Director of Internal Audit

Position Summary

The Internal Audit (IA) function is an independent, objective assurance and advisory team responsible for evaluating and enhancing the effectiveness of risk management, internal controls, and business processes. The team works closely with business leaders and key stakeholders across the organization to assess risks, strengthen governance, and identify opportunities for operational improvement.

The Director will provide strategic leadership and oversight of the organization's Internal Controls over Financial Reporting (ICFR) program, ensuring an effective and sustainable control environment that supports financial reporting integrity and regulatory compliance. This role is responsible for setting program priorities, overseeing execution, driving continuous improvement, and providing guidance on complex control and risk matters.

The Director will serve as a trusted advisor to senior leadership, establish strong relationships across Finance and business functions, and lead the development of a high-performing team. The role may also provide leadership and oversight on internal audit and advisory engagements, contributing to broader risk management and governance initiatives across the organization.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the overall strategy, governance, and execution of the organization's ICFR program in accordance with the requirements of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (SOX), ensuring a risk-based, effective, and scalable approach to financial reporting controls.
• Oversee the annual ICFR risk assessment and financial statement scoping process, applying sound judgment to identify significant risks, key business processes, and areas requiring enhanced control coverage.
• Direct the design, documentation, and execution of the ICFR testing program, ensuring appropriate evaluation of the design, implementation, and operating effectiveness of key controls.
• Provide strategic guidance to management and control owners on complex control matters, emerging risks, process changes, and opportunities to enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of the control environment.
• Oversee the identification, evaluation, and resolution of control deficiencies, including assessment of severity, root causes, potential financial reporting implications, and remediation strategies.
• Lead discussions with senior management and key stakeholders regarding control deficiencies, remediation priorities, and improvements to financial reporting processes.
• Develop and deliver clear, insightful reporting on ICFR program effectiveness, key findings, emerging risks, and remediation progress to Internal Audit and Finance leadership and other senior stakeholders, including governance committees, as appropriate.
• Build and maintain effective relationships with senior executives, Finance leadership, business stakeholders, control owners, and external auditors, fostering collaboration and accountability for internal controls.
• Act as a key liaison with external auditors on ICFR matters, facilitating coordination, alignment on testing approaches, and timely resolution of significant findings.
• Drive continuous improvement and modernization of the ICFR program by identifying opportunities to streamline processes, enhance risk coverage, leverage technology and data analytics, and improve overall program efficiency.
• Provide leadership, coaching, and professional development to team members, fostering a collaborative, accountable, and high-performance culture. Oversee resource planning, work allocation, and the performance of external service providers, as applicable.
• Contribute to the development and execution of the broader Internal Audit strategy and risk-based audit plan, identifying key enterprise risks and opportunities to strengthen governance and operational effectiveness.
• Provide oversight and direction on internal audit and advisory engagements, including risk assessments, engagement scoping, audit methodologies, fieldwork execution, and the communication of findings and recommendations.
• Review and challenge significant audit findings, root cause analyses, and management action plans to ensure conclusions are well-supported and recommendations are practical, risk-focused, and aligned with organizational objectives.
• Oversee the monitoring and validation of remediation activities, ensuring timely and sustainable resolution of identified issues.
• Support departmental strategic initiatives and collaborate with cross-functional teams on matters involving governance, risk management, regulatory developments, and organizational change.

Qualifications and Skills

• 8+ years of progressive experience in internal audit, external audit, internal controls, accounting, or financial reporting, including significant experience in leadership or management roles. A CPA designation and experience with a Big Four accounting firm or equivalent organization are strongly preferred.
• A bachelor's degree (or equivalent) in accounting, finance, or a related field. Additional professional certifications, such as Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) or other relevant designations, are considered assets.
• Extensive experience leading or overseeing ICFR and SOX compliance programs, preferably within a U.S.-listed or similarly complex organization, with a comprehensive understanding of financial reporting risks, internal control frameworks, and audit methodologies.
• Strong technical knowledge of SOX requirements, the COSO internal control framework, and financial reporting processes. Familiarity with U.S. GAAP and relevant regulatory requirements is considered an asset.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and execute strategic initiatives, oversee complex programs, and drive improvements in internal controls, governance, and operational effectiveness.
• Proven leadership experience, with the ability to build, develop, and motivate high-performing teams, effectively manage resources, and foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Strong executive presence, relationship management, and influencing skills, with demonstrated experience engaging and advising senior leadership on complex risk and control matters.
• Exceptional analytical, critical thinking, and problem-solving capabilities, with sound professional judgment and the ability to assess complex issues, challenge existing practices, and develop practical, risk-based solutions.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to synthesize complex information, deliver clear and impactful presentations, and communicate effectively with senior executives and governance stakeholders.
• Strong organizational and project management capabilities, with the ability to balance strategic priorities and operational demands, manage multiple concurrent initiatives, and deliver high-quality outcomes in a dynamic environment.
• A proactive, solutions-oriented mindset, with the ability to operate independently, navigate ambiguity, and drive change across diverse teams and business functions.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and experience with audit management platforms. Familiarity with data analytics, automation, and artificial intelligence tools, including their application to audit and internal control processes, is considered beneficial.