Sr. Audit Operations Manager

Sanderson Farms; Montgomery (AL); On-site; USD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Wayne-Sanderson is seeking a Senior Internal Audit Manager to lead risk-based assurance and advisory work. You will shape the annual audit plan, assess risks, and report results to ELT and the Board, ensuring robust governance and issue remediation.

The role requires extensive audit experience, strong knowledge of COSO/IIA standards, and the ability to guide staff, drive improvements, and communicate complex findings clearly across leadership teams.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance required; advanced degree preferred.
• Professional certification (e.g., CIA/CPA/CMA/CFE) or current pursuit strongly preferred.
• 8+ years in internal/external audit or equivalent; supervisory experience 3+ years.
• Knowledge of COSO, IIA standards, Sarbanes‑Oxley 404; strong analytics.
• Experience with large system conversions or implementations is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Lead the delivery of risk-based internal audit assurance and advisory services.
• Develop and manage the annual risk assessment and internal audit plan.
• Draft and communicate audit results to ELT and the Board of Directors.
• Design and maintain quality assurance programs to comply with IIA standards.
• Coach and mentor audit staff and provide effective project feedback.
• Build and communicate audit reports aligned with the risk appetite framework.
• Stay current with trends and participate in major projects and system changes.

Skills

Audit leadership

COSO/IIA standards

Data analytics

SOX compliance

Communication skills

Integrity

Education

Bachelor's in Accounting/Finance

CPA/CIA/CMA/CFE or pursuit

8+ years audit experience

3+ years supervisory experience

Job description

PRIMARY FUNCTION

The Senior Internal Audit Manager – Audit Operations is responsible for providing a leadership role in the delivery of value‑added independent and objective risk‑based internal audit assurance and advisory services. This includes developing and managing key processes to develop methodology, quality assurance, risk assessments, the annual audit plan, reporting and communication with the Executive Leadership Team (ELT) and the Board of Directors (BOD), and the issue management life‑cycle.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

• Document the department’s internal audit methodology in conformance with relevant frameworks and standards such as COSO and the IIA’s International Standards for the Professional Practice of Internal Auditing.
• Develop and lead the execution of an annual risk assessment to inform development of the annual internal audit plan.
• Compile and communicate the annual internal audit plan.
• Design and manage the quality assurance and improvement program to ensure the department is in conformance with IIA's standards.
• Draft and communicate audit results to ELT and the BOD.
• Develop an issue management life‑cycle, including reporting and communication protocols to ensure issues identified are monitored and adequately remediated.
• Design and build technology solutions to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of audit processes.
• Lead the acquisition of source data for audit testing and the development of internal reports.
• Provide leadership and development by coaching and mentoring audit staff and providing effective project feedback, including setting clear performance expectations.
• Develop meaningful, relevant, and well‑supported audit reports that align with risk appetite framework and present these reports to key stakeholders.
• Develop and maintain relationships with assigned leaders and understand and evaluate associated risk profiles to help ensure appropriate audit coverage.
• Participate in key/critical projects and task forums.
• Manage timely and quality delivery of multiple tasks.
• Keep abreast of current trends and new developments.
• Provide advisory services, as necessary, in the implementation of new systems, processes and changes to existing systems, standards and procedures.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

• Experience with large system conversions or implementations, department transformations or process improvements preferred.
• Poultry industry knowledge and experience preferred but not required.
• Professional Accounting Certification (e.g., CIA, CPA, CMA, CFE, etc.) or pursuit thereof strongly preferred but not required.
• Knowledge of Financial Analysis, Continuous Auditing and Big Data.
• Experience in internal auditing in conformance with the IIA’s International Standards for the Professional Practice of Internal Auditing, COSO frameworks, and Sarbanes‑Oxley Section 404.
• Excellent organizational skills with the ability to prioritize projects, planning skills, and a high attention to detail.
• Ability to effectively communicate, both written and verbal, using detailed written reports and narratives, with internal and external customers in a timely and professional manner.
• Must possess a strong customer‑centric attitude, high energy level and a strong sense of urgency.
• Demonstrated ability to handle sensitive and confidential information.
• Sound work ethic, high degree of personal integrity, honesty and moral character. Must behave ethically.

EDUCATION

• Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting or Finance from an accredited institution.
• Master’s Degree preferred but not required.
• Eight (8) + years professional Internal/External Audit work experience or equivalent.
• Three (3) + years relevant supervisory experience.

SAFETY REQUIREMENTS

• Follow departmental and company safety policies and programs.
• Wear personal protective equipment (PPE) in all areas where mandatory, helping to promote a zero‑accident culture.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Ability to remain stationary for extended periods.
• Ability to work in cold/humid or hot/dusty environments as needed.
• Travel approximately 10‑20% to locations in the performance or supervision of audits.
• May require inventory observations at Plant or Public Freezers, Coolers, Plants, Feed Mill, Hatcheries, etc.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

As an Equal Opportunity Employer, Wayne‑Sanderson does not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, color, religion, gender (sex), sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, citizenship status, a person’s veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law or executive order.