Work Mode: Onsite
Location: Onsite – Kohler, WI
Opportunity
The Vice President, Internal Audit is a senior enterprise leader responsible for leading Kohler Co.’s Internal Audit function and serving as a trusted advisor to Executive Management and the Board of Directors, including the Audit Committee. Reporting administratively up through the company’s Chief Legal Officer and functionally to the Audit Committee, this role oversees the company’s third line of defense and is accountable for providing independent assurance over risk management, internal controls, and governance processes across the global enterprise.
The Vice President, Internal Audit leads the development and execution of a risk-based internal audit strategy, ensures effective use of resources, drives continuous improvement in audit quality and productivity, and develops high-performing audit talent. The role requires strong business acumen, global perspective, professional judgment, and the ability to influence senior leaders on matters of risk, control, and organizational effectiveness.
Key Responsibilities
Internal Audit Leadership & Strategy
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Lead, manage, and organize all aspects of the Internal Audit function to ensure enterprise risks are identified, assessed, and managed at an acceptable level.
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Serve as the chief audit executive for Kohler Co., with overall accountability for the third line of defense.
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Develop and maintain a multi-year Internal Audit strategy aligned with enterprise risk priorities and business objectives.
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Create and direct execution of the annual risk-based audit plan using input from management and enterprise risk assessments.
Risk Management, Controls & Assurance
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Provide independent and objective assurance regarding the effectiveness of governance, risk management, and internal control processes.
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Collaborate with functional, operational, and financial leaders to assess and evaluate operational and financial risks.
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Direct audits, reviews, and investigations addressing significant business, financial, operational, compliance, and technology risks.
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Translate complex risk and control issues into clear, actionable insights for business and Board stakeholders.
Audit Committee & Board Engagement
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Report at least semi-annually to the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors on audit results, risk exposures, and control matters.
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Maintain ongoing communication with the Audit Committee Chair regarding emerging risks and audit findings.
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Serve as a key advisor to KLT and the Board on enterprise risk, internal controls, and governance effectiveness.
Continuous Improvement & Quality
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Drive continuous improvement of Internal Audit methodologies, tools, and processes using benchmarking and best practices.
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Ensure the Internal Audit function meets or exceeds professional auditing standards.
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Lead productivity, quality, and effectiveness enhancements across audit execution and reporting.
Talent Development & Resource Management
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Lead, develop, and mentor Internal Audit talent using a balanced coaching approach.
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Build and sustain a high-performing, globally capable audit team.
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Determine and manage resource needs to support enterprise audit coverage.
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Foster succession planning and professional growth within the function.
Financial & Operational Management
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Own and manage the Internal Audit department budget.
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Develop and manage strategic and financial plans for the Internal Audit function.
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Ensure effective and efficient deployment of departmental resources.
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Enterprise Influence & Change Leadership
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Partner with leaders across functions and regions to drive risk awareness and control maturity.
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Anticipate enterprise change and lead audit responses to evolving business models and risk profiles.
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Act as a catalyst for positive organizational change through insight, credibility, and professional courage.
Skills/Requirements
- Minimum of 15 years of experience in audit, risk, and controls (internal and/or external audit); financial and business experience strongly preferred.
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Relevant professional accounting or audit qualification (e.g., CIA, CPA, CIMA).
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Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree preferred.
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Demonstrated experience operating in complex, global, multi-country environments.
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Strong written and verbal communication skills; proficiency in English required.
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Active participation in professional accounting, finance, or audit organizations encouraged.
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Commitment to staying current with internal audit trends, standards, and emerging risks.
Competencies
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Strategic thinker with strong judgment and decision-making capability.
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Trusted advisor to executive leadership and the Board.
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High integrity, professional courage, and strong ethical compass.
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Ability to influence and educate senior leaders on risk and governance matters.
Agile leader able to adapt quickly to complex environments. -
Strong business acumen with a global mindset.
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Collaborative leadership style.
Working Requirements
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Ability to operate independently with high accountability and willingness to travel globally as required.
Applicants must be authorized to work in the US without requiring sponsorship now or in the future.
We believe in supporting you from the moment you join us, which is why Kohler offers day 1 benefits. This means you’ll have access to your applicable benefit programs from your first day on the job, with no waiting period. The salary range for this position is $226,900 - $368,700. The specific salary offered to a candidate may be influenced by a variety of factors including the candidate’s experience, their education, and the work location. In addition, this position is eligible for a performance bonus/variable incentive compensation.
Why Choose Kohler?
We empower each associate to #BecomeMoreAtKohler with a competitive total rewards package to support your health and wellbeing, access to career growth and development opportunities, a diverse and inclusive workplace, and a strong culture of innovation. With more than 30,000 bold leaders across the globe, we’re driving meaningful change in our mission to help people live gracious, healthy, and sustainable lives.
About Us
It is Kohler’s policy to recruit, hire, and promote qualified applicants without regard to race, creed, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, national origin, disability or status as a protected veteran. If, as an individual with a disability, you need reasonable accommodation during the recruitment process, please contact [email protected]. Kohler Co. is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.
