Audit Senior Associate, Top CPA Firm

Purpose : An internal audit function plays an important role in monitoring and evaluating the effectiveness of control systems and contributing to ongoing effectiveness.

This function assesses the adequacy of internal controls in any given location / environment; tests the consistent and correct application of those controls and reports findings to management.

The organizational structure under which this function reports is key to the effectiveness of the function (i.e. internal audit is set up as and reports as a separate function apart from day-to-day operational responsibilities, thus maintaining a high degree of independence and objectivity).

Overview : My client is a diversified management and holding company that conducts business through wholly-owned subsidiaries.

The parent oversees the operations of its subsidiaries, allocates resources among them and manages their capital structures.

The Internal Audit Department reports directly to the Audit Committee of the Corporation’s Board of Directors. The department has team members based in Mason, Ohio and Orlando, Florida.

The position is responsible for the following :

• Plan and execute all phases of operational, compliance, IT and financial reviews
• Perform ad-hoc projects and advise on Company initiatives
• Establish and maintain strong relationships with all levels of management
• Independently manage his / her time and supervise the internal audit team

3) Dimensions : The position offers a hybrid (work from home and in the office) working environment. Due to the diversity of the the company's business unit’s office, manufacturing and distribution locations, travel is necessary for approximately 25% of the position’s audit responsibilities on an annual basis (with opportunity to travel more if desired).

VI) Responsibilities / Principal Duties :

• Assists in the design, development, and maintenance of a comprehensive audit approach and testing strategy, based in technical expertise and molded to key business risks.
• Proactively identify, share, and discuss business risks to develop the internal audit plan
• Coach and develop staff
• Identifies opportunities for improvement to audit methodology, tools, and training
• Project manage staff, workloads, and deadlines
• Develop strong relationships with management
• Manage third party IA co-source provider, external audit findings, and multiple projects at the same time
• Develop deep understanding of business units including products, systems, accounting practices, and business initiatives
• Present internal audit findings to auditees and to senior management
• Quality control of internal audit work product through detailed review of work papers and supervision of staff
• Plan and perform independent audits, advisory projects, and investigations
• Identify the root cause of specific problems, present practical recommendations to eliminate the root cause and the related effect, and gain consensus to implement recommendations
• Provide the Senior Director Internal Audit and other stakeholders with audit status updates

VII) Qualifications : To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.

The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and / or ability required.

a) Key RequiredSkills :

• Strong quantitative and qualitative analysis skills including the ability to take large volumes of information and present analysis in a clear and concise manner.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Interpersonal skills and the ability to interface with all levels of management within the company.
• Organizational and multi-tasking skills.
• Proactive and results-oriented with a demonstrated ability to take initiative.
• Knowledge and understanding of internal auditing standards and techniques as well as general accounting methods, principles and practices.
• Knowledge of project and team management principles.
• Familiarity with IT general controls, including but not limited to access controls, change management, and IT security protocols.
• Understanding of regulatory requirements as they relate to IT, privacy, and cybersecurity.
• Ability to identify opportunities for the use of data analytics and the skills to execute the analysis.
• Overall proficiency with personal computers, including experience using Microsoft Excel and Word.

b) Education : A bachelor’s degree with a major in accounting, finance, economics, computer science or equivalent Experience.

c) Experience : Minimum of 8 years relevant work experience. CPA, CIA, CISA, or other relevant certification is desirable but not required.