Internal Auditor

Job Summary: The Internal Auditor is an opportunity for a curious, detail-oriented professional who wants to build a strong foundation in internal audit, controls, risk management, and business process improvement within a global manufacturing organization. This role supports global financial and Sarbanes-Oxley audit activities while gaining exposure to business leaders, corporate functions, and operations across the company. In this role, you will perform audit procedures, evaluate internal controls, analyze data, document results, and help translate findings into practical recommendations that strengthen Avient’s control environment and support continuous improvement. You will also have opportunities to contribute to operational and risk-based audits, advisory projects, due diligence activities, and data analytics initiatives that provide meaningful insights to the business. This position is ideal for someone who enjoys problem-solving, learning how businesses operate, working collaboratively across functions, and developing technical audit skills in a supportive, growth-oriented environment. Essential Duties & Responsibilities: Support and, as experience develops, lead internal audit projects as part of Avient’s annual risk-based internal audit plan, including planning, scoping, execution, documentation, and reporting. Perform internal control assessments of Avient’s global financial processes, including identifying key controls, evaluating control design, testing operating effectiveness, and documenting results in accordance with audit standards. Execute Sarbanes-Oxley audit procedures and support management’s assessment of internal controls over financial reporting. Analyze financial, operational, and process data to identify trends, risks, control gaps, and opportunities for improvement. Prepare clear, well-organized audit workpapers, summaries, and reports that support audit conclusions and communicate results effectively. Partner with business process owners and corporate functions to understand processes, gather information, validate findings, and support practical remediation plans. Track and follow up on management action plans to ensure audit findings and recommendations are addressed timely and effectively. Present audit observations, insights, and practical recommendations to internal audit leadership, business partners, and senior management. Support ad-hoc audits, advisory projects, data analytics initiatives, and other special projects that provide quantitative and qualitative insight to Avient’s businesses or corporate functions. Provide support for due diligence activities related to potential acquisitions, including review of financial, operational, and control-related information. Stay current on internal audit practices, internal control concepts, data analytics tools, and relevant regulatory requirements. Perform other duties and projects as assigned. Scope This position conducts audit activities that are global in scope. Education and Experience Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Data Analytics, Data Science, or a related business field is required. 4+ years of accounting, finance, audit, internal controls, data analytics, or related experience preferred; relevant internship, co-op, or project experience will be considered. Experience with internal audit, Sarbanes-Oxley compliance, financial controls, public accounting, or manufacturing environments preferred. Exposure to global business processes, financial reporting, business process controls, or enterprise systems preferred. One or more professional certifications or progress toward certification preferred, including CPA, CIA, CFE, or CMA. Additional Qualifications Strong interest in internal audit, risk management, financial controls, business process improvement, and data-driven problem-solving. Foundational understanding of financial business processes, accounting principles, internal controls, and control documentation. Ability to think critically, ask thoughtful questions, evaluate information objectively, and connect details to broader business risks and opportunities. Strong analytical skills with the ability to work with financial, operational, and process data; experience with data analytics tools preferred. Experience with SAP or other enterprise resource planning systems preferred. Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to summarize complex information clearly and concisely for a variety of audiences. Strong attention to detail, organization, and follow-through, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines. Collaborative, customer-focused approach with the ability to build effective working relationships across functions, geographies, and levels of the organization. High degree of integrity, professionalism, confidentiality, and accountability. Self-motivated learner who is comfortable working in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment that values empowerment, continuous improvement, and professional development.