Purpose of the Role
The Internal Audit Manager/Senior Manager is a client-facing leadership role responsible for directing and delivering complex internal audit, risk management, and regulatory compliance engagements for clients across various industries. This role drives engagement quality, manages client relationships, and contributes significantly to the growth and development of the firm's Internal Audit practice.
Key Responsibilities
Engagement Leadership & Delivery
- Project Management: Plan, manage, and successfully execute multiple concurrent internal audit, Sarbanes-Oxley (SOX), and risk advisory engagements from scoping and fieldwork through reporting, ensuring adherence to budget and timeline.
- Risk Assessment: Lead high-level risk assessments to define the scope and focus of audit programs, addressing emerging risks such as cybersecurity, digital transformation, and ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance).
- Quality Assurance: Review and approve work papers, findings, and final audit reports prepared by the engagement team, ensuring adherence to the International Standards for the Professional Practice of Internal Auditing (IIA Standards) and firm quality standards.
- Advisory & Solutions: Translate audit findings into practical, value-added recommendations that improve client processes, governance, and control environments.
Client & Business Development
- Executive Communication: Serve as the primary contact for client C-level executives (CFOs, CAEs) and Audit Committees, presenting complex findings and strategic recommendations clearly and persuasively.
- Relationship Management: Build and sustain strong, long-term relationships with key client stakeholders to position the firm for continued and expanded business opportunities.
- Practice Growth (Senior Manager Focus): Actively participate in business development activities, including proposal writing, pitching new services, and identifying add-on work to achieve practice growth targets.
Team Management & Development
- People Leadership: Lead, coach, and mentor consulting staff and senior consultants, providing technical guidance, career development support, and performance management.
- Resource Allocation: Strategically manage team resources, matching consultant skills and experience to project requirements to optimize efficiency and profitability.
Required Qualifications & Skills
Experience
- Manager: Minimum of 6-8 years of progressive experience in Internal Audit, External Audit, or Risk Consulting, with at least 2 years in a project management or team supervisory role.
- Senior Manager: Minimum of 8-12 years of experience, with at least 4 years managing large teams and significant client relationships, demonstrating a track record of driving sales/business growth.
- Professional Services Background: Proven, recent experience working within a consulting firm (Big 4, national, or specialized firm) is highly preferred.
Education & Certification
- Education: Bachelor's or master's degree in accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field.
- Certifications (Mandatory/Highly Preferred): One or more of the following is essential: Certified Internal Auditor (CIA), Certified Public Accountant (CPA)
Core Competencies
- Technical Mastery: Expert knowledge of risk assessment methodologies, internal control frameworks (COSO), and regulatory compliance (e.g., SOX, FCPA).
- Leadership: Proven ability to lead, motivate, and direct multi-disciplinary teams.
- Communication: Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, tailored for executive-level audiences.
- Analytical Thinking: Strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills, with the ability to synthesize complex audit data into strategic business advice.
