Vice President Internal Audit

Job Summary:

We are seeking an experienced and forward-thinking Internal Audit Head (VP) to lead the strategic development and execution of a robust audit function that goes beyond compliance. This role is key to strengthening the organization's risk management capabilities, financial integrity, and operational effectiveness. You will provide leadership over audit strategy, financial systems control, technology risk assurance, and internal process reviews — all while championing a culture of accountability and performance.

This position works closely with senior management and cross-functional teams, providing insights that drive data-informed decisions and enterprise-wide process enhancements.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Strategic Audit Leadership

• Design and execute a multi-year, risk-based internal audit strategy aligned with business priorities.
• Lead enterprise-wide audits, covering finance, operations, technology, HR, procurement, and supply chain.
• Present key audit findings and strategic recommendations directly to the Board of Directors and Audit Committee.
• Oversee audit planning, fieldwork, and reporting with a strong emphasis on control adequacy, fraud risk, and business process optimization.

2. Risk & Control Frameworks

• Establish and maintain financial and operational control frameworks that strengthen internal governance.
• Lead the evaluation and redesign of business processes to eliminate risk exposures, redundancies, and inefficiencies.
• Serve as a strategic advisor to executive leadership on emerging risks, control enhancements, and regulatory updates.

3. Technology & Systems Oversight

• Oversee audits related to information systems, including ERP implementation, system reliability, and data integrity.
• Collaborate with IT and Finance teams in major systems development to ensure controls are embedded from design through deployment.
• Direct post-implementation reviews and ensure ongoing monitoring of system controls, including data security and access management.

4. Compliance & Corporate Governance

• Ensure compliance with financial reporting standards (e.g., IFRS), tax regulations, and industry-specific statutory requirements.
• Implement internal financial controls that ensure the safeguarding of company assets and transparency of financial operations.
• Promote ethical conduct and enforce the company's Code of Conduct and compliance protocols across all departments.

5. People & Performance Leadership

• Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing audit team, driving a culture of integrity, objectivity, and curiosity.
• Participate in talent decisions including recruitment, training, evaluation, and succession planning for audit and control functions.
• Foster collaboration across departments and empower employees to take ownership of controls and process integrity.

6. Operational Insight & Special Projects

• Support executive management in high-impact decisions through operational audits, data-driven insights, and financial risk analysis.
• Take the lead on investigations, special reviews, and urgent audit assignments including asset disposal, store closures, and inventory validation.
• Partner with Finance on developing new workflows and ensuring alignment between controls and day-to-day operations.

Key Job Qualifications:

Education & Credentials

• Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and/or Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) required.
• Bachelor's degree in Accountancy, Finance, or related discipline; advanced degree a plus.

Experience

• Minimum 10 years of progressive experience in internal audit, financial control, or enterprise risk management, including at least 5 years in a senior leadership role.
• Experience in both external auditing and internal financial management, ideally within a high-growth or multi-unit organization.
• Proven ability to work with senior stakeholders including Boards, executive teams, and external regulators.

Skills & Competencies

• Strong strategic thinking with hands-on execution ability.
• Deep understanding of financial regulations, governance practices, and internal control principles.
• Proficiency in systems auditing, ERP environments (e.g., Oracle NetSuite), and data analysis.
• Excellent leadership, coaching, and team development capabilities.
• Superior communication, presentation, and stakeholder management skills.