About the position
The Internal Audit Leader plays a crucial role in ensuring the effectiveness of our internal control environment, risk management processes, and governance practices. This position is responsible for leading a team that conducts operational and IT audits, providing independent assessments, and making recommendations to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of our operations. The Internal Audit Leader serves as the subject matter expert in internal audit matters and reports all significant findings to the VP of Audit & Compliance for further action. In this role, the Internal Audit Leader will continuously assess and enhance the internal audit methodology, tools, and techniques to ensure best practices and optimal efficiency. They will develop and execute a risk-based internal audit plan that aligns with the enterprise's strategic objectives and regulatory requirements. Maintaining the highest ethical and professional conduct in accordance with Internal Audit standards is paramount. The leader will oversee operational audits to evaluate the efficiency, effectiveness, and compliance of business processes across various functions and departments, as well as IT audits to assess the adequacy of information systems controls, cybersecurity measures, and data integrity practices. Collaboration with key stakeholders, including senior management, department heads, and external auditors, is essential to communicate audit findings, recommendations, and action plans. Additionally, the Internal Audit Leader will monitor the implementation of audit recommendations and track progress on remediation efforts to address control deficiencies and mitigate risks. Staying abreast of emerging risks, industry trends, and regulatory developments relevant to internal audit, operations, and IT governance is also a critical aspect of this role. Participation in professional industry groups and creating a network of key contacts will help maintain a best-in-class audit function.
Responsibilities
- Continuously assess and enhance the internal audit methodology, tools, and techniques to ensure best practices and optimal efficiency.
- Develop and execute a risk-based internal audit plan that aligns with the enterprise strategic objectives and regulatory requirements.
- Maintain the highest ethical and professional conduct in accordance with the Internal Audit standards.
- Lead and manage a team of internal auditors, providing guidance, coaching, and support to ensure high-quality audit engagements.
- Oversee operational audits to evaluate the efficiency, effectiveness, and compliance of business processes across various functions and departments.
- Oversee IT audits to assess the adequacy of information systems controls, cybersecurity measures, and data integrity practices.
- Collaborate with key stakeholders, including senior management, department heads, and external auditors, to communicate audit findings, recommendations, and action plans.
- Monitor the implementation of audit recommendations and track progress on remediation efforts to address control deficiencies and mitigate risks.
- Stay abreast of emerging risks, industry trends, and regulatory developments relevant to internal audit, operations, and IT governance.
- Participate in professional industry groups and create a network of key contacts to stay abreast of industry and audit profession developments and technological advancements.
Requirements
- Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, information systems, or a related field.
- 10-15 years of progressive experience in internal audit, with a focus on operations and IT audit in a complex corporate environment.
- Strong understanding of risk management principles, internal control frameworks, and auditing standards.
- Demonstrated leadership abilities, including experience in managing and developing a high-performing audit team.
Nice-to-haves
- CPA, CIA, CISA, or other relevant certifications are preferred.
