Staff Internal Auditor

PetSmart; Phoenix (AZ); Hybrid; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

PetSmart's Internal Audit team is seeking a Staff Auditor to support SOX testing, operational audits, and special projects across a dynamic retail environment. This role offers exposure to cross-functional partners and opportunities for professional growth within a fast-paced organization.

The ideal candidate is curious, collaborative, and eager to develop a broad understanding of retail operations, financial processes, and risk management practices, with a hybrid work model and in-office

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, business, or related field.
• 1–3 years of internal audit, public accounting, SOX compliance, or related experience.
• Understanding of internal controls and audit methodologies.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Experience in retail, consumer products, or multi-location environments.
• Progress toward CPA, CIA, or related certification.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and other Office applications.
• Exposure to ERP and retail systems such as SAP or related platforms.

Responsibilities

• Execute audit testing of SOX business process controls per the annual plan and report findings.
• Prepare clear audit documentation and workpapers per COSO.
• Identify control deficiencies, assess risk, and help develop remediation recommendations.
• Coordinate with control owners to obtain supporting docs and discuss testing results.
• Support external auditor coordination related to SOX testing.
• Participate in audits across corporate, distribution centers, and store operations.
• Assist in audit planning activities including walkthroughs, risk assessments, and data analytics.
• Collaborate with team on observations and recommendations to improve operations.
• Evaluate effectiveness and efficiency of business processes and internal controls.
• Support ad hoc projects and management requests as assigned.
• Build relationships with business partners across the organization.
• Develop understanding of PetSmart’s retail environment and strategic objectives.
• Stay informed on internal audit standards, SOX requirements, and emerging risks.
• Travel 15–25%, including periodic store/distribution center visits.

Skills

Analytical skills

Organizational skills

Communication skills

Time management

Collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, business, or related field

Progress toward CPA/CIA or related certification

Tools

Microsoft Excel

ERP systems (e.g., 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

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 a motivated and detail-oriented Staff Auditor to support the execution of the Company’s internal audit and Sarbanes-Oxley (SOX) compliance activities. This role will participate in SOX testing, operational audits, management requests, and special projects across a dynamic retail environment. The ideal candidate is intellectually curious, collaborative, and interested in developing a broad understanding of retail operations, financial processes, and risk management practices. This role offers exposure to cross-functional business partners and opportunities for professional growth within a fast-paced organization.

Responsibilities Include (but not limited to):

• Independently execute assigned audit testing of SOX business process controls in accordance with the annual audit plan and communicate results to audit leadership.
• Prepare clear and well-supported audit documentation and workpapers in accordance with internal audit methodology and COSO principles.
• Identify control deficiencies, assess risk implications, and assist in developing practical remediation recommendations.
• Coordinate with control owners to obtain supporting documentation and discuss testing results.
• Support external auditor coordination efforts related to SOX testing.
• Participate in operational, financial, and compliance audits across corporate, distribution centers, and store operations.
• Assist in audit planning activities including process walkthroughs, risk assessments, and data analytics.
• Collaborate with audit team on observations and recommendations that improve operations and mitigate risk.
• Assist in evaluating the effectiveness and efficiency of business processes and internal controls.
• Support ad hoc projects, investigations, and management requests as assigned.
• Build effective working relationships with business partners across the organization.
• Develop an understanding of PetSmart’s retail environment, operations, and strategic objectives.
• Stay informed on internal audit standards, SOX requirements, and emerging risks affecting the retail industry.
• 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.
• 1–3 years of experience in internal audit, public accounting, SOX compliance, or related experience.
• Understanding of internal controls and audit methodologies.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to present audit findings clearly and concisely.
• Experience in retail, consumer products, or multi‑location environments.
• Progress toward or interest in pursuing a CPA, CIA, or related professional certification.
• 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

• Demonstrates objectivity, integrity, and a willingness to learn
• Attention to detail and critical thinking
• Strong interpersonal and collaboration skills
• Business acumen and interest in retail operations
• Professional skepticism and sound judgment
• Adaptability and initiative

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

At PetSmart, Anything for Pets begins with our people. Every associate plays a vital role in creating meaningful experiences for pets and their families, and we empower our teams with the tools, resources, and opportunities to grow and succeed. We’re more than a workplace, we’re Team PetSmart. Together, we grow, collaborate, and challenge ourselves to be the best in all we do. Our culture is built on belonging and shared purpose, where every voice and experience matters. Guided by our values, we strive to do what’s right, lead responsibly, and bring our passion for pets to life every day.

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.