Acuity is seeking a Director - Internal Audit to have oversight and overall management of the Acuity Internal Audit Department. Internal Audit provides independent, objective assurance and advisory services designed to add value and improve the organization’s operations. This role evaluates the effectiveness of governance, risk management and the internal control environment at Acuity. The Director - Internal Audit shall provide advice, insight, and foresight to the Officer and Board Audit Committees, enabling the successful achievement of organizational goals, while conforming to Global Internal Audit Standards.
ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Develop and oversee the internal audit department, ensuring it operates independently, objectively and in conformance with the Global Internal Audit Standards.
- Provide leadership and direction on internal audit engagements across all Acuity functions.
- Seek and engage in thought leadership dialog with peer leaders, officers, and others, to assist in the advancement of Acuity strategies and industry-leading practices.
- Maintain a culture of accountability, ethics, and continuous improvement.
- Work with managers and advise on company projects and/or processes to help evaluate and enhance internal controls.
- Identify significant business risks and anticipate emerging risks to confirm they are recognized and appropriately managed by the company.
- Provide informed opinions to management, supported by experience and facts.
- Prepare and manage the internal audit budget and ensure resources are effectively and efficiently deployed.
- Document and maintain records on outstanding audit issues and ensure appropriate follow-up.
- Maintain and update the internal audit manual, defining departmental methodologies.
- Ensure internal audit functions at Acuity can successfully achieve and maintain a designation of ‘generally conforms’ or better upon completion of the required external quality assessment (EQA), at least every five years.
- Create and implement a risk-based internal audit plan, aligned with the company’s enterprise risk assessment and regulatory requirements, adjusting as needed to address changes in organizational or emerging risks, strategy, environment, etc.
- Establish a multi-year Internal Audit Strategic Plan and corresponding objectives to advance the long-term vision of the internal audit department.
- Develop comprehensive engagement-level audit programs to test that controls over a given process are effectively designed, implemented and operating effectively to minimize risks to the company.
- Work as a team leader for the department: Coordinate the timeline of audit activities, develop stakeholder relationships, coordinate with other internal assurance providers, oversee the delivery of the audit plan, and review and issue audit reports.
- Recommend co-sourcing or out-sourcing where audits for areas where specialized expertise is required.
- Report to senior management and the Audit Committees on the activities of Internal Audit, and the adequacy of internal controls and internal audit coverage within the company.
- Provide recommendations on risk exposures, control deficiencies, and governance issues.
- Maintain open communication with the Officer and Board Audit Committees, auditees, and other stakeholders to report on internal audit’s findings, insights, foresights and recommendations.
- Meet with the Officer and Board Audit Committees on a quarterly basis.
- Meet with the Full Board quarterly (or as requested by management).
- Coordinate with our second line assurance providers and evaluate and determine potential reliance on the organization’s governance, risk management, and compliance departments.
- Engage with external auditors, regulators, and examiners during audits and examinations, as requested.
- Establish and maintain a quality assurance and improvement program, including external and internal assessments.
- Lead the execution of internal audit engagements, ensuring conformance with the Global Internal Audit Standards.
- Recruit, train, mentor and manage internal auditors, ensuring the team collectively possesses the competencies required to meet organizational and professional standards.
- Provide ongoing professional development opportunities ensuring the team remains current on property & casualty insurance and internal audit industry trends and best practices.
- Ensure continuing education requirements are met in accordance with the Global Internal Audit Standards and to maintain relevant professional certifications, as applicable.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
- Regular and predictable attendance.
EDUCATION:
Bachelor’s degree with emphasis in Accounting, Finance or related field.
CERTIFICATIONS:
Certified Internal Auditor (CIA), Certified Public Accountant (CPA), or Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) required. Certification in Risk Management Assurance (CRMA) or other relevant internal audit certifications, professional education and credentials a plus.
EXPERIENCE:
10+ years of extensive experience in Internal Audit and/or Public Accounting with a strong concentration in internal audit leadership and execution with roles of increasing responsibility. Proven leadership experience managing and developing internal audit teams and audit engagements, preferably in the property and casualty insurance industry. Property and casualty insurance internal auditing experience preferred.
OTHER QUALIFICATIONS:
- Expert knowledge of accounting and auditing principles, risk assessment, audit plan development and audit methodologies.
- High degree of analytical thinking and problem-solving skills.
- Demonstrated ability to deliver complex analysis in a concise manner to Board- and Executive-level audiences.
- Strong financial and operational analysis skills.
- Exercise good professional judgment, professional skepticism, and effective leadership to make decisions.
- Ability to apply and evaluate the materiality of issues while seeing the bigger picture and context of issues.
- Comprehensive knowledge of property and casualty insurance industry and agency operations.
- Collaborative mindset with the ability to build relationships across all levels of the organization, as well as with external auditors, regulators, and industry peers.
- Demonstrated expertise in managing external vendor relationships, including vendor evaluation and selection.
- Manage multiple concurrent audit engagements and administrative tasks.
- Work independently and lead others in a highly organized manner.
- Excellent written and verbal communication including strong executive briefing skills to enable effective interaction with Acuity officers and directors.
- Proficiency in internal audit software and tools (e.g., TeamMate Analytics, Optro, Workiva) and continuous auditing/monitoring approaches.
- Use of artificial intelligence accepted tools, where applicable, for internal audit or other business tasks.
*Acuity does not sponsor applicants for U.S. work authorization.*
This job is classified as exempt.
For this role, Acuity offers a comprehensive benefits package, including a generous 401(k) contribution, medical, dental, vision, life and disability insurance, paid time off, an Employee Assistance Program, and more. A full description of benefits and eligibility will be provided to candidates during the hiring process.
We are an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. Applicants and employees are considered for positions and are evaluated without regard to mental or physical disability, race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, genetic information, military or veteran status, sexual orientation, marital status or any other protected Federal, State/Province or Local status unrelated to the performance of the work involved.
Acuity will include at least one in-person interview during the hiring process for all positions.
If you have a disability and require reasonable accommodations to apply or during the interview process, including for in-person interviews, please contact our Talent Acquisition team at [email protected] (mailto:[email protected]). Acuity is dedicated to offering reasonable accommodations during our recruitment process for qualified individuals.
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights (https://www.eeoc.gov/poster) notice from the Department of Labor.
