301-Financial Services - 1220-301 Internal Auditor

Colonial Group; Laguna Woods (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Colonial Group seeks an Internal Audit Director to lead the company-wide audit program under the CEO, strengthening governance and oversight. You will oversee risk-based planning, coordinate financial, operational, and compliance audits, and report findings to the Board to improve controls and efficiency.

The role involves collaboration with residents, legal counsel, and external auditors, applying data analytics and secure reporting. On-site in California with senior leadership responsibilities.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in accounting, public administration, business administration, or related field.
• 8–10 years of professional-level audit experience.
• Experience conducting financial, performance, compliance, or program audits.

Responsibilities

• Establish risk-based internal audit plans.
• Conduct company-wide audits of financial, operational, compliance, and programs.
• Collaborate with departments to adopt corrective actions and safeguard assets.
• Maintain independence and communicate audit results to the Board.

Skills

Auditing theory

Data analytics

Leadership

Policy development

Communication

Project management

Cybersecurity

Education

Bachelor's degree in accounting

MBA or MPA

CPA/ CIA desirable

Tools

MS Word

Excel

Outlook

PowerPoint

Adobe Acrobat

Data analytics tools

Job description

JOB SUMMARY:

Under general direction of the CEO, this position is responsible for directing, managing, supervising, and coordinating the activities and operations of the internal company-wide audit program. The internal audit review process includes examining and evaluating the adequacy and effectiveness of internal controls, quality of performance, and adherence to applicable laws and governing documents. The position supports the Board of Directors' commitment to strengthening governance, transparency, and oversight by ensuring that internal audit activities protect community resources, improve operational efficiency, and promote compliance with laws and governing documents. Work involves regular contact with the Board of Directors, CEO, VMS departments, residents, legal counsel, and external auditors.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Establishes risk-based internal audit plans using a systematic and disciplined approach to determine the priorities of internal audit activities.

Conducts company-wide financial, operational, compliance and program audits spanning transactions, operational policies and procedures, and administrative regulations; makes appropriate recommendations for corrective action.

Collaborates with VMS departments to accurately assess current practices and ensure adoption of recommended actions to safeguard assets and improve operational effectiveness and efficiency.

Conducts a variety of organizational studies, investigations, and operational reviews; recommends modifications to audit processes, policies, and procedures as appropriate.

Prioritizes high-impact risk areas such as financial controls, operational processes, compliance requirements, governance practices, asset protection, and technology/cybersecurity

Reviews and develops operating policies and procedures, including audit program schedules, to ensure adequate internal controls and sound operational practices.

Researches and recommends actions intended to maintain compliance with pertinent federal, state, and local laws and governing documents; documents and maintains internal policies; develops and updates training materials as assigned.
Evaluates computer systems, backup and data recovery processes, cybersecurity controls, and business continuity plans.

Maintains independence and objectivity in all audit activities; supports the Board's oversight role.

Applies a rigorous analytical methodology to each audit, examining complex operational, financial, and organizational issues, evaluating alternatives, and developing sound, fact-based conclusions and recommendations.

Utilizes data analytics to detect anomalies, identify trends, and strengthen audit conclusions; develops and maintains digital dashboards, automated reporting tools, and secure document management practices to support real-time oversight.

Prepares audit workpapers, documents findings, and assists in developing corrective action plans.

Reports audit findings in written audit reports and presentations to the CEO and Board of Directors; ensures significant findings are directed to the Board consistent with internal audit best practices; follows up on findings to confirm corrective action has taken.

Provides professional administrative and analytical assistance to the CEO regarding company-wide issues, programs, and/or operations; ensures materials are accurate, complete, and in compliance with company standards, policies and procedures, and governing documents; collects and compiles data to prepare a variety of written and verbal reports and/or proposals related to current issues and long-term organizational goals; develops specific reports and/or proposals for special projects or assignments within area of scope.

Works effectively with co-workers, customers and others by sharing ideas in a constructive and positive manner; listens to and objectively considers ideas and suggestions from others; keeps commitments; keeps others informed of work progress, timetables and issues; addresses problems and issues constructively to find mutually acceptable and practical business solutions; addresses others by name, title or other respectful identifier, and; respects the diversity of our work force in actions, words and deeds.

Regular attendance required.

Performs related duties and responsibilities as required.

EQUIPMENT OPERATED:

Computer, printer, calculator, copier, telephone, and scanner.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee works in a climate-controlled indoor office environment with occasional exposure to normal outdoor elements. All duties are performed on-site for the Community.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

Any combination of education and/or experience that has provided the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary for acceptable job performance. Example combinations include a bachelor's degree in accounting, public administration, business administration, or a related field, plus eight (8) to ten (10) years of increasingly responsible professional-level experience conducting financial, performance, compliance, or program audits in accordance with professional auditing standards.

Knowledge of:

• Auditing theory, practice, and administration, including risk-based methodologies and best practices.
• Management theory and systems; program and services administration, planning, budgeting, and fiscal management.
• Professional accounting principles, including Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and Generally Accepted Auditing Standards (GAAS).
• Principles and best practices of internal auditing, including internal control systems and auditing procedures.
• Performance measurement.
• Applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations, and governing documents.
• Computer operations, systems, and utilization; cybersecurity, data governance, and technology-related risks.
• Advanced principles, procedures, and methods of research, analysis, and reporting.
• Effective customer service techniques.

Ability to:

• Plan, direct, and coordinate internal audit programs; conduct and supervise financial, compliance, and operational audits.
• Use data analytics, digital dashboards, and automated tools to support audit conclusions and real-time oversight.
• Perform interim, update, and roll-forward testing, as well as annual walkthroughs.
• Communicate effectively with a variety of individuals and groups to convey audit objectives, evaluations, conclusions, and recommendations, both orally and in writing.
• Prepare and present varied and complex financial statements, reports, and analyses.
• Develop, implement, and interpret policies, rules, and regulations.
• Apply governing documents, state, and federal laws, as appropriate.
• Maintain objectivity and an independent mindset throughout the audit process; make logical recommendations.
• Implement change in an organizationally acceptable manner.
• Establish and maintain effective and cooperative working relationships with board of directors, CEO, VMS departments, residents, legal counsel, external auditors and Village residents.
• Provide effective customer service.
• Handle confidential documents with professionalism.

Skill in:

• Project management and business practice evaluation.
• Proficiency with MS Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, Adobe Acrobat, and data analytics tools.
• Effective written and verbal communication.

DESIREABLE QUALIFICATIONS:

An MBA or MPA is preferred above bachelor’s degree.
Certification as a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) or Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) is desirable.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

Possession of a valid California driver’s license.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to talk, hear, see, and use hands to finger, grasp, feel, and reach. The employee is regularly required to sit for extended periods of time (up to 8 hours) and use repetitive keyboard motion. The employee is occasionally required to carry, kneel, pull, push, stoop, and lift up to 10 lbs.

MENTAL REQUIREMENTS:

Detailed work, confidentiality, problem solving, math reasoning, verbal and written communications, customer contact, and multiple concurrent tasks.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee reads, solves problems, multi-tasks, performs detail work, reasons, uses verbal and written communication skills, and has frequent customer contact.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified.