Director Internal Audit

Position Description: Director, Internal Audit

Location: Corporate Headquarters

Reports to: Chief Audit Executive (CAE) / Audit Committee (as appropriate)

Company Type: Fortune 500, publicly traded

🎯 Position Summary

The Director of Internal Audit is a senior leader responsible for overseeing the planning, execution, and reporting of the company’s global internal audit activities. This role ensures the effectiveness of internal controls, risk management practices, and governance processes across the enterprise. The Director partners closely with executive leadership, business unit leaders, external auditors, and the Audit Committee to provide independent, objective assurance and advisory services that strengthen operational performance and safeguard shareholder value.

📌 Key Responsibilities

• Audit Strategy & Planning
• Lead the development of the annual risk‑based internal audit plan aligned to enterprise risks, strategic priorities, and regulatory requirements.
• Continuously assess emerging risks, industry trends, and control environment changes to adjust audit priorities.
• Ensure audit coverage supports SOX 404 compliance, cybersecurity, ESG reporting, and operational risk areas.
• Audit Execution & Oversight
• Direct end‑to‑end audit engagements, including scoping, fieldwork, issue identification, and reporting.
• Ensure audits are executed in accordance with IIA Standards and company methodology.
• Review and approve audit reports, ensuring clarity, accuracy, and actionable recommendations.
• Oversee follow‑up on remediation plans and validate closure of audit findings.
• Leadership & Team Development
• Lead, mentor, and develop a high‑performing global audit team.
• Foster a culture of integrity, curiosity, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Manage external co‑sourcing partners and specialized audit resources as needed.
• Stakeholder Engagement
• Serve as a trusted advisor to senior leadership on internal controls, risk mitigation, and process optimization.
• Present audit results, risk insights, and control themes to the Audit Committee and executive leadership.
• Build strong relationships across Finance, IT, Operations, Legal, Compliance, and HR to promote a strong control environment.
• SOX Program Leadership
• Oversee the company’s SOX 404 compliance program, including scoping, testing, deficiency evaluation, and reporting.
• Coordinate with external auditors to ensure efficient reliance strategies and alignment on key control matters.
• Drive enhancements to control design, documentation, and testing efficiency.
• Risk & Governance Advisory
• Provide insights on enterprise risk management, fraud risk, cybersecurity, data governance, and third‑party risk.
• Support special investigations, whistleblower matters, and ad‑hoc executive requests.
• Contribute to governance initiatives, policy development, and process improvement efforts.
  
  

📌 Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business, or related field.
• 10 years of progressive internal audit, public accounting, or risk advisory experience.
• Experience in a large, complex, multinational organization (Fortune 500 preferred).
• Professional certification required: CPA, CIA, or equivalent.
• Strong knowledge of SOX 404, PCAOB standards, and internal control frameworks (COSO).
• Demonstrated ability to lead teams, manage complex projects, and influence senior stakeholders.
• Exceptional communication skills, including executive‑level reporting and presentation.
  
  

📌 Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with data analytics, automation, and continuous monitoring tools.
• Exposure to cybersecurity, ESG reporting, or digital transformation initiatives.
• MBA or advanced degree.
• Experience working directly with an Audit Committee.
  
  

🌟 Leadership Competencies

• Strategic thinking with a strong risk‑management mindset.
• High integrity and sound judgment.
• Ability to navigate ambiguity and drive clarity.
• Executive presence and strong relationship‑building skills.
• Commitment to developing talent and elevating audit maturity.
  
  

If you want, I can also tailor this to a specific industry (manufacturing, financial services, tech, healthcare), adjust it for global scope, or format it as a job posting instead of a formal position description.

Founded in 1923, Applied Industrial Technologies (NYSE: AIT) is a leading value-added distributor and technical solutions provider of industrial motion, fluid power, flow control, automation technologies, and related maintenance supplies. Our leading brands, specialized services, and comprehensive knowledge serve MRO and OEM end users in virtually all industrial markets through our multi-channel capabilities that provide choice, convenience, and expertise.

Applied Industrial Technologies is built on a philosophy that puts people first. We are an equal opportunity employer, and we are committed to a workforce in which we enforce fair treatment and provide growth opportunities for everyone. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment regardless of age, race, color, national origin, genetics, religion, gender, marital status, physical or mental disability, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws, regulations, and ordinances.