Internal Audit Manager

Aquent; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Aquent is seeking an exceptional Audit Leader to guide internal audit initiatives within a prominent energy-sector company. You will oversee risk-based audits, deliver insightful reports, and lead strategic projects, shaping risk management and process improvements across critical functions.

The role emphasizes data analytics, AI adoption in audit methodologies, and mentoring a team of professionals. You will collaborate with management and external auditors to drive value and governance

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or MBA in Accounting, Finance, or business-related field.
• CPA, CIA, or other relevant professional certification.
• 8–10 years of progressive experience in audit, accounting, finance, compliance, or operational disciplines.
• Demonstrated experience leading audit engagements and managing teams.
• Comprehensive understanding of GAAP, internal controls, and familiarity with the COSO framework.
• Strong collaboration and communication skills, with the ability to influence stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Lead internal audit strategy aligned with enterprise risk priorities and objectives.
• Oversee risk-based audit activities, reporting, and investigations as needed.
• Mentor and develop audit professionals; manage team workload and performance.
• Maintain strong relationships with business leaders and management; act as trusted advisor.
• Integrate data analytics and AI into audit methodologies to drive efficiency and insights.
• Coordinate with external auditors to support reliance strategies and efficiency.
• Monitor and ensure timely closure of Management Action Plans.

Skills

Leadership

Team management

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree or MBA in Accounting/Finance

Tools

SAP

IDEA

Tableau

TeamMate+

Job description

Aquent, a global leader in talent solutions, is thrilled to partner with a prominent company in the essential energy sector. This organization is at the forefront of powering communities, driving innovation, and ensuring reliability for millions. They are seeking a dynamic leader to play a pivotal role in strengthening their operational integrity and strategic vision. This is an incredible opportunity to make a tangible impact, shaping robust control environments and fostering a culture of continuous improvement across critical business functions.

Step into a Leadership Role that Drives Strategic Impact

We are searching for an exceptional audit professional to guide and elevate internal audit initiatives. In this role, you will be instrumental in overseeing risk-based audit activities, delivering insightful reports, and leading critical management-requested projects, including investigations. This is more than just an oversight position; it's a chance to actively shape the future of risk management and operational excellence within a vital industry. You will lead dedicated teams, cultivate talent, and ensure the highest standards of audit execution, all while serving as a trusted advisor to management on risk mitigation and process enhancement.

About the Role

As a key member of the audit leadership team, you will be at the heart of ensuring organizational integrity and efficiency. You will directly contribute to the company's success by aligning audit strategies with enterprise risk priorities, fostering strong relationships with business leaders, and proactively identifying emerging risks. Your expertise will not only ensure compliance with professional standards but also drive innovation in audit methodologies, including the adoption of data analytics and artificial intelligence. This role offers significant opportunities to lead complex initiatives, mentor a team of audit professionals, and provide strategic insights that directly influence decision-making at the highest levels.

What You'll Do

• Lead the execution of the internal audit strategy, ensuring alignment with organizational objectives and enterprise risk priorities.
• Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with business and functional unit management, serving as the primary audit liaison and trusted advisor.
• Proactively identify emerging risks and control considerations, staying informed of ongoing initiatives and potential challenges.
• Oversee and lead advisory and consultative engagements, providing timely insights into process design, governance, and risk mitigation strategies.
• Manage departmental policies, procedures, and governance practices to ensure consistency, quality, and compliance with professional standards.
• Champion the integration of data analytics and artificial intelligence into audit methodologies to enhance innovation and efficiency.
• Identify critical issues and improvement opportunities, collaborating with management to develop and implement practical, value-added solutions.
• Ensure effective monitoring, validation, and timely closure of Management Action Plans.
• Provide comprehensive people management for assigned team members, including performance feedback, development planning, and workforce planning.
• Coordinate activities with external auditors to optimize audit efficiency and support reliance strategies.
• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives within the audit function, incorporating lessons learned and enhancing performance metrics.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of accounting, legal, and regulatory developments across various critical domains, including IT, finance, safety, and human resources.
• Demonstrate sound judgment and accountability while independently leading complex audit projects and initiatives.

What You Bring

• Bachelor's degree or MBA in Accounting, Finance, or a business-related field.
• CPA, CIA, or other relevant professional certification.
• 8-10 years of progressive experience in audit, accounting, finance, compliance, or operational disciplines.
• Demonstrated experience leading audit engagements and managing teams.
• Comprehensive understanding of GAAP, internal controls, and familiarity with the COSO framework.
• Proven ability to prioritize tasks, manage multiple projects concurrently, and adapt to changing information and deadlines.
• Strong business and financial acumen, with the ability to understand how actions impact overall enterprise profitability.
• Exceptional coaching and development skills, inspiring and guiding others toward their full potential.
• Excellent collaboration and communication skills, fostering open dialogue and shared goals across teams.
• A customer-focused mindset, dedicated to understanding and exceeding internal stakeholder expectations.
• An enterprise mindset, prioritizing organizational success and focusing on efforts that add significant value.
• Strong results orientation, with a drive to challenge the status quo and deliver outstanding business outcomes.
• Demonstrated steadiness and poise, capable of projecting credibility, handling conflict effectively, and maintaining focus during periods of change.

Bonus Points

• Experience in public accounting or within the utility industry.
• Proficiency with SAP, IDEA, Tableau, and TeamMate+.