Manager, Internal Audit

About the role

When you join Sallie Mae, you become a champion for all students. We’re on a mission to power confidence as students begin their unique journey. To help them plan their higher education, successfully finish, and prepare for life after school. To help them Start smart. Learn big. Students need guidance navigating this important time in their life. They need someone who acknowledges that their education path is unique. They need a partner willing to evolve and not only meet but surpass their expectations. We’re changing. Because students need a better way. We’re looking for people who are excited to drive this transformation. To break barriers and think of new ways to adapt, help, and create better experiences for students—and for each other. This is where diverse backgrounds, beliefs, and perspectives matter. It’s where you’re empowered to bring your authentic self to work. Feeling your best allows you to do your best. Our benefits take care of the whole you—from physical and mental to financial and professional. You’ll get opportunities to further your education and career, support for you and your family (including your pets!), paid time off to volunteer for the things that matter to you, and more. We’re obsessed with impact and making a real difference. For us, that means putting relationships first, asking “why not?” when tackling challenges, and continuously learning new skills. Come do more than join something, change something. For students, for future generations, for the future of education.

What You'll Contribute

The Manager, Internal Audit will be responsible for supporting the internal audit function, ensuring that our organization operates with integrity, compliance, and effective risk management practices.

Responsibilities

• Manage the development and implementation of the annual audit plan, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and objectives.
• Plan, coordinate, and conduct internal audits, including financial, operational, and compliance audits, to assess the effectiveness of internal controls and identify areas for improvement.
• Review and evaluate existing policies, procedures, and control systems to ensure compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and industry best practices.
• Identify control deficiencies, process inefficiencies, and potential risks, and provide recommendations for remediation and process enhancements.
• Prepare clear and concise audit workpapers and reports, documenting audit findings, recommendations, and action plans.
• Communicate audit results and recommendations to management, facilitating discussions on control weaknesses and implementing corrective actions.
• Monitor and track the status of audit recommendations, ensuring timely implementation and resolution.
• Stay updated on emerging trends, regulatory changes, and industry standards in internal auditing, and propose improvements to audit methodologies and practices.

Requirements

• Sound knowledge of internal audit principles, methodologies, and standards, as well as a good understanding of risk management and compliance principles.
• Familiarity with relevant regulations, frameworks, and standards such as COSO, SOX, and IPPF.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills, with attention to detail.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with stakeholders at all levels of the organization.
• Proficient in audit software and Microsoft Office suite.
• Ability to work independently, manage multiple priorities, and meet deadlines.
• Integrity, professionalism, and the ability to handle sensitive and confidential information.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, or a related field.
• A relevant professional certification such as CIA (Certified Internal Auditor) or CPA (Certified Public Accountant) is a plus.
• Proven experience in internal audit or related field, with 5+ years of relevant experience.

Benefits

• Competitive base salaries and bonus incentives.
• Generous paid time off, floating holidays, and 12 federal holidays observed.
• Support for financial well-being and retirement via 401k with employer match.
• Comprehensive medical, dental, vision, hospital indemnity, critical illness, and pet insurance.
• Employer-paid short-term/long-term disability and basic life insurance.
• Flexible hybrid working arrangements.
• Paid parental leave and adoption reimbursement programs.
• Free access to on-site staffed fitness centers (in Delaware) and gym subsidy (for locations outside Delaware).
• Confidential counseling support (EAP), health advocacy services, and wellness program with financial incentives.
• Tuition reimbursement and family scholarship programs.
• Career development and training opportunities.