Senior Director, Internal Audit

Overview

As the Senior Director, Internal Audit, you will play a pivotal role in the continued growth of a dynamic internal audit function for a leading biopharmaceutical company.

The ideal candidate will have strong auditing and biotech / pharma industry experience. Integrated audit and risk-advisory experience across finance, compliance, and operations will be a big advantage. Also, experience in collaborating with, and directing external co-source partners to effectively support internal audits and SOX controls testing.

This role requires excellent communications and leadership skills, and the ability to work collaboratively and effectively with key stakeholders at all levels. The candidate must be eager to lead risk management and internal control improvement across the organization through thoughtful risk assessments, and the execution of complex audits and reviews in a highly regulated industry. This role will also play a crucial role in the ongoing evolution of the internal audit function to keep pace with Alnylam’s growth and priorities, while conforming to the IIA standards.

This is a hybrid position that requires two days on site per week in our Cambridge, MA office. This role reports to the VP, Head of Internal Audit.

Key Responsibilities

• Exceptional leadership skills to direct others in applying a systematic and risk-focused approach to evaluate and improve the effectiveness and efficiency of processes, internal controls, risk management and governance processes. This includes an overall assessment of risk across the organization to support a suitable internal audit plan.
• Direct a team of professional auditors (internal and co-sourced) in performing financial, compliance, operational, and third party internal audits, both domestic and abroad, to assess the effectiveness of risk management and internal control and provide valuable and fitting recommendations for improvement.
• Prepare insightfully written reports and work collaboratively with other expertise areas and business functions, such as Legal, Compliance, IT, and Finance, to align audit observations and agree robust and fitting management action plans to address the observations and strengthen internal controls.
• Prepare and effectively present relevant and insightful communications to leadership teams and committees at Alnylam.
• Direct the operation of key responsibilities of the internal audit function, including working closely with internal audit’s co-source partner, and recruiting exceptional talent as the internal audit team grows.
• Demonstrated ability to lead with a positive culture, promoting collaboration and continuous improvement, and fostering innovation in internal audit practices. Experience in creating and maintaining a high-performance work environment.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders at all levels across the organization while promoting ethical awareness.
• Strong knowledge of current internal audit trends, industry benchmarks, and best practices, with the ability to apply these insights to Alnylam’s internal audit operations. Active participation in professional organizations and industry groups will be valuable.
• Maintain the highest standards of professionalism and independence in the execution of responsibilities.

Qualifications And Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in business, accounting, finance, or related field required.
• CPA, CIA, or equivalent professional certification or MBA is required.
• 15 years of relevant experience in audit, risk management and controls functions, preferably in the pharmaceutical / biotechnology industry or other highly regulated industry. Experience leading complex audits internationally.
• Experience with leading teams in auditing and advising on governance, risk, and controls, demonstrating a strong understanding of audit principles and methodology.
• Experience managing key operational and strategic priorities of internal audit functions.
• Excellent analytical skills and the ability to identify and assess risks effectively. Proven ability to conduct complex risk assessments.
• Team and talent builder with management experience recruiting, mentoring, developing, and coaching your staff.
• Excellent verbal and written and communication skills with the ability to explain complex concepts clearly to a variety of audiences.
• Strong influencer who is adept at partnering, influencing, and aligning stakeholders at all levels.
• Willing to travel up to 15%, domestic and international.

About Alnylam: We are the leader in RNAi therapeutics – a revolutionary approach with the potential to transform the lives of people with rare and common diseases. Built on Nobel Prize-winning science, Alnylam has delivered the breakthroughs that made RNAi therapeutics possible and are just at the beginning of what’s possible. Our deep pipeline, late-stage programs, and bold vision reflect our core values: fierce innovation, passion for excellence, purposeful urgency, open culture and commitment to people. We're proud to be a globally recognized top employer, where an authentic, inclusive culture and breakthrough thinking fuel one another.

At Alnylam, we commit to an inclusive recruitment process and equal employment opportunity. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to their sex, gender or gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, religion, creed, physical or mental disability, pregnancy status or related conditions, genetic information, veteran or military status, marital or familial status, political affiliation, age, or any other factor protected by federal, state, or local law. Alnylam is an E-Verify Employer.