Internal Audit & Compliance Program Lead

Upaya; Hilton Head Island (SC); On-site; USD 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Upaya is seeking an Internal Audit & Compliance Officer to coordinate audits, strengthen compliance, and improve internal controls across the organization.

The role emphasizes follow-through, accountability, and continuous process improvements rather than performing audits in isolation. You will work with department heads to close gaps and promote a culture of governance and risk awareness.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or related field with 2 years of audit experience.
• Semi-qualified CA preferred and eligible.
• Candidates with audit, compliance, operations, or process improvement experience encouraged to apply.
• Qualified CA is an added advantage but not mandatory.
• Strong understanding of internal controls, audit methodologies, compliance practices, and business processes.
• Ability to identify risks, evaluate control effectiveness, and recommend practical improvements.
• Excellent analytical, documentation, and problem-solving skills.
• Strong coordination, stakeholder management, and follow-up abilities.
• Proficiency in MS Excel, reporting, and documentation tools.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate and manage internal and external audit engagements, serving as the primary liaison between auditors and business teams.
• Develop and maintain the annual internal audit calendar, ensuring timely planning and execution of audit activities.
• Review audit findings and recommendations, monitor progress, and ensure timely closure of audit observations.
• Track corrective and preventive actions and follow up with departments to ensure effective implementation.
• Monitor compliance with company policies, internal controls, SOPs, and regulatory requirements across business functions.
• Identify operational risks, control gaps, process inefficiencies, and opportunities for continuous improvement.
• Work closely with department heads to strengthen accountability, governance, and operational effectiveness.
• Assist in developing, reviewing, and improving policies, SOPs, process documentation, and internal control frameworks.
• Support management in promoting a culture of compliance, transparency, and risk awareness throughout the organization.
• Prepare periodic reports and dashboards on audit status, compliance performance, outstanding observations, and improvement initiatives for management review.

Skills

Audit & Compliance

Process improvement

Risk assessment

Analytical skills

Documentation

Stakeholder management

Attention to detail

Education

Bachelor’s degree in accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or related field

CA qualification (semi-qualified) preferred

Tools

MS Excel

Reporting tools

Job description

Upaya is seeking an Internal Audit & Compliance Officer to coordinate audits, strengthen compliance, and improve internal controls across the organization.

The role emphasizes follow-through, accountability, and continuous process improvements rather than performing audits in isolation. You will work with department heads to close gaps and promote a culture of governance and risk awareness.