Internal Audit Associate

EquiTrust Life Insurance Company; Illinois; Hybrid; USD 50,006 - 68,756; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental & Vision coverage

401(k) with Company Match

Paid time off

Paid Parental Leave

Hybrid/Remote Work Options

Early Friday Closure

Job summary

EquiTrust Life Insurance Company is seeking an Internal Audit Associate based in Chicago, IL. The ideal candidate will support the Internal Audit team in evaluating and improving internal controls, while collaborating closely with colleagues and assisting in audit procedures.

This full-time role offers an hourly compensation range of $36.30 to $49.91, depending on experience and qualifications, along with a flexible working environment that promotes continuous learning.

Qualifications

• Strong written and verbal communication skills are essential.
• Analytical mindset with problem-solving abilities is required.
• Attention to detail and process orientation are critical.

Responsibilities

• Assist with audit walkthroughs and control testing.
• Document audit procedures and findings.
• Communicate project status to team members.

Skills

Strong written and verbal communication skills

Analytical mindset with problem-solving

Attention to detail

Proficiency with Microsoft Office, especially Excel

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Economics, Business, or related field

Tools

Microsoft Office (Excel)

Visio

Job description

Posting Title: Internal Audit Associate

Location: Chicago, IL (Mostly Off-Site)

Employment Type: Full-time

Hourly Range: $36.30-$49.91

About Us: EquiTrust Life Insurance Company is a national carrier of competitive, client-friendly annuity products sold through a variety of distribution channels, including more than 20,000 independent agents and independent marketing organizations (IMOs). Since 2003, we have provided exceptional customer service to our clients by operating with integrity and passion. Our efforts are supported by a dedicated workforce who execute their responsibilities through teamwork and an entrepreneurial spirit. EquiTrust sells products nationwide and is headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, with operations in West Des Moines, Iowa.

How You’ll Contribute

As an Internal Audit Associate, you will support the Internal Audit team in evaluating and improving the effectiveness of internal controls, risk management processes, and operational practices across the organization. Working closely with audit team members and business partners, you will assist with audit testing, documentation, and process reviews that help mitigate financial, operational, compliance, and fraud-related risks. This role is ideal for someone who is curious, detail-oriented, eager to learn, and interested in developing a career in internal audit, risk management, or financial services.

What You’ll Do

• Assist with audit walkthroughs, control testing, and substantive testing to evaluate the effectiveness of internal controls.
• Document audit procedures, findings, and supporting evidence through workpapers, flowcharts, and related audit documentation.
• Develop an understanding of business processes, risks, and controls while learning internal audit methodologies and best practices.
• Support audit requests related to regulatory examinations and external audits.
• Communicate project status and audit-related updates to audit team members and stakeholders.
• Collaborate with colleagues across departments to gather information and support audit activities.
• Contribute to a positive, inclusive, and team-oriented work environment.
• Participate in continuous learning opportunities to enhance audit, risk, and business knowledge.
• Support additional projects and departmental initiatives as needed.

What You’ll Bring

Education

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• Degree in Accounting, Finance, Economics, Business, or a related field preferred.

Experience

• Prior internship or relevant experience in auditing, accounting, finance, risk management, or a related area is preferred.
• Recent graduates with relevant coursework, internships, or demonstrated interest in internal audit are encouraged to apply.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Analytical mindset with problem-solving and critical-thinking abilities.
• Strong attention to detail and process orientation.
• Ability to organize, prioritize, and manage multiple tasks effectively.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel; familiarity with Visio is a plus.
• Basic understanding of internal audit principles, accounting concepts, or risk management practices.
• Ability to build positive working relationships and collaborate across teams.
• Growth mindset with a willingness to learn, seek feedback, and continuously develop professionally.
• Professional certifications such as CPA or CIA, or progress toward obtaining them, are a plus but not required.

Physical Requirements

• Primarily sedentary office work requiring extended periods of sitting and computer use.
• Frequent use of hands for keyboarding and other computer-related tasks.
• Ability to communicate effectively in person and virtually.
• Occasionally move and/or lift items up to 20 pounds.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the role.

Where You’ll Work

• Location: Chicago, Illinois
• Work Arrangements: Mostly Off-Site
• Travel Requirements: Less than 5%

Compensation and Pay Philosophy

The hourly range for this role is $36.30-$49.91. This reflects the expected compensation for the position at the time of posting. The final offer will be based on factors such as the candidate’s experience, qualifications, geographic location, and internal equity, and may be higher or lower than the posted range. The pay range is subject to change in the future in accordance with applicable laws. EquiTrust is committed to fair and competitive compensation that considers individual and organizational needs.

Total Rewards

• Medical, Dental & Vision coverage
• 401(k) with Company Match
• Paid time off: Vacation, Sick, Holiday, and more
• Paid Parental Leave for both Mothers and Fathers
• Hybrid/Remote Work Options
• Early Friday Closure

EquiTrust is an Equal Opportunity Employer and participates in the U.S. Federal E-Verify program. Applicants have rights under federal and state employment laws. To learn more, visit EquiTrust Careers.