Associate, Internal Audit

Sallie Mae; Arlington (VA); Hybrid; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive base salary

Bonus incentives

PTO & holidays

401k with employer match

Healthcare benefits

Disability & life insurance

Flexible hybrid work

Parental leave

Wellness programs

Tuition reimbursement

Career development

Job summary

Sallie Mae is seeking an Associate, Internal Audit in a hybrid environment near Arlington, VA. The role supports the internal audit function by performing procedures, analyzing data, and assisting in evaluating internal controls.

You’ll help identify deficiencies, assist in corrective action plans, and monitor implementation while contributing to process improvements and clear stakeholder communications. A bachelor’s degree in accounting/finance or related field is preferred.

Qualifications

• Basic understanding of internal audit principles, methodologies, and standards.
• Familiarity with relevant regulations, frameworks, and standard is a plus.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills.
• Proficiency in using Microsoft Office suite.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills, with the ability to prioritize tasks and meet deadlines.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Attention to detail and accuracy in work.
• Integrity, professionalism, and the ability to handle confidential information with discretion.

Responsibilities

• Assist in the execution of internal audit procedures, including conducting testing and gathering evidence to evaluate the effectiveness of internal controls.
• Perform data analysis and review documentation to identify control deficiencies, process inefficiencies, and potential risks.
• Assist in the development and maintenance of audit workpapers, ensuring accuracy, completeness, and adherence to audit standards.
• Participate in discussions with auditees to gather information, clarify audit observations, and assist in the development of corrective action plans.
• Monitor and track the implementation of audit recommendations, ensuring timely resolution of identified issues.
• Contribute to the continuous improvement of internal audit processes, tools, and practices.
• Maintain effective communication with team members and stakeholders, providing updates on audit progress and findings.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Problem solving

Communication

Time management

Attention to detail

Integrity

Verbal communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in accounting/finance/related field

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Office

Job description

When you join Sallie Mae, you become a champion for all students.

We’re on a mission to power confidence as students begin their unique journey. To help them plan their higher education, successfully finish, and prepare for life after school. To help them Start smart. Learn big.

Students need guidance navigating this important time in their life. They need someone who acknowledges that their education path is unique. They need a partner willing to evolve and not only meet but surpass their expectations. We’re changing. Because students need a better way.

We’re looking for people who are excited to drive this transformation. To break barriers and think of new ways to adapt, help, and create better experiences for students—and for each other.

This is where diverse backgrounds, beliefs, and perspectives matter. It’s where you’re empowered to bring your authentic self to work.

Feeling your best allows you to do your best. Our benefits take care of the whole you—from physical and mental to financial and professional. You’ll get opportunities to further your education and career, support for you and your family (including your pets!), paid time off to volunteer for the things that matter to you, and more.

We’re obsessed with impact and making a real difference. For us, that means putting relationships first, asking "why not?" when tackling challenges, and continuously learning new skills.

Come do more than join something, change something. For students, for future generations, for the future of education.

What You’ll Contribute

The Associate, Internal Audit will support the internal audit function by conducting audit procedures, analyzing data, and assisting in the evaluation of internal controls.

What You’ll Do

• Assist in the execution of internal audit procedures, including conducting testing and gathering evidence to evaluate the effectiveness of internal controls.
• Perform data analysis and review documentation to identify control deficiencies, process inefficiencies, and potential risks.
• Assist in the development and maintenance of audit workpapers, ensuring accuracy, completeness, and adherence to audit standards.
• Participate in discussions with auditees to gather information, clarify audit observations, and assist in the development of corrective action plans.
• Monitor and track the implementation of audit recommendations, ensuring timely resolution of identified issues.
• Contribute to the continuous improvement of internal audit processes, tools, and practices.
• Maintain effective communication with team members and stakeholders, providing updates on audit progress and findings.

What You Have

Minimum: Indicate minimum education, skills and experience required.

• Basic understanding of internal audit principles, methodologies, and standards.
• Familiarity with relevant regulations, frameworks, and standard is a plus.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills.
• Proficiency in using Microsoft Office suite.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills, with the ability to prioritize tasks and meet deadlines.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Attention to detail and accuracy in work.
• Integrity, professionalism, and the ability to handle confidential information with discretion.

Preferred: Indicate “nice to haves” regarding education, skills, and experience.

• Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, or a related field.
• 1-2 years of experience in internal audit, external audit, or a related field.

The Americans With Disabilities Act

The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) prohibits discrimination by employers, in compensation and employment opportunities, against qualified individuals with disabilities who, with or without reasonable accommodation, can perform the “essential functions” of a job. A function may be essential for any of several reasons, including: the job exists to perform that function, the employee holding the job was hired for his/her expertise in performing that function, or only a limited number of employees are available to perform that function.

Feeling Your Best Helps You Do Your Best

• Competitive base salaries
• Bonus incentives
• Generous PTO, Floating Holidays and 12 Federal Holidays observed
• Support for financial-well-being and retirement 401k with employer match
• Comprehensive medical, dental, vision, hospital indemnity, critical illness, pet insurance and more
• Employer paid short-term/long-term disability and basic life insurance
• Flexible hybrid working arrangements.
• Paid parental leave and adoption reimbursement programs
• Free access to on-site staffed fitness centers (in Delaware) and gym subsidy (for locations outside Delaware)
• Confidential counseling support (EAP), Health Advocacy services and Wellness program with financial incentives
• Tuition Reimbursement and Family Scholarship Programs
• Career development and training opportunities

Sallie Mae is proud to be an equal opportunity (EEO) employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, genetic information, gender identity, disability, Veteran status or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. Click here to view the U.S. Pay Transparency Policy, here for federal job applicant notices, and here to view the California Employee Privacy Notice.

Reasonable accommodations are available for applicants with disabilities in all phases of the application and employment process. To request an accommodation please call [phone] and choose option 9. All information you provide will be kept confidential and will be used only to the extent required to provide needed reasonable accommodations.