Head of Internal Audit

Walker & Dunlop; Bethesda (MD); On-site; USD 240,000 - 270,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

401(k) + match

Paid parental leave

Life insurance

Wellness program

Career development opportunities

Volunteer hours and donation matching

Job summary

Walker & Dunlop seeks a Senior Vice President, Internal Audit to lead the function, implement a risk-based audit program, and coordinate with the Audit and Risk Committee and senior management. This role directs SOX testing, staff development, and external/internal coordination to strengthen controls and governance.

The successful candidate will have 12+ years in finance/audit, 7+ years of management, Big Four experience preferred, CPA or CIA preferred, and a collaborative leadership style.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field.
• 12+ years of progressive experience in finance, accounting, audit, or related discipline.
• 7+ years of management experience leading teams and audit functions.
• Big Four public accounting background preferred.
• CPA or CIA designation preferred.
• Experience in financial services preferred.

Responsibilities

• Develop and oversee a risk-based internal audit program assessing governance, risk management, and internal controls.
• Lead SOX compliance testing planning, scoping, testing, deficiencies, and reporting.
• Manage Internal Audit staff and co-sourced resources; negotiate engagements.
• Coordinate with regulatory bodies and external auditors; support Audit Committee oversight.
• Provide recommendations to strengthen controls and efficiency; conduct follow-up reviews.

Skills

Financial analysis

Internal audit

Leadership

Communication

Excel

PowerPoint

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting/Finance

12+ years finance/audit experience

7+ years management experience

Big Four background

CPA or CIA preferred

Financial services experience

Tools

Microsoft Excel

PowerPoint

Job description

Department: Internal Audit

We are Walker & Dunlop. We are one of the largest providers of capital to the commercial real estate industry, enabling real estate owners and operators to bring their visions of communities - where people live, work, shop, and play - to life. We are committed to creating meaningful social, environmental, and economic change in our communities.

Department Overview

The mission of Walker and Dunlop's Internal Audit (IA) department is to protect and enhance organizational value by providing our stakeholders with risk-based, independent, objective, and reliable assurance, advice, and insight designed to mitigate risk, add value, and improve W&D's operations. IA acts as a valuable business partner to senior management and the Audit and Risk Committee of the Board of Directors by providing assurance, information, analyses, and advice to assist Senior Management in fulfilling its responsibilities to ensure operations are managed ethically, effectively, and efficiently within an environment of strong internal controls.

The Impact You Will Have

This position reports functionally to the Audit and Risk Committee of the Board of Directors and works closely with the Company’s Senior Management team to execute the internal audit strategy and plan approved by the Audit and Risk Committee. The Senior Vice President is responsible for leading the Company’s Internal Audit function, maintaining a risk-based audit program, and establishing and updating audit procedures in accordance with applicable regulatory requirements, professional standards, and Audit and Risk Committee oversight.

Primary Responsibilities

Develop and oversee a comprehensive, risk-based Internal Audit program designed to provide independent assurance regarding the effectiveness of the Company’s governance, risk management, internal controls, and compliance with applicable regulatory requirements. Manage and perform financial, operational, and compliance audits in accordance with the internal audit program approved by the Audit and Risk Committee. Lead the Company’s Sarbanes-Oxley (SOX) compliance testing program, including planning, scoping, testing, deficiency evaluation, and reporting. Manage the performance and development of Internal Audit staff and co-sourced resources, as applicable. Negotiate annual internal audit engagements with co-sourced or outsourced providers, as applicable, based on the approved scope of work. Coordinate Internal Audit activities with applicable regulatory agencies and examiners to effectively utilize internal and co-sourced resources and achieve established objectives. Coordinate with and support the activities of the Company’s external audit firm. Support the Audit and Risk Committee in fulfilling its oversight responsibilities, including presenting the annual Internal Audit scope and plan for approval, providing quarterly updates on the status and results of the Internal Audit program, and discussing audit findings and other matters as needed. Review Company practices, processes, and records to assess adherence to established internal policies and procedures. Develop recommendations to strengthen internal controls, improve operating efficiency, and enhance the adequacy and reliability of Company records and record-keeping practices. Communicate audit findings and recommendations to appropriate management based on scheduled and non-scheduled audits and elevate matters requiring timely management attention. Conduct follow-up reviews to assess remediation of financial, operational, internal control, or regulatory compliance deficiencies identified through audits. Investigate potential irregularities or other matters at the request of Senior Management or the Audit and Risk Committee, or as otherwise identified through Internal Audit activities. Serve as an active participant on the Company’s Risk Committee, Fraud Risk and Response Committee, and other committees as appropriate. Perform other duties as assigned, including duties consistent with the goals, objectives, and responsibilities of the Internal Audit function and as approved by the Audit and Risk Committee.

