Sr. Internal Auditor

PetSmart Store Support Group, Inc.; Phoenix (AZ); Hybrid; USD 110,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Pet-friendly environment

On-Site Events & Adoptions

Top Dog gym

Sit & Stay Café

Paid Volunteer Opportunities

Print Center and Business Services

Job summary

PetSmart is seeking a Senior Internal Auditor to lead SOX testing and internal-audit activities across a dynamic retail environment. You will partner with stakeholders, evaluate risks, and deliver practical recommendations to strengthen controls and processes.

You will work with a collaborative Audit team, travel 15–25%, and develop a broad understanding of retail operations, financial controls, and governance practices while maintaining high professional standards.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, business, or related field.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience in internal audit, public accounting, SOX compliance, or related experience.
• Familiarity with internal control frameworks, professional audit standards, risk assessment practices, and related guidance.
• Demonstrated ability to plan, perform, and complete complex audits, projects, or cross-functional assignments.
• Strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills, including the ability to identify issues, analyze information, assess risk, draw conclusions, and recommend practical solutions.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and consistently meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to communicate audit findings to technical and non-technical audiences.
• Experience in retail, consumer products, or multi-location environments preferred.
• CPA, CIA, or related professional certification preferred.

Responsibilities

• Plan, perform, and lead assigned audit and SOX testing activities in accordance with the annual audit plan.
• Communicate audit findings, observations, and recommendations clearly to management.
• Prepare audit programs, workpapers, and support for audit procedures and conclusions.
• Apply critical thinking and professional skepticism to identify risks and control deficiencies, analyze issues, assess implications, and recommend practical improvements.
• Build and maintain effective working relationships with control owners, business leaders, and other partners.
• Support external auditor coordination efforts related to SOX testing.
• Plan, perform, and supervise audits across corporate functions, distribution centers, and store operations.
• Conduct process walkthroughs, risk assessments, and control design evaluations.
• Partner with audit team members to share knowledge and support testing.
• Perform special projects and act as department liaison as directed.

Skills

Critical thinking

Communication

Collaboration

Leadership

Professional skepticism

Business acumen

Education

Bachelor's degree in accounting/finance/business

CPA or CIA preferred

Tools

Microsoft Excel

SAP

Job description

About the Team

Our INTERNAL AUDIT team provides PetSmart a value-add service to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of management processes, internal controls, risk management, and governance processes. We also provide advice and counsel concerning new systems, initiatives, and services under development from an internal control, information security, and data integrity perspective.

About the Location

Collaborative Work Environment: At PetSmart, teamwork and connection are core to how we thrive. This role is based at our Phoenix Home Office, with an expectation of working a minimum of four days in the office each week. In a standard work week, associates may work up to one remote "flex day" (with leader approval). Our hybrid approach is designed to foster strong collaboration while also supporting flexibility and individual success.

About the Job

PetSmart’s Internal Audit team is seeking an experienced, motivated, and detail-oriented Senior Internal Auditor to support and lead the execution of the Company’s internal audit and Sarbanes-Oxley (SOX) compliance activities. In this position, you will conduct SOX testing, plan and perform operational audits, partner with business stakeholders, and deliver practical recommendations that strengthen controls and improve company across a dynamic retail environment.

In this position, you will work with a highly motivated and collaborative Audit team while developing a broad understanding of retail operations, financial processes, and risk management practices. You will partner with cross-functional business stakeholders and leadership to evaluate risks and controls, communicate results, and identify opportunities that add value across the organization.

