Senior Internal Audit Leader: SOX, Risk & Controls

Stepan Company; Northbrook (IL); On-site; USD 123,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Discretionary Bonus

Medical, Dental, Vision Insurance

401K with Match

Profit Sharing

Job summary

Stepan Company is seeking an Internal Audit Senior Manager to strengthen governance, risk management, and internal controls. The role leads SOX/COSO compliance and collaborates with executives on high-impact audits across finance, operations, IT, and compliance.

You will plan, execute, and report on audits, oversee remediation, and guide a growing team while interfacing with global leadership to shape the function’s strategy and assurance initiatives.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of progressive experience in financial controls, audit, or risk management.
• 2+ years of people management.
• Strong understanding of COSO and risk assessment practices.
• Familiarity with SOX and ITGC controls.
• Experience with audit methods and reporting standards.
• Travel 10–20% (including international).

Responsibilities

• Lead periodic risk assessments and design, document, and enhance key business and IT-dependent controls in response to process changes, system implementations, and identified gaps.
• Oversee the Company’s SOX/COSO program and ensure timely remediation of findings.
• Develop and execute annual internal audit plans based on risk profiles and strategic priorities.
• Lead cross-functional audits from planning through reporting with clear recommendations.
• Coordinate with external auditors and third-party consultants to ensure issue resolution.
• Coach, mentor, and develop Internal Audit staff to strengthen the team.

Skills

Financial controls

Audit

Risk management

People management

COSO

ITGC

Project management

Education

Bachelor's/Master's in Accounting

CPA/CIA/CISA preferred

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Stepan Company is seeking an Internal Audit Senior Manager to strengthen governance, risk management, and internal controls. The role leads SOX/COSO compliance and collaborates with executives on high-impact audits across finance, operations, IT, and compliance.

You will plan, execute, and report on audits, oversee remediation, and guide a growing team while interfacing with global leadership to shape the function’s strategy and assurance initiatives.