Attendance

Attendance is generally required from 8:30 am - 5:30 pm local time, Tuesday through Thursday, with the option to work remotely on Mondays and Fridays.

Education and Experience

Bachelor's degree required, preferably in Accounting, Finance, or a related field. 12+ years of progressive experience in finance, accounting, audit, or a related discipline. 7+ years of management experience required, including demonstrated experience leading teams and audit functions. 5+ years of Big Four public accounting experience preferred. Financial services industry experience preferred. Certified Public Accountant (CPA) or Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) designation preferred. Experience in public accounting and/or within a regulated financial services environment preferred.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Strong financial, analytical, operational, accounting, and internal audit expertise. Excellent business judgment, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills. Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to communicate effectively with senior management, the Board, regulators, external auditors, and other stakeholders. Strong relationship-building and stakeholder management skills. Excellent time management and organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities effectively. Detail-oriented with a demonstrated commitment to accuracy, quality, and sound professional judgment. Flexible and collaborative leader with the ability to operate effectively in a changing business and regulatory environment. Strong proficiency in Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint. Demonstrated initiative and ownership, with the ability to identify opportunities to strengthen processes, controls, and audit practices. Demonstrated people leadership skills, including coaching, mentoring, development, performance management, and delegation.

Salary & Compensation

This position has an estimated base salary of $240,000 - $270,000 plus discretionary bonus and stock compensation. An employment offer is based on the applicant's relevant work experience, applicable knowledge, skills, abilities, internal equity, and alignment with market data.

#LI- CR1 #LI-Hybrid

#LI- CR1 #LI-Hybrid

What We Offer

• Up to 83% subsidized medical payroll deductions
• Competitive dental and vision benefits
• 401(k) + match
• Pre-tax transit and commuting benefits
• A robust health and wellness program - earn cash rewards and gain access to resources that promote health, engagement, and balance
• Paid maternity and parental leave, as well as other family paid leave programs
• Company-paid life, short and long-term disability insurance
• Health Savings Account and Healthcare and Dependent Care Flexible Spending
• Career development opportunities
• Empowerment and encouragement to give back - volunteer hours and donation matching

*Eligibility may vary based on average number of hours worked

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

We are committed to equity in all steps of the recruitment and employment experience. We believe in equal access to opportunities in our workplace. We do not tolerate discrimination, including harassment based on any characteristic protected by applicable law, such as race, color, national origin, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, sex, age, disability, veteran or military status, and genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. We strive to be a safe place to ask questions, build professional relationships, and develop careers.

Fair Chance Hiring

Background checks, including any questions related to infractions, arrests, or conviction records, will not be conducted until after a conditional offer of employment has been accepted. We will consider for employment qualified applicants regardless of arrest and conviction records, in accordance with federal, state, and local laws.

Our Experience

Our experience is the combination of everything that's unique about our culture, our core values, our company meetings, our commitment to success, our recognition programs, but most importantly, it's our people. Our employees are self-disciplined, hardworking, curious, trustworthy, humble and truthful. They make choices according to what is best for the team, they live for opportunities to collaborate and make a difference, and they make us the #1 Top Workplace in our area.