Senior Internal Auditor (Accounting/Finance)

The Senior Internal Auditor will function as the in-charge for most engagements that he/she serves on. This entails being the principal contact for most engagements, and being ultimately responsible for all services performed for the client. The Senior Internal Auditor will be expected to be capable of performing essentially all internal audit and related procedures, including (but not limited to): The information below covers the role requirements, expected candidate experience, and accompanying qualifications. Scheduling internal audit activities in a punctual manner; Following up promptly with client requests; Managing lower-level staff members on essentially all internal audit activities, including (but not limited to): overseeing and reviewing their work on a consistent basis; providing feedback as to their performance and areas for improvement; educating them on accounting and accounting concepts that they are not familiar with; and properly delegating appropriate levels of work based on their abilities and workloads. Workplace flexibility with regards to standard workdays, in-office dress code, working remotely, and chargeable hours. Planning and execution of financial, compliance, and operational audits to assess the design and operating effectiveness of key controls. Participate in process improvement projects designed to create value for the organization being audited. Developing testing strategies (with top-level input from Managers and above) and completing documentation according to firm standards and best practices; Ensuring effective planning meetings take place before the start of each internal audit activity (both internally with C&A staff as well as client); Identifying and documenting exceptions and developing recommendations; Preparing reports according to firm standards and best practices; Reviewing Board minutes; Reviewing external auditor reports and findings; Reviewing claims auditor report (as applicable); Assisting with the presentation of audit results or internal audit progress to the client’s audit committee and/or Board Writing articles for firm newsletters; and Attending training as well as industry-specific meetings Special importance must be placed on the high level of responsibility the Senior Internal Auditor will have in managing his/her engagements. He/she is greatly responsible for the quality, effectiveness, timeliness, and efficiency of essentially all engagements on which he/she serves. Delegation of responsibility will be limited to specific engagement areas. It is expected that the Senior Internal Auditor will complete his/her tasks, and work towards releasing all final reports, with minimal involvement from management. Reviews of the Senior Internal Auditor’s working papers and engagements should yield minimal changes and modifications, and such changes and modifications should be made expeditiously and without active involvement of management. The Senior Internal Auditor will display a mastery of the vast majority of accounting and internal auditing concepts that are most familiar the firm’s client base. The Senior Internal Auditor will continue to focus his/her efforts on broadening his/her depth of knowledge by attending educational seminars (both internally and externally), strengthening existing (and forging new) client relations, and displaying a desire to maximize the firm’s productivity and overall success. At the position of Senior Internal Auditor, it is expected that he/she will be largely responsible for his/her own personal and professional growth in terms of identifying areas of weakness and taking steps necessary to improve. Progression throughout the Senior Internal Auditor’s tenure should be evident in terms of work product clarity, efficiency, and understanding, as well as the ability to effectively delegate to and manage lower-level staff members. The Senior Internal Auditor will have a great impact on his/her own work performance, as he/she will be leading most engagements that he/she serves on. As such, any deficiencies in quality and/or service will normally be attributed to the Senior Internal Auditor him/herself. It is typically expected for a Senior Internal Auditor to progress to the position of Internal Audit Supervisor within two full-time years; however, such promotion is subject to management’s discretion. Management/Administration The Senior Internal Auditor will generally be the in-charge of each engagement that he/she is assigned to, and will report to the engagement Supervisor/Manager or Partner. The Senior Internal Auditor will be held to high standards as to the length of time that certain projects, tasks, and engagements should take, and is expected to keep management aware of the Senior Internal Auditor’s progress, as well as the performance of lower-level staff members serving under him/her, on a regular basis. The Senior Internal Auditor will be responsible for training and guiding Semi-Senior and Staff Auditors for in-charge engagements, including delegating appropriate levels of work, following up on unresolved matters, and enhancing lower-level staff members’ understanding of their roles. The Senior Internal Auditor is expected to discuss with management the educational needs of lower-level staff members, or when formal training should be sought. The Senior Internal Auditor will also be involved in providing input into performance reviews and goals of lower level staff members that have worked on the Senior Internal Auditor’s in-charge engagements. The Senior Internal Auditor should have a very deep understanding of the various software packages utilized by Cerini & Associates, and will be expected to communicate such knowledge to lower-level staff members. The Senior Internal Auditor is expected to effectively manage his/her time in terms of remaining in constant contact with the office, his/her clients, and assigned staff members throughout the course of his/her tenure. Teamwork: The Senior Internal Auditor is expected to always project a positive image (in terms of attitude, appearance, and professionalism) of him/herself and Cerini & Associates. The Senior Internal Auditor is expected to maintain a positive and respectful attitude in communicating with clients and colleagues, as he/she will undoubtedly serve as the primary contact point for a wide variety of clients. The Senior Internal Auditor is expected to eagerly accept his/her high level of responsibilities, and manage his/her own time effectively enough to minimize management’s involvement in his/her daily activities. The Senior Internal Auditor is further expected to assist Semi-Senior and Staff Auditors in completing their work, and to manage internal and external expectations for work product turnaround for all in-charge engagements. Development/Client Relations: The Senior Internal Auditor is expected to actively participate in the firm’s development and continued success, and should continue to ensure that a quality work product and excellent client service are always provided. The Senior Internal Auditor is expected to have developed long-term, professional relationships with assigned clients. The Senior Internal Auditor is expected to remain in contact with his/her clients throughout the course of the year. The Senior Internal Auditor is expected to consider each client’s operations at multiple levels (not just financial), and to make pointed, relevant, and useful recommendations on how to improve systems and operations. The Senior Internal Auditor is expected to attend firm-sponsored functions and events, client-sponsored functions and events, and other networking events. The Senior Internal Auditor is expected to serve an important role in firm marketing activities, including serving on, and truly participating in, one or more of the various marketing committees in place; actively contributing to the content and form of the firm’s newsletters and website; and gaining enhanced networking experience. Eligibility: ~ Masters in Accounting or 150 credit hours in accounting from an accredited college/university is required. ~3-5 years of audit experience in public accounting, preferably with non-profit, school, and/or employee benefit plan clients. ~ Eligible to sit for the CPA exam. CPA licensure is preferred. ~ Applied working knowledge of US GAAP and GAAS. GAGAS experience is preferred. ~ Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Word is required. ~ Familiarity with ProSystem fx Engagement is preferred. xaygatp ~ Strong communication, interpersonal, analytical, and research abilities.