Internal Auditor, Principal

Blue Shield of California; California (MO); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Blue Shield of California is seeking an Internal Audit Principal to manage financial, operational, and integrated audits. This role involves leading audit procedures and establishing effective internal controls to ensure compliance with various laws and standards.

The ideal candidate will have substantial experience in internal audits and communication with executive leadership, along with a hybrid work model requiring in-office presence two days a week.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 10 years of related experience.
• Experience in internal audit and risk assessment practices.
• Healthcare and pharmacy audit experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Execute the annual audit plan by performing audit procedures.
• Identify and document audit issues and recommendations.
• Prepare and deliver reports to management.

Skills

Internal controls knowledge

Data analytics

Project management

Communication with executive leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience

Tools

AI and data analysis techniques

Job description

Overview

The Internal Audit Principal reports to the Internal Audit Senior Director and leads and manages financial, operational, and integrated audits and advisory engagements. The role involves assessing the design and effectiveness of internal controls for business processes, financial reporting, measurement activities, and related applications to ensure compliance with laws, regulations, policies, standards, and procedures.

Responsibilities

• Execute the annual audit plan by independently performing audit procedures, including identifying and defining issues, developing criteria, reviewing and analyzing evidence, and documenting management processes and procedures.
• Provide expertise in internal controls, project management, business process analysis, financial control disciplines, and information technology.
• Implement strategic goals established by Internal Audit Services leadership.
• Support Internal Audit management in the annual risk assessment process to develop the annual audit plan.
• Identify, develop, and document audit issues and recommendations using independent judgment concerning areas being reviewed.
• Prepare and deliver reports and presentations to various levels of management.
• Perform post-audit follow‑up reviews to ensure management corrective action plans have been effectively implemented.
• Provide measurable input into new products, processes, standards, and/or operational plans that impact Internal Audit Services and proactively improve existing processes and systems.
• Conduct extensive investigation and critical thinking to understand root causes of problems across functions and/or businesses.
• Manage large, complex project initiatives of strategic importance to the organization, involving cross‑functional teams and potentially leading other contributors.
• Leverage data analytics and technical expertise to analyze complex datasets, identify risk patterns and anomalies, and drive data‑driven audit insights; actively utilize and champion emerging technologies, including AI, to enhance audit efficiency, coverage, and quality.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience.
• Minimum of 10 years of related experience.
• Ability to communicate with executive leadership regarding matters of significant importance to the organization.
• Extensive understanding of internal controls and the ability to leverage this knowledge to make effective audit and advisory recommendations.
• Experience with internal audit and risk assessment practices and methodologies.
• Knowledge of IT general and automated technical controls concepts, application controls, and end‑user computing controls.
• AI and data analysis techniques preferred.
• Healthcare and pharmacy audit experience preferred.
• Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) and/or Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) preferred.

Work Environment

Hybrid workplace: employees are expected to work in‑office on a regular basis, typically two days per week, unless business needs and an employee’s location allow otherwise. Employees living more than 50 miles from an office may work with their manager to determine in‑office time based on business need.

Equal Employment Opportunity

External hires must pass a background check/drug screen. Qualified applicants with arrest records and/or conviction records will be considered for employment in a manner consistent with Federal, State and local laws. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, protected veteran status, disability status, or any other classification protected by Federal, State, and local laws.