VP Internal Audit

Ask Athena; Mansfield (MA); On-site; USD 180,000 - 280,000; Full time

Job summary

Ask Athena is seeking a strategic VP of Internal Audit to lead the global audit function, report to the Audit Committee with a dotted line to the CFO, and influence senior leadership on risk and controls. This role offers scope to shape risk strategy, strengthen controls, and drive analytics-enabled insights across the organization.

The successful candidate will own the SOX 404 program, develop a risk-based audit plan, and guide a high-performing, diverse team.

Qualifications

• Must have extensive SOX 404 compliance and control testing experience.
• Experience in risk assessments and internal audit planning.
• Global leadership experience managing diverse teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead annual enterprise risk assessment and communicate changes in risk profile.
• Oversee SOX 404 program, ICFR, remediation tracking, and external coordination.
• Develop strategic audit plan covering financial, operational, and compliance risks.
• Present audit results to CFO and Audit Committee; drive improvement.
• Manage global team and develop talent while fostering inclusion.
• Leverage data analytics, automation, and AI in audits to scale coverage.
• Coordinate with Legal on compliance programs and whistleblower investigations.

Skills

SOX 404 Compliance

Data Analytics

Leadership

Executive Presence

Risk Assessment

Process Improvement

Education

BA/BS in Accounting or Finance

MBA or advanced degree

CPA/CIA/CISA/CFE or equivalent

Tools

HFM

ERP (SAP)

BI Tools

Job description

The VP of Internal Audit is a strategic, high-impact leader who reports to the Audit Committee with a dotted line to the CFO and guides the evolution of the global internal audit function. This role offers the opportunity to lead a high-performing global team, shape enterprise risk and audit strategy, strengthen internal controls, and deliver meaningful insights that influence senior leadership, the Board, and business partners across the organization.

Responsibilities:

• Conduct annual enterprise risk assessment that effectively captures and communicates changes in the Company's risk profile, ensuring top risks are effectively mitigated.
• Own and oversee the Company’s SOX 404 compliance program, including annual control testing, design and evaluation of internal controls over financial reporting (ICFR), remediation tracking, and management representations. Ensure effective coordination with Finance, IT, operations, and External Audit to meet regulatory requirements and timelines.
• Develop and execute a strategic, risk-based audit plan that provides effective coverage over financial, operational, and compliance risks and controls at key operating units.
• Work with management to facilitate the completion of management's annual control self-assessment for in-scope business units.
• Effectively plan, organize, and manage activities/resources in a manner that assures meeting objectives, annual goals, and budget targets.
• Effectively summarize and present results of audit activities to the CFO and the Audit Committee. Provide overall direction and leadership for the audit function while fostering continuous improvement and integrating best practices.
• Lead, motivate, develop, and retain a high-performing global team that serves as a strong talent pipeline for the organization.
• Create an equitable and inclusive environment where people can bring their full selves to work and unlock their greatest potential and contributions to the team.
• Scope and perform risk-based audits; deliver clear, effective audit reports; and partner with management to define issues, identify root causes, communicate recommendations, and support corrective action plans.
• Guide and support the Internal Audit team in leveraging modern data analytics, automation, and AI-driven technologies to enhance audit coverage and efficiency. Identify and evaluate opportunities for continuous monitoring and process digitization, driving greater effectiveness and scalability.
• Develop trusted relationships with senior leaders and management to understand key initiatives, business performance, and emerging risks, adjusting audit plans accordingly.
• Support Compliance Committee in helping to facilitate the Company's quarterly management representation process.
• Support ad hoc finance and operational requests with corporate & regional management teams.
• Work closely with Legal on compliance programs involving business ethics, including investigation of whistleblower complaints and other matters. Report results to management and the Audit Committee.
• Liaise/coordinate with external auditors where appropriate to ensure the most effective audit coverage and to minimize duplication of effort.

Qualifications:

• Minimum 15+ years of progressive audit experience in Big 4 public accounting firm (ideally Risk/IA practice) or combined experience with a large, complex multi-national company (ideally manufacturing, distribution, retail) is strongly preferred.
• Bachelor’s degree in accounting or finance is strongly preferred; MBA or other advanced degree is preferred.
• Professional certification is strongly preferred (i.e., CPA, CIA, CISA, CFE, or equivalent).
• Knowledge of IFRS, US GAAP, US GAAS, IAS, and IIA standards is strongly preferred.
• Strong working experience conducting risk assessments and evaluating controls is required, with demonstrated SOX 404 compliance and control testing experience. Must have experience performing financial and operational audits.
• Self-directed and self-motivated leader with experience leading diverse, global teams.
• Executive presence combined with a high degree of maturity and business judgment.
• Global travel is required (approximately 20-30% of the year).
• Demonstrated experience or strong capability with data analytics platforms, business intelligence tools, and automation technologies. Ability to evaluate and adopt emerging audit technologies, including AI-driven analysis capabilities.
• Experience with HFM and ERPs, such as SAP, is preferred.