Internal Audit Specialist

Job Summary

The Internal Audit Specialist is an experienced auditor who leads complex financial and operational audits, provides day-to-day engagement oversight, and serves as a technical resource for audit staff. This role helps ensure audit work is well-planned, well-executed, and ready for manager review, without having direct people-management accountability. The Specialist also supports risk assessment, audit planning, stakeholder communication, and practical control improvement recommendations.

Work Location

Hybrid. Candidates who are located within 50 miles of a West Bend office location will work a hybrid schedule for collaboration days, team meetings or other in-person events. The position can be based in West Bend or Madison.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and execute financial and operational audit engagements from planning through reporting, ensuring audit work is risk-based, timely, well-documented, and aligned with professional standards.
• Serve as a subject-matter expert in financial processes and core property & casualty (P&C) insurance operations, including underwriting, claims, reinsurance, reserving, investments, financial reporting, and enterprise support functions.
• Plan and conduct complex audits, which may include multiple departments, financial impact, regulatory compliance requirements, sophisticated systems and data, third-party relationships, or highly judgmental business processes.
• Confirm appropriate coverage of ERM and MAR risks and controls.
• Provide audit engagement oversight by monitoring progress, reviewing key audit deliverables, resolving audit issues, and ensuring audit observations and reports are accurate, well-supported, and ready for leadership review.
• Coach and mentor audit staff, providing technical guidance and reviewing work for accuracy and completeness.
• Identify control weaknesses, assess risk exposures, and recommend practical, value-added solutions to strengthen governance, risk management, and internal controls.
• Assist in updating the risk assessment and developing the annual audit plan through ongoing liaison relationships with assigned business areas and areas of expertise.
• Communicate audit findings clearly to management and support remediation efforts.
• Stay informed on emerging risks, regulatory changes, and industry best practices.
• Promote continuous improvement, adoption of innovative audit techniques, and enhancement opportunities to current processes.

Qualifications

• 6-8 years of experience performing and/or overseeing internal audit or related assurance functions.
• Ability to connect audit work to organizational objectives, key risks, Company strategy, and business priorities.
• Advanced understanding of risk-based auditing, internal controls, regulatory requirements, and practical risk mitigation.
• Ability to independently lead audit engagements, influence stakeholders, and provide technical guidance or informal coaching to team members.
• Knowledge of internal audit standards, risk management, and controls & frameworks (e.g., financial, operational, IT controls, statutory accounting practices).
• Ability to interpret complex data and provide meaningful insights.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills for stakeholder engagement and reporting.
• Skilled in managing multiple audits and projects effectively.
• Commitment to independence, objectivity, and professional standards.
• Bachelor's degree in accounting or related field.
• Professional certifications, such as CPA (Certified Public Accountant), CIA (Certified Internal Auditor) or equivalent, depending on experience.
• Completion of Chartered Property Casualty Underwriter (CPCU), Associate in General Insurance (AINS), or other relevant continuing education.

Pay

The salary range for this position is $96,842 - $121,053. The actual base pay offered to the successful candidate will be based on multiple factors, including but not limited to job-related knowledge/skills, experience, business needs, geographical location, and internal equity. Compensation decisions are made by West Bend and are dependent upon the facts and circumstances of each position and candidate.

Benefits

• Medical & Prescription Insurance
• Health Savings Account
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Short and Long Term Disability
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Life and Accidental Death & Disability
• Accident and Critical Illness Insurance
• Employee Assistance Program
• 401(k) Plan with Company Match
• Pet Insurance
• Paid Time Off. Standard first year PTO is 17 days, pro-rated based on month of hire. Enhanced PTO may be available for experienced candidates.
• Bonus eligible based on performance