Internal Audit Associate - Financial Services

Elliott Davis; Charlotte (NC); On-site; USD 60,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous time away and paid firm holidays

Flexible work schedules

Professional coaching

Job summary

Elliott Davis in Charlotte, North Carolina is seeking an Associate – Risk Advisory to join their Financial Services Group. This role provides an excellent opportunity to advance a career in internal audit while gaining exposure to critical banking operations.

The ideal candidate will assist in executing internal audit engagements, evaluate internal controls, and ensure regulatory compliance. The position requires a Bachelor's degree and offers flexible working schedules, generous leave, and professional development programs.

Qualifications

• 0-3 years of experience in internal audit, external audit, banking operations, risk management, or related fields.
• Foundational understanding of internal control frameworks and audit methodologies.

Responsibilities

• Assist in performing internal audit engagements across core banking functions.
• Prepare clear and concise audit reports with practical recommendations.

Skills

Analytical skills

Problem-solving skills

Attention to detail

Effective communication

Education

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

Tools

Data analysis tools (e.g., Excel, SQL)

Job description

Position Overview

We are seeking an Associate – Risk Advisory to join our Financial Services Group (FSG). The team serves a diverse portfolio of financial institutions and provides independent, risk-based assurance and advisory services across a wide range of banking operations. This role offers an excellent opportunity to begin or advance a career in internal audit while gaining exposure to key operational, financial, and risk management functions within financial institutions.

As an Associate, you will support the execution of internal audit engagements and help financial institutions strengthen internal controls, ensure regulatory compliance, and enhance operational effectiveness.

Responsibilities

• Assist in performing internal audit engagements across core banking functions, including:
  • Loan operations and credit administration
  • Deposit operations
  • ACH and electronic payments
  • Wire transfers
  • Branch operations
  • Accounting and financial reporting
  • Human resources and payroll
  • Enterprise Risk Management (ERM)
  • Model Risk Management (MRM)
  • Investment and treasury operations
• Execute audit procedures, including walkthroughs, testing of controls, and validation of operational processes.
• Identify and assess risks, control gaps, and process inefficiencies across operational and financial areas.
• Perform detailed testing of transactions, reconciliations, system controls, and compliance with internal policies and regulatory requirements.
• Assist in the evaluation of internal controls related to financial reporting, safeguarding of assets, and operational effectiveness.
• Document audit procedures, findings, and supporting workpapers in accordance with professional audit standards.
• Prepare clear and concise audit reports, including observations, root cause analysis, and practical recommendations.
• Support compliance assessments related to applicable banking regulations and guidance (e.g., FDIC, OCC, Federal Reserve, state banking regulators).
• Participate in meetings with clients and internal stakeholders to gather information and communicate audit progress.
• Contribute to project management across multiple audit engagements, ensuring timelines and deliverables are met.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives, including development of audit tools, methodologies, and process enhancements.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, business administration, or a related field.
• 0‑3 years of experience in internal audit, external audit, banking operations, risk management, or related fields (internships accepted).
• Foundational understanding of:
  • Internal control frameworks (e.g., COSO)
  • Audit methodologies and risk assessment techniques
  • Banking operations and regulatory expectations
  • Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills with attention to detail.
  • Effective written and verbal communication skills.
  • Ability to manage multiple tasks and work both independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
  • Demonstrated willingness to learn and develop technical audit and banking knowledge.
  • Ability to travel when required (estimated maximum of 25 nights per year).

Desired Qualifications

• Prior exposure to banking operations, audit engagements, or regulatory compliance through coursework, internships, or work experience.
• Familiarity with auditing standards (e.g., IIA Standards), regulatory guidance, or risk frameworks.
• Experience with data analysis tools (e.g., Excel, SQL, or audit analytics platforms).
• Pursuit of or interest in professional certifications such as CPA, CIA, or CISA.
• Interest in building a long‑term career in internal audit, risk advisory, or financial services consulting.

Why This Role

This position provides broad exposure across critical banking functions and risk areas, allowing you to develop a well‑rounded understanding of financial institution operations while building core audit and advisory skills.

Benefits

• Generous time away and paid firm holidays, including the week between Christmas and New Year’s.
• Flexible work schedules.
• 16 weeks of paid maternity and adoption leave, 8 weeks of paid parental leave, 4 weeks of paid caregiver leave (once eligible).
• First‑class health and wellness benefits, including wellness coaching and mental health counseling.
• One‑on‑one professional coaching.
• Leadership and career development programs.
• Access to Beyond: a one‑of‑a‑kind program with experiences that help you expand your life, personally and professionally.

Ada, Physical, and Cognitive/Mental Requirements

• Regularly required to remain in a stationary position; use hands repetitively to operate standard office equipment; and to talk or hear, both in person and by telephone.
• Required to have specific vision abilities which include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
• Use written and oral communication skills.
• Read and interpret data, information, and documents.
• Observe and interpret situations.
• Work under deadlines with frequent interruptions.
• Interact with internal and external customers and others in the course of work.