Internal Audit Director - Skyward Group

The Internal Audit Director manages Skyward Group’s hybrid internal audit function, planning, organizing, and coordinating audit activities across the Group and its businesses. The role oversees SOX and MAR audit activities, assesses compliance with applicable regulations and internal policies, identifies opportunities to strengthen internal controls and operational processes, and communicates findings to key stakeholders. Working across functions and with all levels of staff and management, the Director supports effective risk management and continuous improvement throughout the Group. This opportunity combines an innovative, collaborative team environment with the ability to influence outcomes and make a meaningful contribution. The ideal candidate is a clear communicator, self-motivated, and driven.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities

• Coordinate and manage all internal audit activities related to SOX and MAR compliance, ensuring adherence to established policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements.
• Develop and maintain a comprehensive internal audit plan, including risk assessment, audit scope, and timelines.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure timely remediation of any issues / control deficiencies.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for external auditors, facilitating communication and coordination throughout the audit process.
• Coordinate and provide necessary documentation, schedules, and support to external auditors during interim and year-end audits.
• Coordinate the document requests for internal control testing.
• Review and analyze external audit findings, ensuring appropriate action plans are developed and implemented to address identified deficiencies.
• Stay up-to-date with changes in regulatory requirements, accounting standards, and industry best practices related to internal audit, SOX and MAR compliance.
• Assist in the development and implementation of new internal controls to enhance the overall control environment.
• Provide training and guidance to employees on internal control processes and SOX/MAR compliance requirements.
• Conduct and/or coordinate SOX control testing (ELC’s/other).
• Maintain a company-wide segregation of duty matrix and assess conflicts on a routine basis.
• Execute the review and update of process documentation with the control owners.
• Execute special projects related to internal control assessments and improvements (new system implementations, integration of new business segments, etc.) and fraud investigations, as necessary.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities.

• Considerable knowledge of Sarbanes Oxley (SOX), Model Audit Rule (MAR), U.S. GAAP and Statutory.

• Ability to analyze complex data and identify potential risks and issues.

• Results-oriented with strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills

• Works cohesively in a team-oriented environment and able to work cross-functionally.

• Strong initiative to research issues, develop potential solutions, and effectively partner with other business areas to drive issue.

• Self-motivated with a strong work ethic, and a commitment to continuous improvement.

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite.

• Workiva experience preferred.

Qualifications, Education and Experience Preferred

• 5+ years’ experience in public accounting, internal auditing, risk management, and/or compliance. Experience and 3+ years leading a team.

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Business or Finance.

• Full professional qualification (CPA, CIA, CISA, CFE, or equivalent) required.

Compensation & Benefits

The applicable base salary for this opportunity is $180,000 - $200,000. The base pay offered will be determined by factors such as experience, skills, training, location, certifications, education, and any applicable minimum wage requirements. In addition to the base salary, this opportunity may be eligible for performance-based incentives.​ We are excited to offer a competitive total rewards package which includes health and welfare benefits, tuition and professional certification assistance, 401k savings, elective participation in the Employee Stock Purchase Program, paid time off, paid holidays, and child bonding leave, as well as other employee assistance.

About Us

Skyward Specialty is a rapidly growing and innovative specialty insurance company, delivering commercial P&C products and solutions on a non-admitted and admitted basis. The Company operates through eight underwriting divisions – Accident & Health, Captives, Global Property & Agriculture, Industry Solutions, Professional Lines, Programs, Surety and Transactional E&S.

At Skyward Specialty, we approach insurance differently. Our specialty insurance experts are empowered to dig deeper to customize solutions that help brokers and agents deliver impactful solutions to their clients. We operate at the complex end of the specialty market and leverage technology to bring disruptive, innovative insurance solutions to market. We are agile and steadfastly focused on our strategy to lead in the select markets in which we choose to do business. We call this our rule our niche strategy.