Internal Audit Senior Director

At the MBTA, we envision a thriving region enabled by a best-in-class transit system. Our mission is to serve the public by providing safe, reliable, and accessible transportation. MBTA’s Core Values are built around safety, service, equity, sustainability, and culture. Each employee that works for the MBTA performs their roles based on our vision, mission, and values. This includes attendance, participation, and contribution in local safety committee meetings as needed.

Job Summary

The Senior Director of Audit is responsible for building, leading, and maturing the organization’s internal audit and compliance function. This role will build out processes and procedures to oversee internal controls, regulatory compliance auditing, and governance effectiveness. The Senior Director ensures audit programs align with business strategy and supports improved operational efficiency, risk mitigation, and ethical conduct. This role reports to the Chief Administrative Officer.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Conduct an agency-wide compliance and audit risk assessment to identify high-risk areas and regulatory gaps
• Develop an internal audit strategy and roadmap that algins with MBTA business and compliance objectives
• Establish governance structures, including an Audit Committee reporting framework and escalation protocols
• Build and document foundational internal controls including financial, operational, digital and data privacy controls
• Deliver clear, actionable audit reports and insights that promote business accountability, strength controls and improve business performance
• Develop and implement audit methodologies, SOPs, and template for consistent audit execution across business units
• Leverage technology and data analytics to boost audit efficiency and effectiveness
• Create and maintain an annual audit plan, prioritizing high-risk functions (including but not limited to finance, procurement, cybersecurity, and third-party risk)
• Cultivate collaborative partnerships across the Authority and champion a culture of risk awareness, control ownership, continuous improvement and ethical decision-making across departments and functions
• Coordinate with external auditors, regulators, and advisors to align audit practices with evolving regulatory expectations and industry standards
• Track and ensure resolution of open audit issues
• Must be available to report 24/7. Must respond to calls, emails, and texts after working hours as needed
• Perform all other duties and projects that may be assigned
  
  
  

Physical Demands and Working Conditions

• The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
  
  
  

Supervision

May include supervising a team of Auditors and Analysts.

Minimum Requirements & Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Business Administration, Public Administration, Industrial Engineering or related field
• Ten (10) years’ experience of progressive internal audit experience
• Seven (7) years of supervisory, managerial, and/or leadership experience
• Deep knowledge of internal controls, audit methodologies, enterprise risk management and compliance frameworks
• Deep understanding of SOX, SEC regulations, control frameworks and global risk management standards
• Experience implementing GRC platforms and using analytical tools for risk monitoring
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, with the ability to engage and influence team members and executive leaders
• Ability to work independently while leading and developing a team, management multiple priorities, and meeting deadlines
• Proven experience leading complex audits, international operations and emerging risk areas (e.g. cyber, AI/automation)
• Proficiency in data analytics to enhance audit coverage and efficiency
• Excellent customer service, teamwork and conflict resolution skills
• Strong knowledge of Word, Excel and PowerPoint applications
  
  
  

Preferred Experience And Skills

• Master’s degree in Finance, Business Administration, Industrial Engineering, Public Administration or related field
• CPA, CIA, CISA, CFE, or equivalent certification
• Knowledge of operating budget policy and procedures.
  
  
  

Substitutions Include

• A High School Diploma or GED with an additional seven (7) years of directly related experience substitutes for the bachelor’s degree requirement.
• An associate degree from an accredited institution an additional three (3) years of directly related experience substitutes for the bachelor’s degree requirement.
• A master’s degree in a related subject substitute for two (2) years of general experience.
• A nationally recognized certification, or statewide/professional certification in a related field substitutes for one year of experience
  
  
  

Job Conditions:

