Lead Auditor, Global Internal Audit
The Lead Auditor applies advanced auditing methodologies to engagement planning, execution, and reporting while continuously developing internal audit expertise and mentoring junior team members. The Lead Auditor utilizes data analytics techniques, including AI, machine learning, and data scraping tools, to optimize audit efficiency and effectiveness across engagements. Main responsibilities include planning and executing audits, supervising team members, and providing quality assurance to ensure audit objectives are met with the highest level of professional standards.
Responsibilities
- Lead risk-based operational, compliance, technology, and financial audits and/or projects designed to enhance and protect organizational value.
- Apply risk-based approaches to achieve audit test objectives. Utilize Data Analytics and AI tools to validate data and identify trends during audit processes. Create and execute complex database queries and testing strategies to ensure data completeness and accuracy for analytical procedures and continuous audit monitoring. Analyze the relationship between business strategies and risks and evaluate the effectiveness of associated control activities (e.g., internal control design, risk management and governance).
- Demonstrate innovation by identifying opportunities to generate increased coverage and assurance throughout the internal audit process.
- Plan and execute audit procedures in conformance with GIA quality standards, policies, and procedures with minimal supervision.
- Supervise and review the work of junior audit team members, providing guidance and coaching to enhance their professional development.
- Lead the analysis of audit testing results, conduct thorough root cause analysis of issues, draft comprehensive audit findings, and communicate effectively to management.
- Prepare draft and final audit reports in accordance with Global Internal Audit reporting standards, ensuring findings are clearly documented with appropriate recommendations that align with stakeholder expectations.
- Manage multiple concurrent audit projects, coordinate team resources, and address issues or roadblocks proactively.
- Maintain internal audit competency through ongoing professional development including data literacy skills.
Abilities / Skills
- Data Analysis - Ability to design data analytics procedures to enhance risk assessments and efficiency, using advanced analytical techniques.
- Project Management - Demonstrated ability to lead audit engagements, managing teams, deadlines, and resource allocation effectively.
- Professional Communications - Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to independently prepare engagement communications and presentations, and effectively articulate risk insights and recommendations to stakeholders.
- Problem Solving - Advanced ability to define, analyze, and propose solutions that align with audit methodology and organizational objectives.
- Attention to Detail - Meticulous execution of tasks with consistent accuracy and thoroughness.
- Intellectual Curiosity - Strong desire to learn, investigate, and independently pursue deeper understanding of topics.
- Personal Courage - Ability to uphold GIA principles of independence and objectivity while managing conflicts in high-profile audit engagements.
Education & Experience
- Bachelors degree in accounting, Finance or related business field; Master''s degree/CA/CPA recommended.
- At least 6 years of internal audit experience in a large organization, preferably as part of a global audit team of a multinational company or from a Big 4 accounting firm in a comparable role.
- Demonstrated understanding of how to leverage data extraction languages like SQL and analytics tools such as Tableau, Power BI, QlikView, Alteryx, ACL or equivalent solutions to enhance audit effectiveness. Experience with AI models is considered a valuable additional experience.
- Experience supervising and reviewing the work of others in a professional environment.
- Strong understanding of internal audit methodologies, risk assessment techniques, and control frameworks including the IIA''s International Professional Practices Framework and COSO.
- Relevant Professional certification (CIA, CISA) is a plus.
- Self-discipline and demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities in a deadline-driven environment.
