Lead Internal Auditor

Job Description: General Function / Summary : The Lead Internal Auditor is responsible for innovation efforts within internal audit to incorporate advanced analytics into audit programs, gather and analyze data, and deliver value-driven insights independently and objectively. This position partners with leadership to manage audit processes to uphold industry standards to meet audit plan objectives. Essential Duties: Leverage data, design audit testing, and develop data analytics solutions using tools such as PowerBI, Snowflake (SQL/Python), Tableau. Utilize these tools to analyze large datasets, identify patterns, anomalies, and risks, and explore and test the use of AI and machine learning techniques to enhance the audit lifecycle and improve audit processes. Lead and own risk-based internal audits, ensuring compliance with company policies, regulatory standards, and industry best practices. Design and implement continuous auditing and monitoring strategies using automation and machine learning techniques, to enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of audit activities. Provide regular verbal and written communications to audit clients, including executive leadership, regarding audit status, findings, risks, and other relevant topics. Work closely with audit clients to validate audit findings, identify root causes, and provide actionable and sustainable recommendations for improvement. Identify opportunities for process improvements that increase operational efficiency and reduce risk and support the implementation of these changes. Perform analytic review of data to establish facts, identify issues, and propose corrective actions to address challenges and resolve problems. Create audit reports and obtain process owners’ commitment for corrective actions based on audit findings. Track and test management remediation of audit observations. Develop positive, collaborative relationships with key stakeholders to foster open communication, ensuring the Internal Audit department is viewed as a trusted partner and advisor within the organization. Assist with special investigations, department initiatives, co-sourced audit activities, and other projects as requested. Maintain up-to-date knowledge on industry trends, regulatory changes, and emerging risks to ensure audits are relevant and reflective of current best practices. Minimum Education and Experience Required: Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience 7+ years of relevant experience with financial services organizations, installment loan experience preferred Experience in Financial audit data analytics and establishing automated continuous monitoring CISA, CPA, or CIA certification required Experience with Workday and AuditBoard a plus Proficient with Microsoft Office programs Ability to communicate effectively with all levels of management and staff Excellent decision making and problem-solving skills Proven ability to complete projects according to outlined scope, budget, and timeline Proven ability to be able to handle multiple projects at one time and excellent organization skills Ability and willingness to consistently live and embrace our core values of accountable, inclusive, transparent, and focused