Senior Internal Auditor — SOX & Controls Leader

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

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Paid parental leave

401k match

Wellness programs

Holidays and PTO

Job summary

Essex Property Trust is seeking a Senior Internal Auditor III in Irvine to strengthen the control environment across corporate and property operations. You will lead and execute risk-based internal audits, including SOX 404 testing, and serve as a trusted advisor to management with practical recommendations.

The role requires 4+ years of audit experience, SOX expertise, and a CPA/CIA preference. Hybrid schedule with in-person days at offices in Woodland Hills or Irvine, and a competitive salary

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related discipline.
• 4+ years of progressive internal or public audit experience, including 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 internal audit.
• 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.

Responsibilities

• Plan, schedule, and independently execute audits across property, corporate, and operational functions using a risk-based approach.
• Lead 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.

Skills

SOX testing

Audit planning

Risk assessment

Stakeholder communication

Data analytics

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance

Tools

Audit software

Job description

Essex Property Trust is seeking a Senior Internal Auditor III in Irvine to strengthen the control environment across corporate and property operations. You will lead and execute risk-based internal audits, including SOX 404 testing, and serve as a trusted advisor to management with practical recommendations.

The role requires 4+ years of audit experience, SOX expertise, and a CPA/CIA preference. Hybrid schedule with in-person days at offices in Woodland Hills or Irvine, and a competitive salary