Lead Internal Auditor — Risk & Controls Strategy

Southland Credit Union; Los Alamitos (CA); On-site; USD 79,000 - 99,000; Full time

Job summary

Southland Credit Union is seeking a Lead Internal Auditor to oversee our internal audit program, independently evaluate control effectiveness, and provide risk-focused insights that protect the organization and its Members.

Reporting to the VP of Enterprise Risk Management, you will coordinate across departments, work with co-sourced audit partners, and drive remediation to ensure issues are addressed and controls operate effectively.

Qualifications

• Minimum five years of experience in internal audit, external audit, risk management, compliance, or related financial services functions.
• Experience conducting operational, financial, and compliance audits.
• Experience evaluating internal controls and risk management frameworks.
• Experience managing audit findings, remediation tracking, and validation activities.
• Experience coordinating with external auditors, consultants, or co-sourced audit providers.

Responsibilities

• Strengthen the Internal Audit Program by developing and maintaining the risk-based audit universe and annual plan.
• Independently assess processes, controls, and risk management practices; translate findings into clear reports and recommendations.
• Coordinate with external audit partners and co-sourced providers; monitor scope, progress, and deliverables.
• Support regulatory examination readiness and oversee remediation actions and validation testing.
• Prepare periodic reports to management and governance committees; provide advisory support on controls, risk management, and compliance.

Skills

Internal audit

Risk management

Regulatory knowledge

Audit planning

Communication

Education

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

Tools

Excel

Word

GRC tools

Data analytics tools

Job description

Southland Credit Union is seeking a Lead Internal Auditor to oversee our internal audit program, independently evaluate control effectiveness, and provide risk-focused insights that protect the organization and its Members.

Reporting to the VP of Enterprise Risk Management, you will coordinate across departments, work with co-sourced audit partners, and drive remediation to ensure issues are addressed and controls operate effectively.