Internal Auditor

Designer Brands; Columbus (OH); Hybrid; USD 68,000 - 78,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid/Remote work options

Professional development & training

Employee discounts on brand products

Job summary

Designer Brands is seeking an Internal Auditor to navigate risk, strengthen controls, and identify opportunities to improve how we work across stores, DCs, e-commerce, and corporate functions.

The role blends analytical thinking, business insight, and curiosity to evaluate processes, assess risks, and provide actionable recommendations, with a primary focus on auditing business process SOX controls.

Qualifications

• 1–3 years of audit experience with a public accounting firm or public company.
• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, Information Systems, or a related field.
• Preferred: CPA, CIA, CFE, or active pursuit of a professional certification.

Responsibilities

• Execute risk-based audits across operating units, stores, and distribution centers.
• Perform audit procedures including process walkthroughs, risk assessments, control testing, data analysis, and documentation.
• Assess internal controls design and effectiveness; identify opportunities for improvement.
• Analyze data sets to identify trends, anomalies, and emerging risks; translate findings into actionable recommendations.
• Prepare audit findings and assist with communicating results through written reports and presentations.
• Support SOX testing and enterprise risk assessments; participate in annual audit planning.

Skills

Audit

Analytical thinking

Communication

Project management

Professional skepticism

Data interpretation

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, Information Systems

Tools

Power BI

Tableau

Workiva

Excel

Job description

About Designer Brands

At Designer Brands, we are the proud parent company of DSW Designer Shoe Warehouse, The Shoe Company, and Rubino, operating nearly 675 stores across North America and a billion-dollar digital commerce business. We lead the footwear industry with a diverse portfolio of iconic brands, including Topo Athletic, Keds, Vince Camuto, Kelly & Katie, Jessica Simpson, Lucky Brand, Mix No. 6, Crown Vintage, and others. With expertise in design, production, and sourcing, we create on-trend footwear and accessories, delivered through a robust omni-channel infrastructure and national wholesale distribution. At Designer Brands, we are committed to fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation, and inclusivity, where each employee’s unique perspective contributes to our success. Anchored by our core values of 'We Love What We Do', 'We Own What We Do', 'We Do What's Right', and 'We Belong', we continuously drive forward together, building a future where everyone can put their best foot forward.

The Opportunity

As an Internal Auditor at Designer Brands, you'll play an important role in helping the organization navigate risk, strengthen controls, and identify opportunities to improve how we work. This position offers broad exposure across the business, including stores, distribution centers, e-commerce operations, and corporate functions, giving you a unique opportunity to develop a deep understanding of our operations while building relationships throughout the organization.

In this role, you'll combine analytical thinking, business insight, and curiosity to evaluate processes, assess risks, and provide recommendations that help teams operate more effectively. This position is primarily focused on auditing business process SOX controls. You'll work with a variety of stakeholders, leverage data-driven insights, and contribute to projects that support sound governance, compliance, and business performance.

Whether you're conducting audits, analyzing data, or partnering with business leaders, you'll have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact while continuing to grow your expertise in internal audit, risk management, and process improvement.

What You'll Be Doing

Execute Risk-Based Audits

• Conduct operational, financial, compliance, and internal control audits with limited supervision.
• Perform audit procedures including:
  • Process walkthroughs
  • Risk assessments
  • Control testing
  • Data analysis
  • Evidence evaluation
  • Documentation of audit results
• Assess the design and effectiveness of internal controls and identify opportunities for enhancement.

Analyze Data and Identify Insights

• Utilize data analytics and technology-enabled audit techniques to identify:
  • Trends
  • Anomalies
  • Emerging risks
  • Process improvement opportunities
• Interpret complex data sets and translate findings into actionable recommendations.

Communicate Findings and Support Action Plans

• Conduct interviews, review documentation, develop surveys, and prepare audit workpapers.
• Summarize observations and recommendations in a clear, organized manner.
• Prepare audit findings and assist with communicating results through written reports and presentations.
• Track, validate, and report on management action plans and remediation efforts.

Support Compliance, Risk, and Special Projects

• Assist in the execution of Sarbanes-Oxley (SOX) testing and internal control assessments, as applicable.
• Participate in fraud risk assessments, investigations, and special projects.
• Assist in identifying and evaluating enterprise risks.
• Contribute to the development of the Annual Audit Plan.

Build Partnerships Across the Business

• Develop and maintain productive relationships with business partners across the organization.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to support governance, risk management, and compliance objectives.
• Represent Internal Audit on cross-functional initiatives, project teams, and management meetings.

Continue Learning and Growing

• Stay informed on:
  • Auditing standards
  • Industry and retail trends
  • Emerging risks
  • Technology developments
  • Leading practices in internal audit and risk management

What You'll Need

Experience

Required:

• 1-3 years of audit experience with a public accounting firm or public company.

Education

Required

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, Information Systems, or a related field.

Technical Knowledge & Skills

• Working knowledge of:
  • Internal auditing and accounting principles
  • Risk assessment methodologies
  • Internal controls
• Knowledge of the COSO Internal Control Framework and risk-based auditing methodologies.
• Understanding of ERP systems, system-generated reporting, and technology-enabled business processes.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and other analytical tools.
• Ability to collect, analyze, and interpret large and complex data sets and draw logical conclusions.
• Ability to assess business risk and evaluate the design and effectiveness of controls.

Analytical & Professional Skills

• Strong critical thinking, investigative, and problem-solving skills.
• Effective project management and organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Professional skepticism, intellectual curiosity, and a commitment to continuous learning.

Communication & Collaboration

• Strong verbal, written, and presentation skills, including the ability to communicate effectively with individuals at all levels of the organization.
• Ability to establish and maintain productive relationships and collaborate effectively within a team environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• CPA, CIA, CFE, or active pursuit of a professional certification.
• Experience with SOX compliance, internal control testing, or risk management activities.
• Experience using data analytics and visualization tools.
• Experience in retail, consumer products, e-commerce, or distribution environments.
• Advanced degree (MBA or related field) preferred.
• Experience with Power BI, Tableau, Workiva, or similar applications preferred.

Perks and Benefits You’ll Enjoy!

• Your Sole Well-Being: Our benefits package is crafted with our associates in mind! We support you with benefits like free virtual health care, robust family/fertility benefits, 401(k) w/ match, and more. Explore our offerings at https://mymobilewalletcard.com/dbi.
• Stride with Flexibility: We offer hybrid and remote work opportunities, giving you the freedom to stay connected, productive, and inspired—wherever you do your best work.
• Stepping Up Your Career: Take advantage of training programs, professional development, and education assistance to advance your career with a company that celebrates bold ideas and fresh perspectives.
• We are Shoe-Obsessed: Because we know a great pair of shoes can change your day, you'll enjoy 30% off at DSW & DSW.com, plus discounts across our family of brands.

Hiring Range Notification

The successful candidate's actual pay rate offer will consider a wide range of job-related factors including skill sets, years and nature of relevant experience, training, pay rates of associates in similar positions, the candidate's location, and other organizational needs. The estimated hiring pay range has been adjusted for the applicable geographic differential. This position may be eligible for additional incentive compensation, which may include bonuses, or other forms of variable pay, subject to applicable program requirements and company discretion. This range does not include benefits such as health insurance, paid or unpaid time off work, and/or retirement benefits, unless required by law. Benefits eligibility may vary based on where you work and your position. Visit https://mymobilewalletcard.com/dbi/ to learn more!

Job Details

Pay Range

$68000.00 - $78000.00 / hour

Pay Transparency

Company complies with Pay Transparency rules.