VP Internal Audit Project Manager I

First Financial Bank; Duncan (OK); On-site; USD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

First Financial Bank is seeking a VP Audit Project Manager I to lead internal audits across banking functions from its Fort Worth location. The role emphasizes risk assessment, controls testing, and coordinating with regulators and external auditors to strengthen the control environment.

With a minimum five years in a regulated financial setting and a CPA/CIA preferred, you will guide audit planning, execution, and reporting while mentoring the audit team and ensuring timely, high‑quality

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or related discipline or equivalent work experience in financial institution.
• Minimum five (5) years of experience in a related role at regulated financial institution and/or Big Four accounting firm is required.
• Knowledge of financial institution regulatory environment and requirements.
• Related certifications (CPA, CIA, or similar) is preferred.
• Previous Finance, Credit, Banking Product, Trust, Operations audit experience
• Understanding of risks and internal controls and the ability to evaluate and figure out adequacy and efficiency of controls.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and deliver high-quality deliverables within deadlines.
• Demonstrated ability to implement continuous improvement and innovation in audit tools and techniques
• Consistently demonstrate clear and concise written and verbal communication
• Demonstrated ability to remain unbiased in a diverse working environment
• Effective communication and negotiation skills
• Ability to protect confidential information

Responsibilities

• Ensure the Company’s internal audit program is effective and meets regulatory and industry standards.
• Conduct internal audits of First Financial Bankshares Finance, Credit, Banking Products and Operation, and Human Resources, and First Financial Trust & Asset Management.
• Assist in the planning and execution of the Internal Audit Program in accordance with established internal controls, financial industry standards, and federal/ state laws and regulations.
• Understand risks and internal controls and the ability to evaluate and figure out adequacy and efficiency of controls.
• Test internal controls to identify violations of operational related laws or regulations and deviations from the policies and procedures.
• Liaise between the bank and external parties, such as auditors and regulators, and lead or assist with the gathering of information, scheduling, and planning of these engagements.
• Review quality of outsourced or co-sourced audits including assessing workpapers.
• Prepare audit reports, including the audit opinion and audit issues in timely, clear, and concise manner.
• Analyze report findings, recommend interventions where needed, and propose creative and pragmatic solutions to risk and control issues.
• Monitor progress of the audit issues’ resolutions and validate proper implementation prior to closure.
• Participate in key business initiatives and proactively advise and/or provide feedback to management.
• Work as a member of a project team and cultivate a strong working relationship with Internal Audit Management and line of businesses.
• Implement integrated audit approach and data analytics within the scope of the audits (when possible).
• Identify solutions for a variety of complex and unique control issues, using complex judgement and sophisticated analytical thought.
• Supervise the audit team in the completion of audit engagements and ensure the audits are completed with high quality and timely.
• Partner with Bank and holding company line-of-business managers and risk staff to develop approaches for addressing emerging issues.
• Perform the risk assessment to the auditable entities assigned on a semi-annual basis to identify the risk impacting the company and determine whether the control environment is appropriate to mitigate the risk.
• Appropriately assess risk when business decisions are made, demonstrating consideration for the company's reputation and safeguarding the company, its customers, and assets, by driving compliance with applicable laws, rules and regulations, adhering to policy, applying sound ethical judgment regarding personal behavior, conduct and business practices, and escalating, managing and reporting control issues with transparency, as well as effectively supervise the activity of others and create accountability with those who fail to maintain these standards.
• Actively support the Customer Service First program, support the values of the organization, and follow established policies and procedures.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Audit management

Regulatory knowledge

Risk assessment

Internal controls

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in accounting/finance or related

CPA or CIA preferred

Job description

Address We’re always looking for bright individuals to join our growing organization. As a part of the First Financial Family, we will invest in your development and provide a dynamic work environment where you’re challenged, valued and empowered every day. We strive to be the best destination for the industry’s top talent, creating a diverse, collaborative workplace that celebrates innovation and change. We are one team, working together to get things done.

