Vice President, Chief Audit Executive (CAE)

Parsons; United States; Remote; USD 201,000 - 384,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Paid time off

Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)

401(k)

Life insurance

Flexible work schedules

Holidays

Job summary

Parsons is seeking a Chief Audit Executive (CAE) to lead the Internal Audit function and the SOX PMO, aligning risk management, internal controls, and regulatory compliance across the enterprise.

The CAE will drive a risk-based audit program, oversee ICFR, and report findings to the Audit & Risk Committee and CFO. Extensive experience in executive leadership and financial governance is required.

Qualifications

• Four-year college degree in a related field required.
• Master's degree preferred for advanced critical analysis.
• Proven executive leadership with financial acumen.

Responsibilities

• Lead internal audit and SOX 404 program management across the enterprise.
• Develop an annual risk-based audit plan and budget.
• Coordinate with governance, ICFR, and regulatory compliance teams.
• Oversee audit reporting to management and Audit & Risk Committee.
• Investigate suspected fraud and drive continuous improvement.

Skills

SOX-404 knowledge

Executive leadership

Financial acumen

Strategic mindset

Project management

Stakeholder influence

Education

Bachelor's degree in related field

Master's degree preferred

Job description

In a world of possibilities, pursue one with endless opportunities. Imagine Next! At Parsons, you can imagine a career where you thrive, work with exceptional people, and be yourself. Guided by our leadership vision of valuing people, embracing agility, and fostering growth, we cultivate an innovative culture that empowers you to achieve your full potential. Unleash your talent and redefine what’s possible.

Position Overview

The CAE is responsible for the company’s Internal Audit function and audits of the company’s business. The CAE establishes a systematic, objective, and disciplined approach to evaluate and improve the effectiveness and efficiency of risk management, internal controls, compliance, governance, and operational processes. Leverages artificial intelligence, big data analytics and other technologies to make audits more effective, efficient, and agile. In addition, the CAE serves as the leader of the company’s Sarbanes‑Oxley (SOX) Program Management Office (PMO), ensuring an integrated approach between internal audit activities, enterprise risk management, internal controls over financial reporting (ICFR), and regulatory compliance. The CAE oversees the planning, coordination, execution, and reporting of the SOX 404 compliance program across the enterprise. The CAE reports from a functional standpoint to the Chairperson of the Audit & Risk Committee of the company’s Board of Directors, and from an administrative standpoint to the Chief Financial Officer.

What You'll Be Doing

Determines whether the company’s network of risk management, internal controls, and operational and governance processes is functioning such that: financial statements and managerial information are accurate, reliable, and timely. Determines whether the company’s network of risk management, internal controls, and operational and governance processes is functioning effectively and provides oversight of the SOX PMO to support the design, documentation, testing, certification, and continuous improvement of internal controls over financial reporting (ICFR). Risks to company objectives are identified and managed; effective interaction exists among governance groups; actions are in compliance with applicable laws, regulations, standards, policies, and procedures; activities are free of fraud and abuse; and resources are economically acquired, efficiently used, and adequately protected. Develops and implements a flexible annual audit plan, including corresponding budget, using an appropriate risk‑based methodology combined with input obtained from management and awareness of current industry trends and lessons learned; presents the audit plan for review and approval of the Audit and Risk Committee on an annual basis; provides periodic updates to the Committee on no less than a quarterly basis. Selects audit subjects and objectives; determines the scopes of work and techniques required to accomplish audit objectives; and establishes audit frequency, timing, duration, and resource requirements. Maintains a professional audit staff with sufficient knowledge, talent, skills, and experience to meet all department requirements, and obtains specialized services and necessary assistance from within or outside the company. Ensures that audit staff comply with applicable policies, procedures, and standards in the conduct of their work. Issues timely audit reports to management and provide periodic reports to the Audit & Risk Committee summarizing the status and results of audit activities. Reports the status of management’s implementation of agreed corrective actions. Assists in the investigation of any alleged fraudulent activities within the company and reports the results of investigations to the Audit & Risk Committee. Reviews the effectiveness of management’s investigations into reporting deficiencies, fraudulent acts, or other significant policy violations. As requested by corporate and/or operations senior management personnel conducts evaluations, assessments, or studies of important issues in an independent and consultative manner. Issues reports summarizing the results and/or recommendations of studies undertaken. Interfaces with and support the work external auditors, as required. Performs other responsibilities associated with this position as may be appropriate.

Travel and extended work hours required.

What Required Skills You'll Bring

Four‑year college degree in related field and 20+ years of broad and diversified experience in the professional services and/or engineering and consulting industry required. Prior internal audit experience, a working knowledge of the requirements of SOX‑404, and a Masters‑level degree demonstrating critical analysis and thinking skills preferred. Proven experience in having successfully managed a team resolving complex work assignments. Ability to understand complex work processes and contractual terms, analyze data and apply critical thinking skills to identify and address root cause issues. Interest and drive to quickly immerse and learn parts of the business that are outside of previous experience base Collaborator with the business and Executive Leadership Team High performer with future growth potential in the corporation A strategic mindset and thorough understanding of the financial metrics of the business. Proven executive leadership experience with strong financial acumen. Ability to identify, recruit and retain high‑quality talent Leads with confident, humble authority and a high‑growth mindset- combining strategic vision, sound judgement, industry insight, and situational agility with the energy, ambition, and drive to deliver results; inspires and influences others, builds collaborative teams, and attracts, develops, and elevates exceptional talent. Ability and skills necessary to motivate and influence employees at all levels of the organization Proven track record of delivering effective executive level presentations Project management experience preferred Security Clearance Requirement: None

Salary Range: $200,600.00 - $383,500.00. This position is eligible for incentive compensation.

We value our employees and want our employees to take care of their overall wellbeing, which is why we offer best‑in‑class benefits such as medical, dental, vision, paid time off, Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP), 401(k), life insurance, flexible work schedules, and holidays to fit your busy lifestyle!

Parsons is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, veteran status or any other protected status.

We truly invest and care about our employee’s wellbeing and provide endless growth opportunities as the sky is the limit, so aim for the stars! Imagine next and join the Parsons quest.

Founded in 1944, Parsons Corporation, a digitally enabled solutions provider, is focused on creating the future of the defense, intelligence, and critical infrastructure markets. From Earth to outer space, we deliver tomorrow’s solutions today. Equipped with the capabilities required to take on any defense, intelligence, or critical infrastructure challenge, our agile, innovative, and disruptive approach enables us to deliver solutions at the speed of relevance. Our people are our greatest asset. We strive to be an employer of choice that engages employees in the community and creates rewarding career paths to cultivate a resilient workforce that is ready for the future.

For more about Parsons, visit parsons.com and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and YouTube.