Specialist, Global Internal Audit

Scope of the Role

As an Internal Audit Specialist, you will support and execute risk-based audits across the company’s operations, gaining broad exposure to different functions, processes and geographies.

Working within a small, high-performing Internal Audit team, you will partner closely with business teams to understand processes, assess risks and controls, analyze data, identify practical improvement opportunities and communicate clear, actionable conclusions.

Your Role

In this role, you will:

• Participate in and, depending on your experience, independently execute operational, financial, compliance and IT-related audits as part of the annual risk-based audit plan.
• Develop a solid understanding of business processes, risks and controls through interviews, walkthroughs, document reviews and data analysis.
• Prepare audit work programs and perform control design and operating effectiveness testing, ensuring clear and well-supported audit documentation.
• Use data analytics to identify trends, exceptions and areas requiring further investigation.
• Discuss observations with process owners and contribute to defining practical and proportionate corrective actions.
• Draft clear and concise audit findings, conclusions and report sections for review by the Audit Manager or Head of Internal Audit.
• Follow up on agreed management actions and assess whether remediation adequately addresses identified risks.
• Collaborate with internal colleagues, external auditors and specialist consultants on co-sourced and cross-functional reviews.
• Contribute to the continuous improvement of audit tools, templates, methodologies and ways of working.
• Stay up to date on business and industry developments and emerging risks, including pharmaceutical compliance, data privacy and Italian Legislative Decree 231/2001.

Who You Are

You are a curious, analytical and pragmatic professional who enjoys understanding how businesses work and identifying opportunities for improvement.

Ideally, you bring:

• 3–5 years of relevant experience, preferably within a Big Four firm and/or in Internal Audit, Risk, Controls or Assurance in an international organization.
• A practical understanding of business processes, internal controls and risk-based auditing.
• Experience in pharmaceuticals, life sciences or another regulated industry would be an advantage, but is not required.
• Fluency in Italian and English, both written and spoken.
• Confidence working with data and business systems. Experience with SAP or a similar ERP, as well as tools such as Power BI, ACL or TeamMate, would be an advantage.
• Willingness to travel internationally when required for audit assignments, typically no more than 10%.
• A university degree is welcome, although your analytical capabilities, motivation and ability to learn are more important than your specific field of study.
• Professional qualifications such as CIA, CFE, CPA or equivalent are valued but not required.

You will be particularly successful in this role if you demonstrate:

• Drive & Energy: you take ownership, move activities forward and remain constructive when priorities change.
• Curiosity: you ask thoughtful questions, look beyond the obvious and are genuinely interested in understanding how the business operates.
• Judgment: you can distinguish material issues from details and apply sound judgment when assessing risks and controls.
• Communication: you listen, build trust with stakeholders and communicate observations clearly, respectfully and concisely.

What We Offer

• Meaningful exposure to a wide range of business processes, senior stakeholders and international operations.
• The opportunity to develop broad expertise across Internal Audit, Risk and business operations within a pharmaceutical company focused on improving patients’ lives.
• Coaching and professional development within a collaborative Internal Audit team, including exposure to external specialists and Big Four firms.
• Support for relevant professional certifications and continuous learning.
• Opportunities for longer-term career development within Internal Audit, Risk Management or the wider business.
• A smart working policy based on four days per week in the Milan office and one day working remotely.

pay range: 42.000€ - 46.000€

The compensation range indicated in this job posting represents an estimated average range for the position. The final remuneration will be determined based on the selected candidate’s experience, skills, and qualifications, in accordance with applicable EU pay transparency and pay equity requirements