Job Description:

OFFICE LOCATION: Fort Worth, Texas, United States

SCOPE/CONTACTS:

The VP Audit Project Manager I is responsible for execution of audits over the company’s banking functions. The objective of this role is to ensure the Company’s internal controls are adequate by assisting with the development and implementation of an audit program that is commensurate with the size and complexing of First Financial Bankshares, Inc. (FFIN) and its subsidiaries.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Ensure the Company’s internal audit program is effective and meets regulatory and industry standards.
• Conduct internal audits of First Financial Bankshares Finance, Credit, Banking Products and Operation, and Human Resources, and First Financial Trust & Asset Management.
• Assist in the planning and execution of the Internal Audit Program in accordance with established internal controls, financial industry standards, and federal/ state laws and regulations.
• Understand risks and internal controls and the ability to evaluate and figure out adequacy and efficiency of controls.
• Test internal controls to identify violations of operational related laws or regulations and deviations from the policies and procedures.
• Liaise between the bank and external parties, such as auditors and regulators, and lead or assist with the gathering of information, scheduling, and planning of these engagements.
• Review quality of outsourced or co-sourced audits including assessing workpapers.
• Prepare audit reports, including the audit opinion and audit issues in timely, clear, and concise manner.
• Analyze report findings, recommend interventions where needed, and propose creative and pragmatic solutions to risk and control issues.
• Monitor progress of the audit issues’ resolutions and validate proper implementation prior to closure.
• Participate in key business initiatives and proactively advise and/or provide feedback to management.
• Work as a member of a project team and cultivate a strong working relationship with Internal Audit Management and line of businesses.
• Implement integrated audit approach and data analytics within the scope of the audits (when possible).
• Identify solutions for a variety of complex and unique control issues, using complex judgement and sophisticated analytical thought.
• Supervise the audit team in the completion of audit engagements and ensure the audits are completed with high quality and timely.
• Partner with Bank and holding company line-of-business managers and risk staff to develop approaches for addressing emerging issues.
• Perform the risk assessment to the auditable entities assigned on a semi-annual basis to identify the risk impacting the company and determine whether the control environment is appropriate to mitigate the risk.
• Appropriately assess risk when business decisions are made, demonstrating consideration for the company's reputation and safeguarding the company, its customers, and assets, by driving compliance with applicable laws, rules and regulations, adhering to policy, applying sound ethical judgment regarding personal behavior, conduct and business practices, and escalating, managing and reporting control issues with transparency, as well as effectively supervise the activity of others and create accountability with those who fail to maintain these standards.
• Actively support the Customer Service First program, support the values of the organization, and follow established policies and procedures.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or related discipline or equivalent work experience in financial institution.
• Minimum five (5) years of experience in a related role at regulated financial institution and/or Big Four accounting firm is required.
• Knowledge of financial institution regulatory environment and requirements.
• Related certifications (CPA, CIA, or similar) is preferred.
• Previous Finance, Credit, Banking Product, Trust, Operations audit experience
• Understanding of risks and internal controls and the ability to evaluate and figure out adequacy and efficiency of controls.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and deliver high-quality deliverables within deadlines.
• Demonstrated ability to implement continuous improvement and innovation in audit tools and techniques
• Consistently demonstrate clear and concise written and verbal communication
• Demonstrated ability to remain unbiased in a diverse working environment
• Effective communication and negotiation skills
• Ability to protect confidential information

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c)

What Makes Us Unique?

41 CFR 60-1.35(c)

What Makes Us Unique? You. Since 1890, First Financial has been serving the financial needs of customers in every neighborhood, just like yours. Not just through good times, but during difficult years too. We survived the Great Depression, the collapse of the Texas economy in the 1980s, and the Great Recession. Throughout it all, we remain a place of stability and trust for our customers. While other banks have come and gone, First Financial continues to grow through acquisitions, new branches, and the expansion of our services. It goes without saying, First Financial is not your everyday bank. Our “One Bank, Multiple Regions” concept combines the best of “Big Bank” customer benefits with the local decision making and involvement of a community bank.

The Company includes multiple banking regions with 79 convenient locations throughout Texas, and we offer convenient banking options with a local, personal touch. And because we’re one bank, you can visit any of our locations and receive the same friendly service. Much of our success comes from the lifelong relationships we’ve built with people just like you. Providing excellent customer service and education is the focus of everything we do. Our customer education includes training to understand how to improve credit, apply for a home loan, and utilize our products and services. Every day we’re here to help you make sound financial decisions. And don’t be surprised if you step through the door and see a familiar face. Many of our employees are leaders in the community. After all, being involved with the community is an important part of who we are.

Discover for yourself how at First Financial, it’s You First.