Internal Auditor

Alero Financial; Elgin (IL); On-site; USD 95,000 - 155,000; Full time

Job summary

Alero Financial is seeking a seasoned internal audit leader to execute a risk-based audit program across the organization, including branch and operational audits to strengthen internal controls. You will liaise with regulators and external auditors, coordinate exam readiness, and report to the Supervisory Committee and Board.

The role requires 7–12+ years in financial services, experience with NCUA/state exams, and a proven track record with boards and senior leadership.

Qualifications

• 7–12+ years in internal audit, risk, or compliance within financial services.
• Experience with NCUA and/or state regulatory exams.
• Proven ability to work directly with Boards, Supervisory Committees, and executive leadership.
• Experience in complex, multi-product financial institutions ($1B+ preferred)

Responsibilities

• Execute a risk-based internal audit program across the organization.
• Perform branch audits and operational audits to ensure consistency, compliance, and strong internal controls across the organization
• Evaluate the effectiveness of internal controls, policies, and procedures across all business units
• Identify control gaps and provide practical, actionable recommendations that strengthen operations—not just compliance
• Monitor and validate remediation of findings from internal, external, and regulatory audits
• Coordinate interactions with regulatory examinations and external audits
• Lead exam readiness efforts, including documentation, coordination, and communication across departments
• Track and manage all audit findings, regulatory issues, and corrective action plans through resolution
• Ensure consistent, professional, and timely communication with all stakeholders
• Partner with Risk, Compliance, Fraud, and Operations to ensure holistic risk coverage and alignment
• Assess enterprise risks including operational, credit, compliance, cybersecurity, and vendor risk
• Provide independent insight into policy effectiveness and regulatory adherence
• Support governance best practices and enhance organizational accountability and transparency
• Identify opportunities to improve efficiency, controls, and overall effectiveness
• Recommend and implement enhancements to audit processes, reporting, and internal workflows
• Embrace and leverage technology, automation, and data analytics to modernize the audit function
• Operate as a trusted advisor, balancing risk mitigation with business practicality
• All other duties as assigned

Skills

Internal audit leadership

Regulatory knowledge

Risk management

Compliance

Communication skills

Board interaction

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting/Finance/Business

CPA / CIA / CISA / CRCM / CAMS preferred

Tools

BoardEffect

Job description

• Execute a risk-based internal audit program, including audits not covered by external audit firms
• Perform branch audits and operational audits to ensure consistency, compliance, and strong internal controls across the organization
• Evaluate the effectiveness of internal controls, policies, and procedures across all business units
• Identify control gaps and provide practical, actionable recommendations that strengthen operations—not just compliance
• Monitor and validate remediation of findings from internal, external, and regulatory audits

Regulatory & External Auditor Liaison

• Serve as the primary liaison for all regulatory examinations and external audits
• Coordinate interactions with the National Credit Union Administration, Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation, and external audit partners
• Lead exam readiness efforts, including documentation, coordination, and communication across departments
• Track and manage all audit findings, regulatory issues, and corrective action plans through resolution
• Ensure consistent, professional, and timely communication with all stakeholders

Supervisory Committee & Board Engagement

• Act as a key partner to the Supervisory Committee Chair and Committee members, ensuring they are well-informed and supported
• Prepare and distribute Supervisory Committee meeting packets, including agendas, reports, and supporting documentation
• Coordinate and send meeting invitations and communications
• Upload and manage all materials within BoardEffect
• Attend and present at Supervisory Committees meetings and, when appropriate, the Board of Directors
• Provide clear, concise reporting that enables effective oversight and decision-making

Risk, Compliance & Governance Alignment

• Partner with Risk, Compliance (including BSA/AML), Fraud, and Operations to ensure holistic risk coverage and alignment
• Assess enterprise risks including operational, credit, compliance, cybersecurity, and vendor risk
• Provide independent insight into policy effectiveness and regulatory adherence
• Support governance best practices and enhance organizational accountability and transparency

Process Improvement & Strategic Contribution

• Identify opportunities to improve efficiency, controls, and overall effectiveness
• Recommend and implement enhancements to audit processes, reporting, and internal workflows
• Embrace and leverage technology, automation, and data analytics to modernize the audit function
• Operate as a trusted advisor, balancing risk mitigation with business practicality
• All other duties as assigned

Qualifications:

Experience

• 7–12+ years of experience in internal audit, risk, or compliance within financial services (credit union or banking preferred)
• Experience working with NCUA and/or state regulatory exams
• Proven ability to work directly with Boards, Supervisory Committees, and executive leadership
• Experience in complex, multi-product financial institutions ($1B+ preferred)

Education & Certifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business, or related field required
• Preferred certifications: CPA, CIA, CISA, CRCM, or CAMS

Core Competencies

• Strong knowledge of internal controls, audit practices, and regulatory frameworks
• Exceptional organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines
• Clear and confident communicator—able to translate complexity into actionable insights
• High level of independence, integrity, and professional judgment
• Proactive, solutions-oriented mindset with the ability to recommend and implement change
• Comfortable navigating complex environments and evolving priorities
• Embraces new systems, technology, and continuous improvement

Success Measures

• Effective execution of internal audits, including branch and operational audits
• Strong, well-coordinated regulatory exams and external audits
• Timely and organized Supervisory Committee reporting and meeting management
• Reduction in repeat findings and measurable improvement in internal controls
• Enhanced alignment between audit, risk, and operational teams
• Demonstrated ability to drive improvements and elevate organizational performance