AVP, Internal Audit

Who are we?

Western National Insurance Group is a private mutual insurance company with over 120 years of experience serving customers' property-and-casualty insurance needs in the Midwestern, Northwestern, and Southwestern United States. Known as "The Relationship Company," we define success as a measure of the relationships we've built over time. In everything that we do, we know that delivering a friendly and helpful interaction makes for a better experience for everyone involved. That's the power of "nice". At Western National, nice is something we work to bring to every person and organization with whom we partner and serve.

Does this opportunity interest you?

Western National is seeking an Assistant Vice President of Internal Audit and Risk Management to join our team

The individual in this role will have the opportunity to lead the vision, design, and execution of a growing Internal Audit function while shaping an enterprise-wide risk management framework that influences strategic decisions across Western National. They will collaborate closely with executive leaders to strengthen internal controls, reduce organizational risk, and drive operational improvements. This role also offers the chance to present high-impact insights to leadership and the Audit Committee, contribute to long-term organizational success, and expand the visibility and influence of the Internal Audit function.

What are the responsibilities and opportunities of this role?

• Partners with the CFO to communicate and champion the value of the Internal Audit function.
• Builds strong relationships with leaders across the organization to assess processes, controls, and risk mitigation strategies.
• Stays informed on industry risks and best practices, including cyber controls, operational efficiency, and artificial intelligence; adapts and operationalizes strategies as appropriate.
• Promotes, grows, and continuously improves the Internal Audit department.
• Creates and executes a comprehensive Internal Audit program addressing key operational controls and organizational risks.
• Develops and implements an annual internal audit plan aligned with strategic priorities.
• Conducts ongoing assessments of internal controls, documentation quality, and risk mitigation effectiveness.
• Presents audit findings and materials to Western National leadership and the Audit Committee.
• Leads development and execution of the Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) framework.
• Collaborates with executive and business unit leaders to embed risk management practices into strategic planning and day-to-day operations.
• Manages Model Audit Rule certification and Own Risk Solvency Assessment (ORSA) reporting.
• Facilitates regulatory exams and annual financial audits conducted by external accountants.
• Identifies and solves complex, unique problems with strong critical-thinking skills.
• Performs special projects and other duties as assigned.

Requirements:

What are the must-have qualifications for a candidate?

• Ten or more years of progressive experience in internal audit, risk management, or public accounting, including at least three years in a leadership role.
• Experience building or leading corporate audit programs.
• Proven ability to build strong relationships and partner effectively with department leaders.
• Strong understanding of internal control frameworks (Model Audit Rule and / or Sarbanes-Oxley).
• Ability to influence executive and board-level stakeholders.
• Excellent analytical, leadership, and communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to independently prioritize and manage multiple tasks and deadlines.
• Bachelor's degree in finance or accounting; experience in lieu of degree acceptable.
• Proficient use of various core systems, office and computer equipment, and software packages.

What will our ideal candidate have?

• Audit experience in the insurance industry.
• Professional designations, such as MBA, CPA, CMA, or CIA.
• A strategic yet hands-on leadership approach.
• Strong problem-solving capabilities and a drive for continuous improvement.
• A customer-focused mindset, demonstrating responsiveness, empathy, ownership, and clear communication.

Compensation overview

The full hiring range for this role is $185,000 - $225,000, annually. However, the base pay offered may vary depending on the job-related knowledge, skills, credentials, and experience of each candidate, as well as other factors such as the scope and location of the role. Candidates looking for compensation outside of the posted range are encouraged to apply and will be considered based on their individual qualifications and / or may be considered for other positions.

(Western National Insurance Group reserves the right to fill this position at a level above or below the level included in this posting.)

Culture and Total Rewards

Western National has long been known as "The Relationship Company" and caring for our employees is part of that relationship commitment. We value connectiveness, empowerment, and accountability, and we believe that our employees are our biggest asset.

Currently ranked as the 41st largest private company by revenue in Minnesota (Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal), Western National has earned accolades year-over-year as an employer of choice and garnered multiple awards for wellness in the workplace. Western National has also been named a Top Workplace by the Star Tribune for consecutive years. In addition, the Group is consistently recognized as a Ward's 50 property-and-casualty insurance company for its outstanding financial results.

Western National offers full-time employees a significant Total Rewards Package, including:

• Medical insurance plan options and other standard employee benefits, including dental insurance, vision benefits, life insurance, disability insurance, and more
• Health Savings Accounts (HSA) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
• 401(k) Plan (participants are eligible for 100% matching on the first 6% of their contributions)
• Wellbeing Program, including onsite fitness studio
• Paid Time Off – including holiday, vacation, and volunteer
• 100% company-paid tuition reimbursement for approved job-relevant coursework and access to The Institutes (Risk and insurance education)
• Paid parental leave
• Bonus potential

Western National believes in supporting balance between work and life by providing a flexible work environment, which includes a variety of hybrid and remote work arrangements designed to balance individual, job, department, and company needs.

Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa at this time.

Western National provides employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.

Salary : $185,000 - $225,000