• Ability to effectively read, comprehend, communicate, and respond to instructions, orders, signs, notices, inquiries, etc. in English.
• Be at least eighteen (18) years of age, except if participating in an approved high school internship / co-op program.
• Ability to commute to assigned work locations in the Boston, MA metro area, as required by the role.
• Ability to provide internal and external customers with courteous and professional experiences.
• Ability to work effectively, independently, and as part of a diverse workforce team (or supervise, if required).
• Ability to uphold the rights and interests of the MBTA while building and maintaining effective relationships with employees and co-workers.
• Ability to adhere to rules, regulations, collective bargaining agreements (if applicable), and policies of the MBTA, including the EEO, anti-discrimination, anti-harassment, and anti-retaliation policies.
• Have a satisfactory work record for the two (2) years immediately prior to the closing date of this posting (unless if current student or recent graduate), including overall employment, job performance, discipline, and safety records (infractions and/or offenses occurring after the closing of the posting and before the filling of a vacancy may preclude a candidate from consideration for selection).
• Ability to pass a Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) check, comprehensive background screening, and / or medical Clinic screening, potentially including physical examination and drug and alcohol screenings.
• Ability to work all shifts and / or locations assigned, directed, or necessary for this position, including (for some transit / operations roles) up to twenty-four (24) hours per day, seven (7) days per week as necessary to accommodate severe weather conditions, emergencies, or any other circumstances that may potentially impact service or the safety of service.
• Intern / co-op staff must be enrolled full or part-time in an accredited educational program and maintain a cumulative GPA of at least 2.5 for the entire duration of the internship / co-op. Additionally, interns / co-ops must have valid work authorization and U.S. Social Security Number prior to starting pre-employment screenings / pre-boarding, working in their positions, and throughout the duration of their program.
  
  
  

Disclaimers and Definitions:

• General Disclaimer: The statements contained in this job description are intended to describe a summary, general nature, and complexity of typical job functions and do not represent an exhaustive list of all duties, tasks, and responsibilities required of staff assigned to this position.
• Application Completion: It is each applicant’s responsibility to ensure application details are entered completely and correctly, including updated work and education histories (past and current). Incomplete applications may not be considered. Attachments do not substitute for application fields. The recruitment team does not have access to existing employee data / history.
• Application Deadlines: Applicants should apply as soon as possible, as the MBTA may stop considering applicants after a sufficiently large applicant pool is established.
• Work Environment: The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here-in are representative of those an employee may encounter while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations can be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. See job description for role-specific requirements.
• Work Eligibility: All employees must be legally authorized to work in the United States and on an unrestricted basis. The MBTA does not have an employer work sponsorship program. However, if you have unrestricted work authorization, or are sponsored by a separate entity, you are welcome to apply. Further, all persons hired will require a U.S. Social Security Number prior to starting the position and employees will be required to complete a Form I-9 to verify their identity and eligibility to work in the U.S.
• Interviews: Candidates should ensure they arrive on time, are prepared, can remain for the duration, and if remote, are in a quiet place without distraction, for the interview. Candidates who do not attend their interview without advance authorization, including an email confirmation of a rescheduled time/date from Human Resources, will be considered a no-show and disqualified from consideration for the position. Related to rescheduling, on a one-time basis, and due to something emergent, you may be allowed to reschedule the interview. In addition, Human Resources may require documentation supporting the request. However, should you need to reschedule, you will need to contact your Recruiter directly by email.
• Safety Sensitive Positions: Employees working in this classification will be subject to periodic physical examinations plus random drug and alcohol testing.
• On-call or 24/7 Positions: Employees working in this classification must be available to respond to page / text / call and report to work as determined by assigned department or the Authority.
• Essential / Emergency Staff: During declared "states of emergency," employees working in this classification are required to report to work for their assigned work hours or as directed by management.
• ADA Accommodations: The MBTA makes reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities. If you require an accommodation during this process, please contact the MBTA's ADA Unit at 617-222-5751 or hradaaa@mbta.com .
• Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: The MBTA is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer . For terms, descriptions, and definitions related to diversity, equity, inclusion, veteran status, and immediate family members that you may find on the application form, please visit mbta.com/careers-app-definitions .
• Intern / Co-Op Benefits: Employees taking part in an internship or co-op at the MBTA are eligible to receive accrued paid sick leave as well as a monthly transportation pass, based on the city from which the intern / co-op commutes to work, at no cost. However, no additional benefits are currently offered for interns or co-ops.