Director, Internal Audit

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

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid schedule

Competitive benefits

Job summary

Kemper, located in Chicago, IL, seeks an experienced Internal Audit leader to drive strategy, execution, and advisory engagements across the enterprise. You will oversee cross-functional teams, strengthen controls, and partner with executives to improve governance and risk management.

Ideal candidates have 8+ years in internal audit or related fields, 6+ years in leadership, and insurance industry experience. This hybrid Chicago role offers a competitive bonus and benefits package.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Information Systems, Business Administration, or related field.
• At least 8 years of professional experience in internal audit, public accounting, risk management, or related field.
• At least 6 years of previous management experience leading talent.
• Insurance industry experience, including Property & Casualty and/or Life Insurance operations.
• Preferred: CPA, CIA, CISA, CFE, CFA, CPCU, FMLI.
• Experience leading enterprise-wide assurance and advisory engagements across multiple functions and risk areas.
• Travel up to 20% of the time.

Responsibilities

• Manages and develops a team of professionals, promoting development and career growth.
• Leads planning, execution, and reporting of complex assurance and advisory engagements across functions, assessing internal controls, risk management, and governance.
• Partners with business leadership to identify risks and develop audit plans.
• Ensures high-quality deliverables and adherence to standards.
• Serves as trusted advisor to executives, providing insights on compliance and risk mitigation.
• Identifies emerging risks and develops proactive mitigation strategies.
• Fosters continuous improvement, innovation, and accountability in Internal Audit.
• Supports implementation of department strategy and vision.

Skills

Leadership

Risk management

Communication

Strategy

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting/Finance

Job description

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.

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.

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.
• Sponsorship is not accepted for this opportunity.
• This role will be located in our Chicago, IL office with a hybrid schedule.

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.)

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.

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.