Director, IT Audit and Data Analytics

Lincoln Financial Group; Charlotte (NC); On-site; USD 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Tuition assistance program

Leadership development opportunities

Health coaching

Job summary

Lincoln Financial Group in Charlotte, NC is seeking a Director, IT Audit and Data Analytics. This role focuses on strategic leadership in IT audits, covering technology, cybersecurity, and data-related risks. The candidate will lead audit programs, enhance audit quality using data-driven approaches, and collaborate with senior leaders to improve risk management.

Ideal candidates will have over 7 years in IT audit or cybersecurity, with proven managerial experience. Strong knowledge of control frameworks is essential. The company offers leadership development and various employee benefits.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of experience in IT audit or cybersecurity.
• 3+ years in a managerial role.
• Professional certification such as CISA or CISSP.

Responsibilities

• Lead audit strategy across IT and cybersecurity.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory frameworks.
• Develop audit analytics strategies.

Skills

IT audit

Cybersecurity

Data analytics

Leadership

Control frameworks

Education

Undergraduate degree in Information Systems or related field

Tools

CISA

COSO

COBIT

NIST frameworks

Job description

The Role at a Glance

As the Director, IT Audit and Data Analytics, you will provide strategic leadership and direction to Internal Audit’s IT and integrated audit initiatives. You will be accountable for the development, execution, and continuous improvement of complex audit programs covering technology, cybersecurity, and data‑related risks. In addition, you will ensure delivery of high‑quality, risk‑based audit outcomes, advance the use of data analytics across the audit lifecycle, and provide independent, objective assurance over the effectiveness of internal controls. You will partner with senior leadership to influence risk management practices and strengthen the overall control environment across the enterprise.

What you’ll be doing

Audit Leadership and Execution

• Direct overall audit strategy and execution across IT, cybersecurity, and data domains.
• Accountable for end‑to‑end audit delivery including risk assessment, planning, execution oversight, and reporting.
• Oversee audit testing and review audit workpapers to ensure quality and defensibility.
• Evaluate and opine on the effectiveness of the technology and data control environment.
• Lead identification and escalation of emerging risks.

Audit Analytics and Innovation

• Define and drive the strategy for audit data analytics.
• Oversee development of repeatable, governed audit analytics.
• Champion adoption of advanced analytics, automation, and continuous controls monitoring.
• Identify opportunities to enhance audit quality and efficiency through data‑driven approaches.

Risk Oversight and Continuous Improvement

• Monitor key risk indicators and evolving threats.
• Ensure audits evaluate compliance with applicable regulatory frameworks.
• Stay current on IT audit and cybersecurity trends.
• Identify systemic control gaps and drive enterprise‑level improvements.

Relationship Management and Executive Influence

• Build relationships with senior stakeholders across the business.
• Serve as a trusted advisor on IT risk and controls.
• Communicate audit results to executive audiences.
• Coordinate with external auditors and assurance providers.

People Leadership and Talent Strategy

• Direct and develop a high‑performing audit team.
• Provide coaching and mentorship.
• Hold team accountable for quality and execution.
• Ensure attraction and retention of top talent.

What we’re looking for

Must‑Haves

• 7+ years of experience in IT audit, technology risk, cybersecurity, or audit data analytics, preferably within a regulated financial services environment.
• 3+ years of managerial, supervisory, and/or demonstrated leadership experience.
• Professional certification such as CISA, CISSP, or equivalent.
• Strong knowledge of Internal Audit standards, control frameworks such as COSO and COBIT, and cybersecurity frameworks aligned to NIST.
• Demonstrated ability to design and supervise audits, evaluate control effectiveness, develop analytics, and produce defensible audit findings.
• Undergraduate degree in Information Systems, Computer Science, Data Science, or a related field or equivalent work experience.

Application Deadline

Applications for this position will be accepted through 10/1/26, subject to earlier closure due to applicant volume.

What’s in it for you

• Clearly defined career tracks and job levels, along with associated behaviors for each of the company’s core values and leadership attributes.
• Leadership development and virtual training opportunities.
• Free financial counseling, health coaching and employee assistance program.
• Tuition assistance program.
• Work arrangements that work for you.
• Effective productivity and technology tools and training.

Equal Opportunity Employment

Lincoln is committed to creating an inclusive environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.