Location:
Northbrook, IL, US, 60062
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Job Description
Stepan Company is seeking an experienced and motivated Internal Audit Senior Manager to join our Internal Audit function. This role plays a critical part in strengthening Stepan’s governance, risk management, and internal control framework. The Internal Audit Senior Manager will collaborate closely with the Internal Audit leadership to plan, execute, and report on high impact financial, operational, compliance, and IT audit engagements—including oversight of the Company’s Sarbanes Oxley (SOX) program. This role requires strong leadership, project management, communication, and analytical skills, with the ability to work confidently with stakeholders including executive leadership across various functions of the organization.
The Senior Manager, Internal Audit will serve as a member of the Stepan Global Internal Audit team and will report to the Global Head of Internal Audit. As a member of the Global Audit Leadership team, you will help shape the function’s strategy, strengthen risk management capabilities, and lead assurance and advisory initiatives across the enterprise.
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead periodic risk assessments and design, document, and enhance key business and IT-dependent controls in response to process changes, system implementations, and identified gaps.
- Support completion of the Company’s enterprise wide annual risk assessment.
- Assist in developing the annual Internal Audit plan based on risk profiles, strategic priorities, and emerging risks.
- Lead in the development and execution of Audit plans providing assurance over prioritized financial, strategic, regulatory, market, and operational and financial risks.
- Provide input into the Global Audit function organizational design, including the identification of core capability, capacity, and strategic co-sourcing management.
- Contribute to the ongoing optimization of Global Audit Policies and Procedures, including alignment with IIA professional standards.
- Provide clear status reporting, facilitate walkthroughs, and coordinate responses to audit inquiries to drive efficient audits with minimal disruption.
- Oversee remediation verification and ensure timely closure of action plans.
- Develop Global Audit strategic initiatives and ensure alignment with Global Audit Policies and Procedures.
- Lead day to day management of the Company’s Sarbanes Oxley (SOX)/COSO compliance program.
- Review and evaluate the design and operating effectiveness of internal controls, including Business process controls (BPC), Automated controls, IT General Controls (ITGCs)
- Review staff testing and documentation for completeness and quality.
- Coordinate with external auditors and third party consultants; ensure timely exchange of information and resolution of issues.
- Lead cross functional operational audit engagements from planning through reporting, including scoping, risk assessment, testing, and development of recommendations.
- Utilize strong project management capabilities to deliver audits on time and in alignment with Internal Audit standards.
- Draft high quality internal audit reports to clearly articulate issues, root causes, and risk implications.
- Present audit results and recommendations to process owners, management, and leadership in a clear and concise manner.
- Support the preparation of quarterly Audit Committee materials.
- Coach, mentor, and develop Internal Audit staff, fostering a collaborative, growth-oriented team culture.
Qualifications
7+ years of progressive experience in financial controls, audit, or risk management within public accounting and/or complex corporate environments.
2+ years of people management.
Strong understanding of professional audit standards, COSO and risk assessment practices.
Excellent understanding of internal controls, testing methodologies, and reporting requirements and standards.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications and modern audit tools.
Project management experience and ability to apply auditing protocols, lead groups of people, and effect change in a matrix organization by influencing stakeholders
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
Ability to travel 10–20%, including international travel.
Education
- Bachelor’s or Master’s degree from an accredited college/university in Accounting or related discipline.
- Professional certification required or in progress: CPA, CIA, and/or CISA preferred.
#LI-RV1 #LI-HYBRID
Pay Range: $123,000 - $180,000
The salary range for this position is determined by considering a variety of factors such as skills, experience, qualifications, and the location of the position.
At Stepan Company our comprehensive benefits package includes:
Discretionary Bonus
Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
401K with Match
Profit Sharing
Paid Time Off (PTO)
Short-Term and Long-Term Disability (STD / LTD)
Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
Health Savings Account (HSA)
Paid Parental Leave
Adoption Assistance
Reactions – Recognition Program
Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
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.
Established in 1932, Stepan Company is a major manufacturer of basic and intermediate chemicals including surfactants, polymers, as well as specialty ingredients that go into consumer, household, and institutional products such as laundry detergents, shampoos, and surface cleaners. Stepan Company currently has 19 global manufacturing locations and over 2,400 employees. We have a strong record of growth. Our growth allows us to provide meaningful career opportunities and stability to our team members. We have big goals at Stepan and know every team member will be crucial to achieving our objectives. Regardless of function, we are looking for team members who bring with them a growth mindset, an entrepreneurial spirit, and the ability to thrive in an evolving environment.
We celebrate diversity at Stepan and are committed to creating a diverse, inclusive environment. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetic information, disability, age, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law.
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Stepan is a global specialty and intermediate chemical manufacturer that has been serving a broad range of industries for over 90 years. Today, Stepan is a $2.7 billion revenue company. Our continued success is driven by the passion and commitment of our 2,500+ employees around the world.
Why Work At Stepan?
Stable & Growing
Collaborative Environment
Make a Difference & Be Recognized
Committed to Safety & Sustainability
Value Driven Culture
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Nearest Major Market: Chicago
