-based audit teams at Aluminium Bahrain, delivered financial returns through audit findings, and redesigned authority frameworks to improve commercial execution. I also led a core banking implementation at Crane Bank and began my career at EY Uganda, building broad audit, IFRS, systems, investigation, risk, and governance experience across multiple sectors.

Experience

Work history, roles, and key accomplishments

Current

Head of Internal Audit and Compliance

Current

Sohar Aluminium

Jul 2015 - Present (11 years 2 months)

Built the Internal Audit & Compliance function from the ground up, reporting directly to the Board Audit Committee. Established the first direct Audit Committee reporting relationship, introduced KPIs, and sustained recommendation implementation rates of 75–93% over a decade.

Internal Audit Compliance ERM Risk Management Governance Ethics Audit Reporting SAP

Education

Degrees, certifications, and relevant coursework

University of Edinburgh

Master of Science, Artificial Intelligence

Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence from the University of Edinburgh, UK, completed in 2001, with foundations in neural networks, machine learning, and knowledge-based systems.