Internal Audit Director - Skyward Group

Skyward Specialty Insurance; United States; Remote; USD 180,000 - 200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health and welfare benefits

Tuition & certification assistance

401k savings

Employee Stock Purchase Program

Paid time off

Paid holidays

Child bonding leave

Job summary

Skyward Specialty Insurance Group is seeking an Internal Audit Director to lead the hybrid audit function, covering SOX and MAR compliance across the group. You will plan and coordinate audits, drive remediation with cross-functional teams, and act as the main liaison to external auditors, guiding documentation and control testing.

The ideal candidate has 5+ years in public accounting or internal audit, with CPA/CIA/CISA and strong communication skills.

Qualifications

• Senior-level internal audit background with SOX and MAR exposure.
• CPA/CIA/CISA or equivalent preferred with public accounting experience.
• Strong analytical and communication skills for cross-functional teams.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate and manage internal audit activities related to SOX and MAR.
• Develop and maintain internal audit plan with risk assessment and timelines.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to remediate issues promptly.
• Serve as primary contact for external auditors throughout the process.
• Provide training on internal controls and SOX/MAR requirements.
• Lead SOX control testing and maintain segregation of duties matrix.

Skills

SOX compliance

MAR compliance

Risk management

Data analysis

Communication

Leadership

Cross-functional

Audit planning

Education

CPA

CIA

CISA

Bachelor's degree in Accounting/Finance

Tools

Excel

Workiva

Job description

The Internal Audit Director manages Skyward Group’s hybrid internal audit function, planning, organizing, and coordinating audit activities across the Group and its businesses. The role oversees SOX and MAR audit activities, assesses compliance with applicable regulations and internal policies, identifies opportunities to strengthen internal controls and operational processes, and communicates findings to key stakeholders. Working across functions and with all levels of staff and management, the Director supports effective risk management and continuous improvement throughout the Group. This opportunity combines an innovative, collaborative team environment with the ability to influence outcomes and make a meaningful contribution. The ideal candidate is a clear communicator, self-motivated, and driven.Principal Duties and ResponsibilitiesCoordinate and manage all internal audit activities related to SOX and MAR compliance, ensuring adherence to established policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements.Develop and maintain a comprehensive internal audit plan, including risk assessment, audit scope, and timelines.Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure timely remediation of any issues / control deficiencies.Serve as the primary point of contact for external auditors, facilitating communication and coordination throughout the audit process.Coordinate and provide necessary documentation, schedules, and support to external auditors during interim and year-end audits.Coordinate the document requests for internal control testing.Review and analyze external audit findings, ensuring appropriate action plans are developed and implemented to address identified deficiencies.Stay up-to-date with changes in regulatory requirements, accounting standards, and industry best practices related to internal audit, SOX and MAR compliance.Assist in the development and implementation of new internal controls to enhance the overall control environment.Provide training and guidance to employees on internal control processes and SOX/MAR compliance requirements.Conduct and/or coordinate SOX control testing (ELC’s/other).Maintain a company-wide segregation of duty matrix and assess conflicts on a routine basis.Execute the review and update of process documentation with the control owners.Execute special projects related to internal control assessments and improvements (new system implementations, integration of new business segments, etc.) and fraud investigations, as necessary.Knowledge, Skills and Abilities .Considerable knowledge of Sarbanes Oxley (SOX), Model Audit Rule (MAR), U.S. GAAP and Statutory.Ability to analyze complex data and identify potential risks and issues.Results-oriented with strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skillsWorks cohesively in a team-oriented environment and able to work cross-functionally.Strong initiative to research issues, develop potential solutions, and effectively partner with other business areas to drive issue.Self-motivated with a strong work ethic, and a commitment to continuous improvement.Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite.Workiva experience preferred.Qualifications, Education and Experience Preferred5+ years’ experience in public accounting, internal auditing, risk management, and/or compliance. Experience and 3+ years leading a team.Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Business or Finance.Full professional qualification (CPA, CIA, CISA, CFE, or equivalent) required.Compensation & BenefitsThe applicable base salary for this opportunity is $180,000 - $200,000. The base pay offered will be determined by factors such as experience, skills, training, location, certifications, education, and any applicable minimum wage requirements. In addition to the base salary, this opportunity may be eligible for performance-based incentives. We are excited to offer a competitive total rewards package which includes health and welfare benefits, tuition and professional certification assistance, 401k savings, elective participation in the Employee Stock Purchase Program, paid time off, paid holidays, and child bonding leave, as well as other employee assistance.#LI-Remote