Argo Group’s Internal Audit (Group Audit) provides independent and objective assurance, advice, and insight; guided by a philosophy of adding value to improve the operations of Argo Group. Group Audit assists the Company in accomplishing its objectives by bringing a systematic and disciplined approach to evaluate and improve the effectiveness of Argo Group’s control environment; including risk management, operational, financial, internal control, and governance processes. 

The Audit Manager will report directly to the Audit Director. The position manages and develops formal reporting processes to execute and communicate the results of audits to management and regulatory compliance agencies. Manages the testing and documentation of processes and computer system records for integrity and accuracy. Reports discrepancies and ensures that audit issues are well defined and root causes are identified. Plans, scopes, and performs internal audits and risk assessments within established business process controls. Works with management in all areas to define the audit function as it relates to overall business activities. The position is responsible for collaborating with business area and functional stakeholders, the broader Group Audit, and other assurance teams within Argo Group to:

• Execute assigned audits, including audits of complex areas and major initiatives, to obtain sufficient, reliable, relevant, and useful information regarding the design and effectiveness of identified processes. Plan and conducts engagements according to the International Professional Practices Framework (IPPF). Supervise audit staff throughout engagements to ensure efficient and effective use of audit resources. Manages the audit plan schedule, evaluating and communicating changes to audit leadership in a timely manner.
• Lead in the development of individual audits to ensure that audit projects and stakeholders focus on key risks and controls; assist in the above on most complex audits
• Assist the Audit leadership Team in the development of the Group Audit strategy, which is reviewed and approved by the Audit Committee, and assist in driving any corresponding implementations and changes while taking ownership over portions of the functional activities.
• Work through ambiguity to help develop and implement changes and solutions that have a strategic impact.
• Apply critical thinking skills to evaluate various tasks, procedures, policies, and findings to ensure alignment to overarching goals or to suggest changes to those goals.
• Develop, implement, and monitor project plans to ensure engagement delivery in accordance with project budgets and timelines. Performs engagement-level risk assessments to identify key objectives, associated risks, and mitigating controls based on audit scope. Tracks and communicates progress towards established engagement goals and milestones to customer and project leadership. Discusses engagement results, their impact, and recommendations with audit leadership and relevant stakeholders.
• Influence decision-makers when discussing engagement results to provide stakeholders adequate awareness of the state of governance, risk management, and control processes. Identifies appropriate stakeholders within audit, management, and external parties. Presents identified issues, recommended actions, and opportunities for improvement.
• Collaborate across different Group Audit teams to provide for an integrated and coordinated approach to risks and testing.
• Contribute to the overall effectiveness and value of Group Audit by recommending and developing innovative approaches and solutions (e.g., the use of data analytics, automation, and Agile audit methodology).
• Assist Group Audit in developing and implementing its Quality Assurance Improvement Program.
• Coordinate with external auditors and regulators on the results of the external audits of the company’s processes, controls, systems, or reports. Facilitates the request and collection of relevant information. Organize meetings between external parties and members of management. Counsels management on requirements and requests of external parties. Supports the communication of results and any needed corrective action.
• Not an exhaustive list; other duties as assigned.

Specific duties and responsibilities include:

• Ensure key risks and controls are properly identified, test procedures support the audit objectives, test procedures are completed in the budgeted timeframe and workpapers support the work performed and conclusions drawn in accordance with Group Audit Methodology and IIA Standards.
• Review drafts of identified issues, audit reports, process narratives, and other documents to assist audit team with reporting and effectively discuss findings with business stakeholders.
• Manage the preparation and review of audit senior/staff work papers, work with audit senior/staff to develop practical recommendations, and review drafts of deficiencies and recommendations.
• Work closely with the audit senior/staff to verify management’s corrective actions for audit issues.
• Provide guidance and direction for junior staff to develop business and audit knowledge, set clear expectations, provide timely and constructive feedback, encourage their career advancement, and set the tone by enthusiastically facilitating knowledge exchange/transfer.
• Hold team accountable for meeting deliverables, quality assurance, and methodology standards, including providing real-time feedback.
• Implement quality control initiatives within the department.
• Build and maintain strong working relationships internally as well as with the business.
• This role may or may not have career management responsibilities for team members.

Requirements include:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree.
• 5 years of internal or external audit within the financial services industry or insurance examiner experience, including managing others.
• Strong knowledge of internal audit best practices, financial / insurance services processes and operations, and regulatory requirements.
• A certified professional designation (CPA, CIA, CISA, CFE, etc.)
• Experience with auditing leveraging the use of data analysis tools, developing audit analytics, dashboards, and continuous monitoring programs using data analysis software (e.g., PowerBI, IDEA, Tableau, ACL).
• Demonstrated experience/ability to form and maintain strong relationships with company leadership, resolve differences and influence positive change.
• Well-developed communication (oral and written), presentation, and project management skills.

Travel as required - 10 - 30%.