Director of Internal Audit

Pekininsurance; Pekin (IL); Hybrid; USD 126,000 - 172,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, Dental and Vision Insurance

Generous 401(k) with company match

PTO with Paid Holidays

Flexible/Hybrid Work Schedule

Paid Volunteer Program

Job summary

Pekin Insurance in Pekin, IL seeks a Director of Internal Audit to lead enterprise-wide risk management, internal controls, and governance, ensuring regulatory compliance and operational efficiency.

You will build and champion an audit strategy, recruit and mentor a high-performing team, and report findings to the Audit Committee and executive leadership. Must hold CPA/CIA/CISA and 8–10 years in internal audit with leadership.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, business administration, or related field.
• 8–10 years of progressive experience in internal audit, risk management, or public accounting, with at least 3 years in a leadership role.
• CPA, CIA, or CISA certification required.

Responsibilities

• Establish, develop and execute a comprehensive, enterprise-wide internal audit strategy and risk-based audit plan aligned with organizational goals and risk profile.
• Recruit, develop, and lead a high-performing internal audit team.
• Plan, direct, and oversee internal audits of financial, operational, and compliance processes across all business areas.
• Review audit results, prepare clear and impactful reports, and present findings to executive leadership and the Audit Committee.
• Lead organization-wide risk assessments and assess internal controls.

Skills

People management

Written communication

Oral communication

Analytical reasoning

Judgement

Education

Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, business administration, or related field

CPA, CIA, or CISA certification

Job description

Looking for more than just a job? You’ve found it.

At Pekin Insurance, you’re not a number—you’re part of something bigger. For over 100 years, we’ve built a community where people are valued, supported, and empowered to grow. Here, you’ll find a workplace where collaboration is real, ideas are welcome, and the work you do truly matters. We’re proud to help people through life’s toughest moments—and it’s our people who make that possible.

From day one, you’ll be encouraged to bring your whole self to work, take on meaningful challenges, and grow in ways that matter to you.

This is your opportunity to belong, thrive, and make a difference—right here at Pekin Insurance. Learn more about Pekin Insurance Here!

Position Overview

The Director of Internal Audit is responsible for establishing, leading, and continuously enhancing the organization’s internal audit function to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements, internal policies, and industry best practices. This role provides enterprise-wide oversight of risk management, internal controls, and governance processes to safeguard company assets and enhance operational efficiency. The Director partners closely with executive leadership to deliver independent, objective assurance and consulting services, supporting the development of a consistent, risk-based internal audit framework across the organization.

Essential Job Functions

Strategic Leadership

• Establish, develop and execute a comprehensive, enterprise-wide internal audit strategy and risk-based audit plan aligned with organizational goals and risk profile
• Provide strategic guidance and actionable recommendations to senior management and the Audit Committee on risk mitigation and control enhancements
• Recruit, develop, and lead a high-performing internal audit team

Audit Management

• Plan, direct, and oversee internal audits of financial, operational, and compliance processes across all business areas
• Build and maintain an internal audit framework, ensuring audits are performed in accordance with professional standards and regulatory requirements
• Review audit results, prepare clear and impactful reports, and present findings to executive leadership and the Audit Committee

Risk Assessment & Internal Controls

• Lead organization-wide risk assessments to identify, evaluate, and prioritize key enterprise risks
• Assess adequacy and effectiveness of internal controls and recommend enhancements to strengthen the control environment
• Monitor remediation efforts, perform follow-up audits and track corrective actions to resolution

Compliance & Governance

• Ensure adherence to applicable laws, regulations, and internal policies (MAR, COSO, etc.)
• Stay current on insurance regulatory requirement, emerging risks, and industry best practices
• Support and enhance corporate governance initiatives by partnering with management, external auditors, and regulators
• Serve as a trusted advisor in promoting a strong culture in accountability, ethics, and continuous improvement
• Performs other duties as assigned

Education & Experience

Required

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, business administration, or related field, or related experience
• Typically requires 8–10 years of progressive experience in internal audit, risk management, or public accounting, with at least 3 years in a leadership role

Preferred or Specialized

• Experience within the P&C and/or Life insurance industry
• Experience presenting to Audit Committee or Board of Directors

Certifications & Licenses

• CPA, CIA, or CISA certification required

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

Demonstrated skill in:

• personnel resources management through motivating, developing, and directing people as they work, identifying the best people for the job
• communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience
• talking to others to convey information effectively
• using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems

Demonstrated ability to:

• manage a budget and work within the constraints of that budget
• process and handle confidential information with discretion
• work evenings, nights, and weekends as necessary
• build client relationships
• handle difficult and stressful situations with professional composure
• maintain effective interpersonal relationships
• exercise sound judgement in making critical decisions

Demonstrated knowledge of:

• project control and cost estimating techniques
• project planning and implementation

Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S. without sponsorship now or in the future.

Salary Range: $126,000-$172,000 per year

• This range is based on the expected level of experience and skills for this position. Final compensation will depend on individual qualifications.
• This position is bonus eligible

Benefits

• Health, Dental and Vision Insurance
• Generous 401(k) with company match
• Paid Time Off (PTO) with Paid Holidays
• Flexible/Hybrid Work Schedule
• Paid Volunteer Program

For more information about the benefits we offer, please visit our Careers Page.