Responsibilities Include (but not limited to)

• Plan, perform, and lead assigned audit and SOX testing activities in accordance with the annual audit plan, including coordinating audit procedures, communicating results, and providing guidance to other audit team members as appropriate.
• Communicate audit findings, observations, and recommendations clearly and effectively to management.
• Prepare audit programs, workpapers, and support for audit procedures and conclusions in accordance with department methodology and professional standards.
• Apply critical thinking and professional skepticism to identify risks and control deficiencies, analyze issues, assess implications, draw conclusions, and recommend practical recommendations that strengthen controls and improve business processes.
• Build and maintain effective working relationships with control owners, business leaders, and other partners throughout the organization.
• Support external auditor coordination efforts related to SOX testing.
• Plan, perform, and supervise operational, financial, and compliance audits, as assigned, across corporate functions, distribution centers, and store operations.
• Conduct process walkthroughs, risk assessments, and control design evaluations to assess process effectiveness, identify key risks, and determine whether appropriate controls are established and operating as intended.
• Partner with audit team members to share knowledge, support testing, and promote cross-functional development and integrated audit coverage.
• Perform special projects, investigations, and management requests, and serve as a department liaison to business functions, control owners, and other business partners as directed by Internal Audit management.
• Develop an understanding of PetSmart’s retail environment, operations, and strategic objectives.
• Develop and maintain knowledge of professional standards, SOX requirements, regulatory changes, emerging risks, and retail industry trends.
• Travel 15 – 25%, including periodic visits to stores, distribution centers, and other operating locations.

Education / Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, business, or related field.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience in internal audit, public accounting, SOX compliance, or related experience.
• Familiarity with internal control frameworks, professional audit standards, risk assessment practices, and related guidance.
• Demonstrated ability to plan, perform, and complete complex audits, projects, or cross-functional assignments while meeting deadlines and commitments.
• Strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills, including the ability to identify issues, analyze information, assess risk, draw conclusions, and recommend practical solutions.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and consistently meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to communicate audit findings and opportunities for improvement to technical and non-technical audiences in a clear, concise, and business-focused manner.
• Ability to work effectively across organizational levels, demonstrating strong initiative, mature judgment, professionalism, adaptability, and a collaborative, customer-service mindset.
• Experience in retail, consumer products, or multi-location environments preferred.
• CPA, CIA, or related professional certification preferred; candidates actively pursuing certification may be considered.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and other Microsoft Office applications.
• Exposure to ERP and retail systems such as SAP or related merchandising and warehouse management platforms preferred.

Key Competencies

• Objectivity, integrity, and professional skepticism
• Critical thinking, analytical ability, and attention to detail
• Adaptability, initiative, and ability to manage competing priorities
• Ability to lead, coach, and provide guidance
• Strong interpersonal, listening, and collaboration skills
• Business acumen and understanding of risks and controls

Additional Job Considerations

• This role requires collaboration, teamwork, and face-to-face interaction with colleagues, leaders, and/or clients.
• Being in the office ensures access to leaders, cross-functional partners, and resources necessary to make timely decisions and drive results.
• On-site presence in accordance with our FlexSmart policy supports our culture of innovation, mentorship, and engagement, which is integral to our success in developing the best team.

* This is not intended to be an all-inclusive, exhaustive list of all essential job functions for this position. PetSmart retains the right to change or assign other required job duties to this position.

About the Culture

Our associates are the heart of Team PetSmart. Together, we’re building the best team in retail through our values-based culture, connection, and teamwork. Our goal is to create a culture where associates learn and grow together, thrive as effective teams and challenge each other to be the best they can be.

Our home office offers outstanding amenities in a fun and rewarding workplace including:

• Pet-friendly environment, bring your pets to work and enjoy the on-site dog park!
• On-Site Events & Adoptions, enjoy community-building opportunities, including pet adoption days, seasonal celebrations, family events, art events, & holiday festivals
• Top Dog gym with equipment, fitness classes, massage therapists, personal trainers, and wellness spaces
• Sit & Stay Café serving fresh breakfast and lunch options, snacks, & more
• Lil Paws NAEYC-accredited onsite childcare facility providing high-quality early education
• Paid Volunteer Opportunities to spend time doing good for causes close to heart
• Print Center and Business Services, Dry Cleaning, Mother's Rooms, Sustainable Infrastructure & more

PetSmart provides an equal opportunity for all associates and job applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status or other legally protected characteristics.