Internal Audit Director

Overview

An Internal Audit Director leads the audit function, developing risk-based plans, assessing controls, managing teams, and reporting findings to senior leadership, ensuring compliance, governance, and safeguarding assets through independent evaluations and process improvements, aligning operations with strategic goals. Key duties involve risk assessment, audit planning, team leadership, financial/operational reviews, reporting to the Audit Committee, and coordinating with external auditors, requiring strong analytical, communication, and management skills.

Key Responsibilities

• Strategy & Planning Develop and execute the annual risk-based audit plan, conduct enterprise-wide risk assessments, and align audit activities with organizational goals.
• Audit Execution: Oversee complex audit engagements, ensuring quality, adherence to standards, and identification of root causes for control weaknesses.
• Risk & Control Assessment: Evaluate effectiveness of internal controls, financial reporting, asset safeguarding, and compliance with laws/regulations.
• Reporting & Communication: Prepare clear, concise audit reports with practical solutions, present findings to management and the Audit Committee, and provide training on controls.
• Team Leadership: Recruit, train, mentor, and manage audit staff, fostering a high-performing, ethical team.
• Stakeholder Collaboration: Liaise with external auditors, senior management, and other departments to optimize risk management and governance.

Qualifications & Skills

• Education: Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field.
• Certifications: CPA, CIA, CISA (often required).
• Experience: Significant leadership/management experience in auditing and risk management.
• Skills: Strong analytical, project management, communication (written/verbal), problem-solving, and technology skills.
• Knowledge: GAAP, SOX, COSO, fraud prevention, and industry best practices.