Director, Internal Audit

Kemper Corporation; Chicago (IL); Hybrid; USD 130,000 - 216,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, Dental, Vision benefits

401(k) matching

Tuition assistance

Job summary

Kemper Corporation in Chicago, IL is seeking a senior Internal Audit leader to drive strategy and execution of enterprise-wide assurance engagements. You will oversee cross-functional teams and advise executives on risk and controls.

Requirements include a Bachelor’s degree, 8+ years in related fields, 6+ years of management, and preferred certifications (CPA, CIA, CISA, CFE, CFA, CPCU, FMLI). Travel up to 20% is expected; sponsorship is not offered.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, IS, or related field.
• 8+ years in internal audit, public accounting, risk management, or related field.
• 6+ years of management experience.
• Insurance industry experience (P&C or Life) preferred.
• Professional certifications: CPA, CIA, CISA, CFE, CFA, CPCU, FMLI.
• Willingness to travel up to 20%; sponsorship not offered.

Responsibilities

• Manage and develop a team of professionals, overseeing engagements.
• Plan, execute, and report on complex assurance engagements across functions.
• Assess internal controls, risk management, and governance practices.
• Partner with leadership to identify risks and develop audit plans.
• Ensure high-quality deliverables and adherence to standards.
• Advise executives with insights on compliance and risk.
• Identify emerging risks and drive proactive mitigation.
• Support the department’s strategy and vision.

Skills

Executive communication

Risk management

Cross-functional leadership

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Information Systems, Business Administration, or related field

CPA, CIA, CISA, CFE, CFA, CPCU, FMLI

Job description

Location(s) Chicago, Illinois Details Kemper is one of the nation’s leading specialized insurers. Our success is a direct reflection of the talented and diverse people who make a positive difference in the lives of our customers every day. We believe a high-performing culture, valuable opportunities for personal development and professional challenge, and a healthy work-life balance can be highly motivating and productive. Kemper’s products and services are making a real difference to our customers, who have unique and evolving needs. By joining our team, you are helping to provide an experience to our stakeholders that delivers on our promises.

Position Summary

Works closely with the area Assistant Vice President and Chief Audit Executive to drive the strategy, leadership, and execution of high-impact assurance and advisory engagements across the enterprise. Oversees cross-functional teams, fosters a culture of continuous improvement, and influences the organization’s risk posture. Acts as a trusted advisor to business leadership while strengthening the internal control environment.

Position Responsibilities

Manages and develops a team of professionals, promoting professional development and career growth. Leads the planning, execution, and reporting of complex assurance and advisory engagements across various functions, assessing the adequacy of internal controls, risk management processes, and governance practices. Partners with business leadership identifying key risks and develops audit plans that effectively address these risks. Ensures high-quality engagement deliverables and adherence to professional standards. Serves as a trusted advisor and valued business partner to executives and leaders by providing insights and guidance on best practices, regulatory compliance, and risk mitigation strategies. Identifies emerging risks and works with the business to develop proactive mitigation strategies. Fosters a culture of continuous improvement, innovation, and accountability within Internal Audit and the enterprise. Supports the implementation and execution of the department’s overall strategy and vision.

Position Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Information Systems, Business Administration, or related field required; At least 8 years of professional experience, preferably in internal audit, public accounting, risk management, or related field. At least 6 years of previous management experience required with proven ability to lead and develop talent. Insurance industry experience, including experience supporting Property & Casualty and/or Life Insurance operations. Note: broader financial services related experience may also be considered. One or more of the following preferred: CPA, CIA, CISA, CFE, CFA, CPCU, FMLI. Demonstrated experience leading complex, enterprise-wide assurance and advisory engagements across multiple business functions and risk areas. Demonstrated ability to establish credibility and influence senior executives and business leaders while maintaining the independence and objectivity expected of Internal Audit. Ability to travel up to 20% of the time. Sponsorship is not accepted for this opportunity.

Preferred Skills

Ability to navigate ambiguity, manage competing priorities, and exercise sound judgment in a complex, rapidly changing environment. Excellent executive-level communication and presentation skills, including the ability to communicate complex risk and control matters clearly, concisely, and persuasively. Demonstrated knowledge of Model Risk Management, including risks associated with the development, implementation, validation, governance, monitoring, and use of models within an insurance environment. Strong understanding of insurance distribution strategies and associated risks and controls across multiple distribution channels, such as independent and captive agents, brokers, direct-to-consumer, digital platforms, partnerships, and other third‑party distribution arrangements.

Benefits and Compensation

The range for this position is $129,500 to $215,700. When determining candidate offers, we consider experience, skills, education, certifications, and geographic location among other factors. This job is eligible for an annual discretionary bonus and Kemper benefits (Medical, Dental, Vision, PTO, 401k, etc.) This role will be located in our Chicago, IL office with a hybrid schedule.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

Kemper is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran, disability status or any other status protected by the laws or regulations in the locations where we operate. We are committed to supporting diversity and equality across our organization and we work diligently to maintain a workplace free from discrimination. Kemper is focused on expanding our Diversity, Equity and Inclusion efforts to align with our vision, mission, and guiding principles.

Recruitment Notice

Kemper does not accept unsolicited resumes through or from search firms or staffing agencies. All unsolicited resumes will be considered the property of Kemper and Kemper will not be obligated to pay a placement fee. Kemper will never request personal information, such as your social security number or banking information, via text or email. Additionally, Kemper does not use external messaging applications like WireApp or Skype to communicate with candidates. If you receive such a message, delete it. Sponsorship is not accepted for this opportunity.

Kemper at a Glance

The Kemper family of companies is one of the nation’s leading specialized insurers. With approximately $12 billion in assets, Kemper is improving the world of insurance by providing affordable and easy-to-use personalized solutions to individuals, families and businesses through its Kemper Auto and Kemper Life brands. Kemper serves over 4.6 million policies, is represented by approximately 24,200 agents and brokers, and has approximately 7,500 associates dedicated to meeting the ever-changing needs of its customers.

• Alliance United Insurance Company is not rated.

We value diversity and strive to be an employer of choice. An Equal Opportunity Employer, M/F/D/V Eligible employees may enjoy benefits such as:

• Qualify for your choice of health and dental plans within your first month.
• Save for your future with robust 401(k) match, Health Spending Accounts and various retirement plans.
• Learn and Grow with our Tuition Assistance Program, paid certifications and continuing education programs.
• Contribute to your community through United Way and volunteer programs.
• Balance your life with generous paid time off and business casual dress.
• Get employee discounts for shopping, dining and travel through Kemper Perks.

Benefits eligibility may vary based on position classification, scheduled hours, work location, temporary or contingent status, independent contractor status, SkillBridge participation, and applicable plan terms.

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