Head of Audit, Risk, and Compliance

About the role

We are seeking a Head of Audit, Risk & Compliance to lead our end-to-end governance ecosystem, unifying Internal Audit, Enterprise Risk, and Regulatory Compliance and Navan, and reporting to our CFO. This high-impact role is about being the architect of a scalable, tech-forward framework that empowers our business to innovate safely.

What You’ll Do

• Architect the Global Strategy: Define and execute a unified, multi-year roadmap for Navan’s global Audit, Risk, and Compliance function, balancing rigorous public-company requirement with rapid business innovation.
• Lead Audit & SOX Governance: Own the end-to-end SOX and ICFR readiness strategy, while designing a risk-based internal audit plan that delivers actionable insights on control health to the Audit Committee.
• Master Regulatory & Risk Oversight: Own the global regulatory compliance roadmap—including fintech/travel-specific requirements, sanctions (OFAC), KYC/KYB, and trade pre-clearance.
• Modernize Compliance & Audit Operations: Drive tech-forward solutions, leveraging automation and data analytics to streamline third-party due diligence, banking/ABL reporting obligations, and internal control monitoring.
• Champion Accountability & Remediation: Partner cross-functionally with Finance, Legal, Security, and Product to embed intuitive compliance controls into business workflows and drive durable, root-cause remediation.
• Build & Influence: Recruit and scale an elite, multi-disciplinary team, serve as the primary advisor to the C-suite and Board on strategic risk and governance, and build a strong relationship with the Audit Committee Chair.

What We’re Looking For

• Proven Leadership Scale: 12+ years of progressive leadership experience spanning internal audit, SOX, enterprise risk, and compliance—ideally gained within high-growth technology, fintech, or complex public-company environments.
• Technical Mastery: Deep foundational knowledge of SOX/ICFR, risk management frameworks (COSO/ISO), regulatory/sanctions compliance (OFAC, KYC), international travel compliance, and ITGCs.
• SaaS & Tech Fluency: Experience auditing automated controls, cloud infrastructure, and data flows. You understand how technology impacts financial data integrity and how to leverage automation for efficiency.
• Operational Execution: A proven ability to translate complex regulatory requirements into clear, automated software workflows and efficient operational processes.
• Exceptional Executive Presence: A proven track record of distilling highly technical risk and governance concepts into strategic, actionable narratives for the C-suite, Board, and external regulators.
• Pragmatic Builder Mindset: You don’t just audit processes; you design them. You balance rigorous compliance standards with operational speed, ensuring compliance acts as a guardrail rather than a blocker.

Education, Credentials & Background

We value exceptional capability, rigorous analytical skills, and proven outcomes above specific degree labels. A Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, business, or a related field provides a strong foundation. Active professional certifications (e.g., CPA, CIA, CISA, CRCM) or an advanced degree (MBA/JD) are highly valued as evidence of technical expertise, but equivalent real-world mastery in scaling fintech or tech-company governance is equally prioritized.

About Navan

Navan (Nasdaq: NAVN) is the global AI-powered business travel and expense platform that makes travel easy for frequent travelers. From finding flights and hotels, to automating expense reconciliation, with 24/7 support along the way, Navan delivers an intuitive experience travelers love and finance teams rely on. See how Navan customers benefit and learn more at navan.com.

Culture of Excellence

Our team is our competitive edge — a high-performance group of smart, driven people committed to winning together. This dedication to excellence is why we’ve been recognized as a Best Place to Work by Built In (2023–2026), a G2 Best Global Software Company (2025–2026), Forbes Cloud 100 (2022–2025), and CNBC Disruptor 50 (2022–2025). At Navan, we provide an environment where top talent excels, offering the autonomy and fast-paced trajectory needed to build a defining career and do the best work of your life.

Our Benefits

Navan offers a comprehensive benefits program designed to support your well-being, financial security, and life outside of work. Our benefits, thoughtfully tailored by country to meet local needs, include healthcare coverage, insurance offerings, and wellness resources for you and your family.

Workplace Policy

We believe in the value of in-person connections, whether that’s sitting down to have lunch with one another, taking a walking 1:1, or collaborating in a room together. The connections forged through face-to-face interactions improve company culture and drive business results. Navan invests in global office spaces — in the U.S., Europe, and Asia, among others — that feel welcoming. In-office perks such as company-provided lunches and happy hours create a strong team environment to help you do your best work. Our employees work from the office four days a week. Please expect this policy for all roles that are tied to an office.

Equal Opportunity

We are an equal opportunity employer. We make all employment decisions based solely on merit. We provide equal employment opportunity to all applicants and employees without discrimination on the bases of race, religion, color, national origin, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics. We prohibit any such discrimination or harassment. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including hiring.

Accommodations

We comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), as amended by the ADA Amendments Act, and all applicable state or local law. We will reasonably accommodate qualified individuals with a disability in connection with applications for employment as required by law.