Job Description:
The Senior Internal Auditor is responsible for evaluating and improving the effectiveness of internal controls, risk management practices, and governance processes across the organization. This role contributes to organizational objectives by leading risk-based audits, supporting Sarbanes-Oxley (SOX) compliance activities, assessing operational and financial risks, and identifying opportunities to improve business performance and control effectiveness. The position partners closely with management, finance, manufacturing operations, information technology, and external auditors to strengthen controls, drive process improvements, and support regulatory compliance. This role provides significant exposure to manufacturing operations, financial leadership, and enterprise risk management while serving as a key contributor to the organization's internal audit strategy.
Primary Duties:
- Lead and perform risk-based operational, financial, compliance, and SOX audits across manufacturing facilities, corporate functions, and business operations.
- Evaluate the design and operating effectiveness of internal controls over financial reporting (ICFR) in support of SOX 404 compliance requirements.
- Conduct process walkthroughs, control testing, risk assessments, and deficiency evaluations.
- Develop, maintain, and update SOX documentation, including process narratives, flowcharts, risk and control matrices, and testing documentation.
- Partner with process owners to identify control deficiencies, recommend remediation strategies, and monitor corrective action plans.
- Coordinate audit activities with external auditors to support audit efficiency and reliance opportunities.
- Evaluate manufacturing processes including inventory management, production controls, cost accounting, procurement, supplier management, warehousing, distribution, and capital expenditure activities.
- Conduct plant audits, operational reviews, physical inventory observations, and process walkthroughs.
- Identify control weaknesses, operational inefficiencies, compliance risks, and opportunities for cost savings and process enhancement.
- Utilize data analytics and audit technologies to enhance audit effectiveness, identify risk indicators, and improve business insights.
- Assist with the development and implementation of continuous monitoring and audit analytics programs.
- Support enterprise risk assessments and the annual audit planning process.
- Provide advisory support related to process improvements, system implementations, business initiatives, and internal control design.
- Prepare clear, concise audit reports and communicate findings, recommendations, and risk assessments to management and leadership.
- Monitor remediation activities and validate corrective actions to ensure effective resolution of audit findings.
- Primary Duties May Include, But Are Not Limited To:
- Support fraud risk assessments and investigative activities.
- Participate in ERP system reviews, technology audits, and automated control assessments.
- Evaluate emerging technologies, automation initiatives, and AI-enabled business processes from a risk and control perspective.
- Assist with regulatory compliance reviews and special projects.
- Provide mentorship and guidance to less experienced audit staff.
- Promote continuous improvement of audit methodologies, technology utilization, and reporting practices.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
Job Requirements
Education and Experience Requirements:
- Requires a Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, Information Systems, or a related discipline;
- 5+ years of experience in internal audit, external audit, SOX compliance, risk management, accounting, finance, or a related field,
- Or any combination of education and experience which would provide an equivalent background.
Preferred:
- Experience within a manufacturing, industrial, or inventory-intensive environment.
- Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Certified Internal Auditor (CIA), Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA), or progress toward professional certification preferred.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
- Advanced knowledge of SOX 404 compliance requirements and Internal Controls over Financial Reporting (ICFR).
- Strong understanding of COSO Internal Control Framework and enterprise risk management principles.
- Knowledge of U.S. GAAP, financial reporting processes, and accounting controls.
- Experience conducting financial, operational, compliance, and manufacturing-related audits.
- Understanding of inventory management, manufacturing operations, supply chain processes, and cost accounting principles.
- Experience utilizing ERP systems, audit software, reporting tools, and data analytics platforms.
- Strong analytical, critical-thinking, and problem-solving capabilities.
- Excellent written, verbal, and presentation communication skills.
- Ability to influence organizational improvements while maintaining audit independence and objectivity.
- Strong project management and organizational skills.
- Ability to work independently and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
- High level of integrity, professionalism, and attention to detail.
Essential and Physical Functions:
- Ability to analyze complex financial, operational, compliance, and business processes.
- Strong critical-thinking, decision-making, and problem-solving capabilities.
- Ability to assess risks, evaluate controls, and develop practical recommendations.
- Effective communication and presentation skills with the ability to interact with employees, managers, executives, and external auditors.
- Ability to manage multiple audits, projects, and deadlines simultaneously.
- Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound professional judgment.
- Ability to sit or stand for extended periods while performing work activities.
- Frequent use of computers, reporting systems, audit software, and standard office equipment.
- Visual acuity sufficient to review financial records, reports, audit documentation, and electronic information.
- Ability to occasionally lift up to 15 lbs.
Work Environment:
- Perform work primarily in an office environment with regular interaction across finance, accounting, operations, manufacturing, supply chain, information technology, and leadership teams.
- Frequent use of computers, ERP systems, audit software, reporting platforms, and data analytics tools.
- Regular visits to manufacturing, warehouse, and operational facilities to conduct audits, inventory observations, and process reviews.
- Exposure during facility visits may include noise, moving equipment, dust, varying temperatures, and industrial manufacturing conditions.
- Use of personal protective equipment (PPE) as required when entering manufacturing and operational environments.
- Up to 15% travel may be required to support operational audits, facility reviews, inventory observations, and business initiatives.
- Compliance with all company policies and procedures to maintain a safe working environment.
Disclaimer:
Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at a time with or without notice. This job description is not an exhaustive list of all functions that the employee may be required to perform, and the employee may be required to perform additional functions. The company reserves the right to revise this job description at any time. The employee must be able to perform the essential functions of the position satisfactorily. If requested, reasonable accommodations may be made to enable employees with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job, absent undue hardship.
