Overview
Washington Trust Bank is seeking a Senior Auditor to join our Internal Audit team. This role is responsible for performing and, when assigned, leading risk-based audits across the Bank and Holding Company, providing independent assurance over internal controls, regulatory compliance, financial reporting processes, operational effectiveness, and management’s adherence to established policies and procedures.
This is a strong opportunity for an experienced auditor who wants exposure to a broad range of banking activities, meaningful interaction with management, and the ability to contribute to a maturing and evolving Internal Audit function. The Senior Auditor will perform audit procedures independently or as part of a team and may serve as auditor-in-charge on assigned audits. Responsibilities include evaluating risk and control design, performing testing, developing clear audit findings, and communicating practical recommendations that strengthen the Bank’s control environment.
The ideal candidate is not just a workpaper preparer. We are looking for someone who can think critically, write clearly, take ownership of assigned audit work, communicate effectively with business partners, and apply sound professional judgment in a regulated banking environment.
Primary Responsibilities
- Perform and, when assigned, lead risk-based audits of banking operations, financial processes, regulatory compliance areas, internal controls, and other assigned audits and projects.
- Execute audit work independently or as part of an audit team, including planning, risk assessment, fieldwork, testing, documentation, issue development, and reporting.
- Serve as auditor-in-charge on assigned audits and projects, including coordinating audit and project activities, monitoring progress, reviewing assigned workpapers, and keeping Internal Audit leadership informed of audit and project status.
- Gather and analyze information through process walkthroughs, data review, interviews, testing, and evaluation of policies, procedures, systems, and controls.
- Design or assist in designing audit programs and testing strategies that align with audit objectives, identified risks, and applicable professional standards.
- Prepare clear, well-supported workpapers, process narratives, risk assessments, testing documentation, audit findings, and report content.
- Evaluate control design and operating effectiveness and identify opportunities to strengthen governance, risk management, compliance, operational efficiency, and financial accuracy.
- Communicate audit results, findings, and recommendations to department and division management in a clear, factual, and professional manner.
- Work collaboratively with management while maintaining independence, objectivity, and appropriate professional skepticism.
- Supervise, coach, or review the work of audit staff on assigned engagements, when applicable.
- Monitor assigned audit work for quality, timeliness, and completeness, and escalate risks, delays, or judgmental matters as appropriate.
- Assist with preparation of the annual audit plan, ongoing risk monitoring, audit program development, and continuous improvement of audit practices.
- Support external auditors, regulators, and other examiners during examinations or audit-related requests, as assigned.
- Maintain knowledge of banking, internal audit standards, regulatory expectations, risk management practices, and industry developments.
- Pursue and maintain relevant professional certifications and continuing professional education.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business, or a related field, or equivalent experience.
- Experience performing internal audits, operational audits, financial audits, compliance audits, regulatory reviews, or similar risk/control work.
- Banking, financial services, public accounting, regulatory examination, or risk management experience preferred.
- Professional certification preferred, such as CIA, CPA, CRCM, CFSA, CBA, CRP, CISA, or similar.
- Strong understanding of internal controls, audit methodology, risk assessment, audit standards, GAAP, and regulatory compliance concepts.
- Ability to perform audit work independently while knowing when to escalate risks, concerns, or judgmental matters.
- Ability to serve as auditor-in-charge on assigned audits or audit segments, depending on scope, complexity, and team structure.
- Strong analytical skills, including the ability to evaluate processes, identify control gaps, interpret data, and develop practical conclusions.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to write clear audit findings and communicate with management professionally.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and maintain high-quality documentation.
- High degree of professionalism, discretion, confidentiality, and sound judgment.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office products; experience with audit software, data analytics, banking systems, or GRC tools is a plus.
Compensation:
Senior Auditor - $77,798- $116,698
The compensation range represents the low and high end of the base compensation range for this position located in Spokane, WA. Actual compensation will vary and may be above or below the range based on various factors including but not limited to location, experience, and performance. This position is eligible to participate in an applicable incentive plan.
What Our Culture Can Offer You:
Our benefit philosophy is to provide you with a comprehensive package to secure your overall wellness and help you become and remain a fulfilled and productive employee. Our benefits include Health, Financial, Retirement and Work/Life Benefits. We are proud to share an overview of our benefits HERE (https://www.watrust.com/assets/files/qFqeTTn6)as part of your total compensation.
Washington Trust Bank celebrates diversity in the workplace and actively recruits talent to help reflect the unique communities where we live and work. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer and prohibit discrimination or harassment based on race, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, age, pregnancy, disability, genetic information and any other protected characteristics outline by state, federal and local laws. We believe strength comes from the diverse backgrounds and experiences of our team, and we are dedicated to fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment.
Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
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.
