Vice President, Internal Audit

How will your role impact First Command?

The Vice President, Internal Audit serves as a senior leader within the Internal Audit function and reports directly to the Chief Internal Auditor. This role is responsible for directing the execution of a comprehensive, enterprise-wide internal audit program across First Command Financial Services and its subsidiaries. The VP will oversee all aspects of internal audit activities, including planning, execution, and reporting, while ensuring alignment with professional standards and organizational goals.

Key responsibilities include leading, mentoring, and evaluating internal audit staff; upholding the highest standards of ethics and professionalism; and fostering productive relationships with business leaders and key stakeholders across the enterprise. This role requires sound judgment, strategic thinking, and the ability to operate independently while maintaining objectivity.

In addition to day-to-day responsibilities, the VP will collaborate closely with the Chief Internal Auditor to provide tactical insight and thought leadership in the development of the enterprise-wide risk assessment, as well as the continuous enhancement of audit methodologies, tools, and practices to strengthen audit effectiveness and business value.

What will you do in this role?

·        Partners with business unit leaders throughout the organization to effectively carry out the internal audit function while adding value to their businesses.

·        Responsible for the development, coordination and reporting of all internal audit process level risk assessments in a timely manner.

·        Directs the identification and evaluation of risk areas for the development of the Annual Internal Audit Plan and coordinates review with the Chief Internal Auditor and with final approval from the Audit Committee of the Board.

·        Directs and oversees the development of requests for contracted (co-sourced) services for the Internal Audit Department and monitors the contracted services until services are completed.

·        Research audit tools and leading audit practices.

·        Ensures conformance with acceptable quality control standards through the review of work products of individual audit projects.

·        Reviews the audit objectives, scope, and audit programs for assigned audit projects.

·        Directs the performance of audit procedures, including identifying and defining issues and recommendations, developing criteria, reviewing and analyzing relevant information, evaluating evidence, documenting business processes and procedures, and completing audit documentation.

·        Communicates, along with the Chief Internal Auditor, the results of audits via written reports and oral presentations to management and to the Audit Committee and works with the company on resolution of issues and implementation of recommendations.

·        Represents Internal Audit, along with the Chief Internal Auditor, at management and Audit Committee meetings and with oversight agencies and other external organizations.

·        Pursues professional development opportunities, including internal and external training and professional association memberships, and shares information gained with staff.

·        Stays up to date with industry best practices, regulatory developments, and evolving risk factors to enhance the internal audit strategy.

Who will you lead?

·        Supervise planning, execution, and wrap up of internal audit activities provided by third party contractors.

What skills & qualifications do you need?

Education

·        BBA or MBA degree in accounting (or equivalent degree)

Work Experience

·        Ten or more years of experience in auditing, with at least three years of experience in financial services internal auditing, leading an internal audit team, and dealing with business, organizational, and IT transformations.

Certifications 

·        Certified Public Accountant (CPA) license preferred (unless the candidate has an MBA in accounting and significant experience in leading an internal audit team)

·        One or more of the following certifications are preferred:

o   Certified Internal Auditor (CIA);

o   Certified Financial Services Auditor (CFSA);

o   Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA)

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

·        Highly effective in building relationships with senior business leaders and in leading a team of internal audit staff in a collaborative and value-added approach.

·        Strong technical knowledge and skills in auditing and risk management.

·        Strategic capabilities to lead company audit efforts towards marketplace best practices and efficiency.

·        Extensive knowledge of the Global Audit Standards and the Code of Ethics promulgated by the Institute of Internal Auditors.

·        Considerable knowledge of information technology terminology, concepts and practices.

·        Must consistently ensure corporate financial well-being by appropriately applying company policies, accounting principles, auditing standards, internal controls, and legal and regulatory requirements.  Requires extensive experience and judgment to plan and accomplish a variety of tasks.

·        Must be a self-starter capable of using sound logic and analytical abilities to accurately complete all required job functions.

·        Ability to establish and maintain harmonious working relationships with the internal audit team, management and staff and external contacts, and to work effectively in a professional team environment.

·        Must be able to clearly communicate and work well with all levels of management, regulators, employees and business partners.

·        Must have effective project management skills.

·        Must easily adapt to changes in procedures, workloads, personnel, equipment problems, etc.

·        Must use sound judgment in handling confidential and/or sensitive information.

·        Extensive knowledge of Microsoft Office365 software and Audit Board.

Preferred Qualifications (considered a plus)

·        Knowledge of Audit Board software.

·        Insurance license(s)

·        Investment license(s)

·        Experience in IT auditing

·        Experience in bank auditing

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