Senior Manager, Internal Audit

HR Tech Job; Pleasanton (CA); Hybrid; USD 167,000 - 250,400; Full time

Job summary

Workday in Pleasanton, CA is seeking an experienced Senior Manager to lead risk-based operational audits and advance the use of technology and AI across the Internal Audit function. This leader will shape and execute a comprehensive operational audit plan aligned to Workday’s strategy and risk appetite.

They will help lead a distributed audit team, build trusted partnerships with senior stakeholders, and deliver clear, actionable insights on risk and control effectiveness.

Qualifications

• 12+ years of experience in public accounting, internal audit, operational process improvement, risk management, or a related field within a large, global public company.
• 5+ years of audit management or people leadership experience.
• Experience developing and executing risk-based audit plans and leading complex operational audits.
• Demonstrated experience adopting and scaling AI-enabled tools, automation, analytics, or other technology solutions for an audit, risk, finance, or business team.
• Proven ability to lead and develop remote or globally distributed teams.
• Excellent written, verbal, and presentation skills, including the ability to communicate complex issues clearly to executive audiences.

Responsibilities

• Develop and drive a comprehensive audit plan that addresses key operational risks across the organization.
• Design and implement AI-enabled solutions that improve how the audit team plans, tests, and reports.
• Act as a collaborative evangelist for modern audit techniques, helping move the function beyond the status quo.
• Partner closely with stakeholders across the business and serve as a trusted advisor on risks and controls.
• Work with a geographically distributed team and collaborate closely with various partners across different functions and levels.

Skills

Audit leadership

Risk management

AI adoption

Remote team leadership

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Tools

Workday

SaaS experience

Job description

Your work days are brighter here.

We’re obsessed with making hard work pay off, for our people, our customers, and the world around us. As a Fortune 500 company and a leading AI platform for managing people, money, and agents, we’re shaping the future of work so teams can reach their potential and focus on what matters most. The minute you join, you’ll feel it. Not just in the products we build, but in how we show up for each other. Our culture is rooted in integrity, empathy, and shared enthusiasm. We’re in this together, tackling big challenges with bold ideas and genuine care. We look for curious minds and courageous collaborators who bring sun-drenched optimism and drive. Whether you're building smarter solutions, supporting customers, or creating a space where everyone belongs, you’ll do meaningful work with Workmates who’ve got your back. In return, we’ll give you the trust to take risks, the tools to grow, the skills to develop and the support of a company invested in you for the long haul. So, if you want to inspire a brighter work day for everyone, including yourself, you’ve found a match in Workday, and we hope to be a match for you too.

About the Team

Our Internal Audit team isn't your typical audit group! We're a tight-knit global crew of passionate professionals who love what we do and have fun doing it. Driven by a strong moral compass, we're committed to doing the right thing, even when it's challenging. We're not just auditors; we're trusted advisors who proactively identify risks and opportunities to help shape the future of Workday.

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced Senior Manager to lead risk-based operational audits and help advance the use of technology and AI across the Internal Audit function. This leader will shape and execute a comprehensive operational audit plan aligned to Workday’s strategy and risk appetite. They will help lead a distributed audit team, build trusted partnerships with senior stakeholders, and deliver clear, actionable insights on risk and control effectiveness. The ideal candidate combines strong operational audit and risk management expertise with a technology-forward mindset. They are energized by the evolving risk landscape in a SaaS environment, including AI-related risks and opportunities, and have experience adopting and scaling AI-enabled tools and workflows within audit, risk, finance, or other business functions. This role is ideal for someone energized by the new risk frontier of AI and who has a track record of building and scaling AI-enabled tools and workflows for audit teams (not just for personal use).

Responsibilities:

• Help develop and drive a comprehensive audit plan that addresses key operational risks across the organization.
• Design and implement AI-enabled solutions that improve how the audit team plans, tests, and reports.
• Act as a collaborative evangelist for modern audit techniques, helping move the function beyond the status quo.
• Partner closely with stakeholders across the business and serve as a trusted advisor on risks and controls.
• Work with a geographically distributed team and collaborate closely with various partners across different functions and levels.

About You

Required Qualifications:

• 12+ years of experience in public accounting, internal audit, operational process improvement, risk management, or a related field within a large, global public company.
• 5+ years of audit management or people leadership experience.
• Experience developing and executing risk-based audit plans and leading complex operational audits.
• Demonstrated experience adopting and scaling AI-enabled tools, automation, analytics, or other technology solutions for an audit, risk, finance, or business team.
• Proven ability to lead and develop remote or globally distributed teams.
• Excellent written, verbal, and presentation skills, including the ability to communicate complex issues clearly to executive audiences.

Other Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, Finance, Business, Technology, or a related field preferred.
• CIA, CPA, CISA, or similar professional certification preferred.
• Strong knowledge of risk management frameworks and internal control principles, such as COSO.
• Knowledge of Workday platform and/or SaaS experience is a plus!
• Strong analytical, critical-thinking, and problem-solving skills.
• Attention to detail and accuracy, especially with respect to audit work papers, audit reports, and presentation materials.
• Ability to navigate ambiguity, influence stakeholders at all levels, and turn complex risk issues into clear business insights.
• Passionate about technology and AI—not only as emerging areas of risk, but as opportunities to improve how Internal Audit operates.
• Ability to build trust, influence without authority, and partner effectively across functions and organizational levels.
• A practical, creative approach to solving problems and improving audit methods.
• High standards for quality, accuracy, ownership, and follow-through.
• Adaptability and resilience in a fast-paced, evolving environment.

Workday Pay Transparency Statement

The annualized base salary ranges for the primary location and any additional locations are listed below. Workday pay ranges vary based on work location. As a part of the total compensation package, this role may be eligible for the Workday Bonus Plan or a role-specific commission/bonus, as well as annual refresh stock grants. Recruiters can share more detail during the hiring process. Each candidate’s compensation offer will be based on multiple factors including, but not limited to, geography, experience, skills, job duties, and business need, among other things. For more information regarding Workday’s comprehensive benefits, please click here.

Primary Location: USA.CA.PleasantonPrimary Location Base Pay Range: $167,000 USD - $250,400 USDAdditional US Location(s) Base Pay Range: $141,000 USD - $250,400 USD

Our Approach to Flexible Work

With Flex Work, we’re combining the best of both worlds: in-person time and remote. Our approach enables our teams to deepen connections, maintain a strong community, and do their best work. We know that flexibility can take shape in many ways, so rather than a number of required days in-office each week, we simply spend at least half (50%) of our time each quarter in the office or in the field with our customers, prospects, and partners (depending on role). This means you'll have the freedom to create a flexible schedule that caters to your business, team, and personal needs, while being intentional to make the most of time spent together. Those in our remote "home office" roles also have the opportunity to come together in our offices for important moments that matter.

Pursuant to applicable Fair Chance law, Workday will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Workday is an Equal Opportunity Employer including individuals with disabilities and protected veterans.

At Workday, we are committed to providing an accessible and inclusive hiring experience where all candidates can fully demonstrate their skills. If you require assistance or an accommodation at any point, please email [e-mail].

Are you being referred to one of our roles? If so, ask your connection at Workday about our Employee Referral process!