Senior Internal Auditor III

Essex Property Trust; Irvine (CA); Hybrid; USD 107,000 - 135,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision

401k employer match

Paid parental leave

Excellence rewards

Wellness programs

12 paid holidays

15 PTO days

Housing discount 20%

Job summary

Essex Property Trust in Irvine is seeking a Senior Internal Auditor III to strengthen the company’s control environment and lead risk-based internal audits across corporate and property operations, including SOX testing.

The role requires a CPA and/or CIA, 4+ years of audit experience, and the ability to work in a collaborative, hybrid setting with cross-functional teams. External audit support and continuous professional growth are expected.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field.
• 4+ years of progressive internal or public audit experience.
• 3+ years of hands-on SOX experience (control design, testing, remediation).
• CPA and/or CIA strongly preferred.
• Real estate/property management experience is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Plan, schedule, and independently execute audits across property, corporate, and operations.
• Lead SOX planning, walkthroughs, control testing, and documentation.
• Develop risk-based audit plans aligned with objectives and emerging risks.
• Prepare clear internal audit reports with findings and actionable recommendations.
• Partner with stakeholders to drive process improvements.
• Support external audit activities and liaison with auditors.
• Stay current on industry trends and maintain professional certifications.
• Assist with special projects and Audit Committee requests.

Skills

Internal audit

SOX compliance

Data analytics

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting/Finance

CPA/CIA preferred

Tools

Audit software

Job description

City

Irvine

State

California

Job Location

Irvine Regional Office (Derian)

Position Type

Regular

The Senior Internal Auditor III plays a key role in strengthening the organization’s control environment and supporting business excellence across corporate and property operations. This role leads and executes risk‑based internal audits, including Sarbanes‑Oxley (SOX) 404 testing, supports external audit activities, and contributes to a variety of corporate audit initiatives. In addition, this position serves as a trusted advisor to management by providing insight, guidance, and practical recommendations that enhance processes, mitigate risk, and drive operational efficiency.

What You Will Do

• Plan, schedule, and independently execute audits across property, corporate, and operational functions using a risk‑based approach.
• Lead Sarbanes‑Oxley (SOX) planning, walkthroughs, control testing, and documentation in support of compliance requirements.
• Develop, assess, and update risk‑based audit plans aligned with business objectives and emerging risks.
• Prepare clear, concise internal audit reports that articulate findings, risks, and actionable recommendations for internal control and process improvements.
• Partner with corporate and operational stakeholders to identify practical solutions and drive meaningful process enhancements.
• Partner in the evaluation, implementation, and ongoing use of new and existing audit technologies to drive efficiencies, enhance audit coverage, and improve insight across internal audit activities.
• Serve as a key liaison for external auditors by providing audit support, documentation, and coordination as needed.
• Assist with special projects, investigations, and Audit Committee or senior management requests.
• Stay current on industry trends, regulatory changes, and leading audit practices while maintaining all required professional certifications.

What You Will Need

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related discipline.
• 4+ years of progressive internal or public audit experience, including demonstrated ownership of audit engagements from planning through reporting.
• 3+ years of hands‑on Sarbanes‑Oxley (SOX) experience, including control design assessment, walkthroughs, testing, issue evaluation, and remediation support.
• CPA and/or CIA strongly preferred, reflecting advanced technical proficiency and commitment to the internal audit profession.
• Industry experience within real estate, property management, or a similarly regulated environment is a plus.
• Demonstrated experience or interest in leveraging data analytics, audit automation, and emerging audit technologies to drive efficiency.

What The Job Requires

• Ability to work independently while managing multiple priorities, adapting quickly to change, and meeting deadlines in a fast‑paced environment.
• Demonstrated comfort operating in a collaborative, cross‑functional setting that requires frequent interaction with diverse stakeholders.
• Proactive, solution‑oriented mindset with the ability to identify issues, exercise sound judgment, and continuously improve processes.
• Hybrid work arrangement with in‑person office requirements a minimum of four days per week (Monday through Thursday) at Essex’s corporate offices in Woodland Hills or Irvine. Hybrid policy subject to change at Essex’s sole discretion.

What You Will Bring To The Table

• Strong analytical and critical‑thinking skills with the ability to synthesize complex information and translate it into clear, actionable insights.
• Polished written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to present audit findings and recommendations confidently to varied audiences.
• High level of organization, attention to detail, and problem‑solving capability, with a consistent focus on quality and accuracy.
• Commitment to delivering timely, professional, and value‑added service while building trusted relationships across the organization.
• Ability to read, interpret, and analyze financial, operational, and policy‑related documentation with confidence and sound judgment.

All full‑time regular associates are offered competitive salaries, experience career growth, and are eligible for benefit packages that include medical, dental, vision, paid parental leave, 401k employer match, excellence rewards, wellness programs, and much more. With our 12 paid holidays and 15 PTO days, work/life balance is a priority! Additionally, most positions are eligible for a housing discount of 20%.

Essex provides great communities in which to live, work and invest. We are a purpose‑driven company, and we pride ourselves on promoting an internal culture of growth and opportunity by engaging, enabling, and empowering our teams. Working at Essex is not a destination. It is a journey where you can confidently build your career.

New hires generally start between $107,000.00 - $135,000.00 per year. The final salary offer will be determined after reviewing relevant factors, including but not limited to skill sets; relevant experience; internal equity; and other business and organizational needs.

This role is also eligible to participate in Essex’s discretionary Annual Bonus program that is commensurate with the level of the position.