Lead Internal Auditor

Jackson National Life Insurance; Lansing (MI); On-site; USD 95,000 - 135,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

401(k) matching plan

Adoption assistance

Job summary

The Jackson National Life Insurance Company is seeking a Lead Internal Auditor to guide audits across products, distribution, regulatory compliance, HR, and broker-dealer operations. You will challenge management, evaluate controls, and drive improvements in risk management and governance processes.

Ideal candidates bring 4+ years of audit experience, CPA/CIA or equivalent credentials, strong leadership, and proficiency with audit tools. Travel ~10–20% may be required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Accounting required.
• 4+ years of related audit or internal controls experience required.
• CPA, CIA or other recognized audit/accountancy qualification preferred.
• Insurance or financial services industry audit experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead and execute audits of processes and internal controls to assess design and effectiveness.
• Provide guidance to Audit team members on technical concepts.
• Evaluate controls and document work in line with standards and methodology.
• Communicate audit findings and root causes to stakeholders; advise on corrective actions.
• Support SOX and MAR program activities when needed.
• Assist with annual audit plan and participate in steering committees.

Skills

Leadership

Project management

Analytical thinking

Communication skills

Audit software

Team collaboration

Travel willingness

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting

CPA or CIA preferred

Tools

Microsoft Office

eGRC software

Audit productivity software

Job description

If you are an internal associate, please login to Workday and apply through Jobs Hub. Job Purpose The Jackson Financial Inc. Internal Audit team (JFI IA) is an independent assurance function that assists the Board, Executive Committee, Audit Committee, and Risk Committee in protecting the assets, reputation, and sustainability of the organization through the independent, objective, and risk-based assessment and reporting of the overall effectiveness of risk management, control, and governance processes across the organization, and by appropriately challenging executive management to improve the effectiveness of those processes. The JFI IA team is also responsible for challenging the risk assessment and scoping, and the internal control testing, evaluation, and reporting to support management's Sarbanes Oxley Section 404 and Model Audit Rule compliance (SOX and MAR Program). The Lead Internal Auditor leads audits of key processes, controls, and systems across the business related to Jackson's products, distribution activities, regulatory compliance, human resources activities, and broker-dealer and investment advisory operations, as well as other areas as needed.

Essential Responsibilities

• Manages and executes audit activities to evaluate the design and effectiveness of internal controls, and recommends changes as needed.
• Provides guidance to Audit team members regarding technical concepts.
• Executes and reviews audit work over assigned projects, as well as other areas as needed.
• Evaluates controls and documents audit work in line with standards and methodology.
• Consults with stakeholders on audit findings and advises when changes are necessary to improve control efficacy.
• Works collaboratively with the team to ensure audit reports clearly communicate identified business risks and their identified root cause(s) to business stakeholders.
• Works collaboratively with business stakeholders to develop relevant and practical action plans which mitigate identified risks.
• Maintains strong communication and relationships with business stakeholders.
• Monitors and reviews audit execution in alignment with audit methodology and professional standards/frameworks (e.g. COSO, ISACA, IIA).
• Manages and executes observation assurance on open audit observations.
• Assists with SOX and MAR Program activities, when needed.
• Supports preparation of the annual audit plan.
• Participates in steering committees, project boards, and/or other discussions as needed.
• Monitors and tracks industry developments and trends.

Other Duties

• Performs other duties and/or projects as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Strong leadership and demonstrated decision-making skills.
• Excellent project management skills with ability to lead critical and complex projects to achieve goals and objectives and meet timelines.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communications skills.
• PC skills, including Microsoft Office and familiarity with or ability to learn audit productivity software and eGRC packages.
• Ability to be flexible and creatively think to find innovative solutions to complex problems and issues.
• Excellent interpersonal and influencing skills to effectively communicate and build relationships with all levels of associates, including executive management and the Internal Audit team.
• Ability to appropriately handle sensitive and confidential information.
• Strong team player as evidenced by the ability to contribute to team effort, share responsibility for team results, and exhibit a positive attitude.
• Willingness to travel domestically (approximately 10-20% of time).

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree , preferably in Accounting, required.
• 4+ years of related audit or internal controls experience (internal and/or external) required.
• Supervisory/leadership experience preferred.
• Insurance or financial services industry audit experience (internal and/or external) preferred.
• Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Certified Internal Auditor (CIA), or other recognized audit or accountancy qualification preferred.
• Other financial services industry licenses (e.g., Series 24) preferred.

Jackson is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace. The Company subscribes to and endorses federal and state laws and regulations relating to equal employment opportunity for all persons without regard to race, color, religion, gender, age, national origin, legally-recognized disability, marital status, legally-protected medical condition, citizenship, ancestry, height, weight, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other factor not related to the needs of the job. The Company is committed to a policy of equal opportunity. Company facilities and campuses are tobacco-free environments. At Jackson, our employees are empowered to bring a fresh perspective, confront new challenges, and define their own career paths. We value the unique perspectives and innovative ideas that come from our employees' diverse backgrounds.

Jackson is the marketing name for Jackson National Life Insurance Company (Home Office: Lansing, Michigan) and Jackson National Life Insurance Company of New York (Home Office: Purchase, New York). Jackson National Asset Management, LLC (JNAM) located in Chicago, Illinois, is an SEC-registered investment adviser and Jackson subsidiary. Annuities are distributed by Jackson National Life Distributors LLC, Member FINRA. Jackson companies offer an outstanding benefits package including competitive pay, bonuses, comprehensive health insurance benefits, a matching 401(k) retirement plan, adoption assistance, education matching gift program and dependent tuition program.

Online applications requested. Contact [e-mail] for alternate formats for accommodation. To learn more about Jackson's financial strength and results, visit jackson.com.