Vice President of Internal Audit

The Vice President of Internal Audit provides executive leadership for the organization’s internal audit function, ensuring effective governance, risk management, internal controls, and financial and operational integrity. This role develops and executes a risk-based internal audit strategy and provides independent, objective assessments and strategic recommendations to executive leadership and the Audit Committee.
The VP of Internal Audit works closely with the CEO, CFO, executive leadership team, business-unit leaders, Risk, Compliance, Legal, Finance, and external auditors to identify emerging risks, strengthen internal controls, and support the organization’s long-term growth and operational resilience.
Key Responsibilities
Develop and execute a comprehensive, risk-based internal audit strategy and annual audit plan aligned with the organization’s strategic objectives.
Provide independent assessments of the effectiveness of governance, risk management, internal controls, and business processes.
Lead audits covering financial reporting, accounting, treasury, operations, technology, compliance, cybersecurity, and enterprise risk management.
Evaluate the design and effectiveness of internal controls and recommend improvements to address identified weaknesses.
Oversee the organization’s SOX compliance and internal control testing activities, where applicable.
Identify emerging financial, operational, regulatory, technology, and strategic risks and incorporate them into the internal audit program.
Lead investigations into significant control deficiencies, suspected fraud, financial irregularities, and other high-risk matters when appropriate.
Monitor management’s remediation activities and ensure audit findings are addressed within established timelines.
Partner with Finance, Risk, Compliance, Legal, IT, and Operations leadership to strengthen enterprise-wide risk and control frameworks.
Coordinate with external auditors, regulators, and other assurance providers to promote effective audit coverage and avoid unnecessary duplication of effort.
Prepare comprehensive audit reports, risk assessments, and executive-level recommendations for senior management and the Audit Committee.
Present significant audit findings, control deficiencies, emerging risks, and remediation progress to the Audit Committee and Board of Directors.
Establish and maintain internal audit policies, methodologies, quality standards, and governance frameworks in accordance with applicable professional standards.
Leverage data analytics, automation, continuous monitoring, and emerging technologies to enhance audit effectiveness and risk detection.
Manage the internal audit budget, resources, staffing, and external service providers.
Recruit, mentor, and develop a high-performing internal audit organization with strong technical and leadership capabilities.
Promote a culture of accountability, transparency, ethical conduct, and continuous improvement across the organization.
Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, Risk Management, or a related field; a Master’s degree is preferred.
12+ years of progressive experience in internal audit, external audit, accounting, risk management, compliance, or related disciplines.
Significant experience leading enterprise-level internal audit functions, preferably within a complex or highly regulated organization.
Proven experience working with executive leadership, Audit Committees, Boards of Directors, and external auditors.
Strong knowledge of internal controls, financial reporting, risk management, corporate governance, and audit methodologies.
Experience with SOX, GAAP, regulatory compliance, and enterprise risk frameworks is preferred.
Strong analytical, investigative, strategic thinking, and decision-making skills.
Excellent written, verbal, and executive presentation abilities.
Demonstrated ability to influence senior stakeholders while maintaining the independence and objectivity of the internal audit function.
Strong leadership and people-management skills with experience building and developing high-performing teams.

Work arrangement
Yes