VP, Audit Director

About the role

The VP, Audit Director leads the assurance function for the North America Insurance business, aligning with Sompo International's global Internal Audit strategy, standards, and methodology. Reporting to the CAE, this role oversees audit oversight, execution, and continuous improvement across U.S.-based insurance operations.

Responsibilities

• Internal Audit Leadership & Delivery: Serve as a leader within Internal Audit, overseeing audit oversight across the North America Insurance business. Develop, execute, and monitor risk-based audit plans, ensuring alignment with enterprise risks, regulatory expectations, and business priorities. Oversee audit execution to ensure consistent application of Sompo International Internal Audit methodology, professional standards, and quality expectations. Review and challenge audit scopes, workpapers, and reports to ensure clarity, rigor, and actionable insights.

• Governance, Risk & Controls: Provide independent assurance over the effectiveness of governance structures, risk management practices, and internal controls. Maintain strong alignment with SOX and broader regulatory expectations relevant to U.S. insurance operations. Monitor thematic risks, emerging issues, and control trends, escalating insights to the CAE and senior leadership as appropriate. Oversee tracking and validation of remediation for audit observations, ensuring transparency and accountability.

• Stakeholder & Audit Committee Engagement: Build strong, credible relationships with senior management, control owners, and second-line functions. Prepare and present executive-ready Internal Audit materials for senior leadership, management forums, and Audit Committee meetings. Act as a trusted advisor to the business while maintaining objectivity, independence, and professional skepticism.

• Strategy, Integration & Continuous Improvement: Contribute to the ongoing evolution of the North America Internal Audit operating model, including integration activities, methodology enhancements, and coverage optimization. Collaborate with global and regional audit leaders to identify common risk themes, develop standardized audit programs, and promote consistency across entities. Support data analytics, continuous auditing, and monitoring initiatives in partnership with Professional Practices and technology-enabled audit teams. Stay informed of industry developments, regulatory changes, and emerging risks impacting the U.S. insurance market.

• People & Resource Leadership: Lead, coach, and develop audit professionals, fostering a culture of accountability, technical excellence, and continuous improvement. Monitor audit resource utilization, capacity, and skill needs, providing input into resourcing strategy and budget considerations. Support talent development, succession planning, and performance management within the audit team.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business, or related discipline.
• 15+ years of Internal / External Audit experience, including leadership roles within complex, regulated organizations.
• Insurance or financial services experience required; Property & Casualty experience strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated experience working in large, matrixed, multi-entity environments.
• Strong background in risk-based auditing, internal controls, and governance frameworks.
• Experience interacting with senior executives and Audit Committees.
• Professional certification such as CPA, CIA, or equivalent preferred.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to translate complex issues into clear executive-level messaging.

Qualifications

• Experience in a similar role within a regulated environment.
• Experience in leading audit teams and managing audit projects.
• Experience in developing and implementing audit strategies and plans.
• Experience in risk assessment and risk management.
• Experience in communicating audit findings to senior management and the Audit Committee.
• Experience in data analytics and continuous auditing.

Skills

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Knowledge of Sarbanes-Oxley Act (SOX) and other relevant regulations.
• Experience with audit methodologies and tools.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Benefits

At Sompo, we offer a comprehensive range of benefits designed to support your health, financial security, and overall well-being. These include:

• Two medical plans to choose from, including a Traditional PPO and a Consumer Driven Health Plan with a Health Savings Account (HSA).
• Pharmacy benefits with mail order options.
• Dental benefits including orthodontia benefits for adults and children.
• Vision benefits.
• Health Care & Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA).
• Company-paid Life & AD&D benefits, including the option to purchase Supplemental life coverage for employee, spouse, and children.
• Disability benefits with very competitive salary continuation payments.
• 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan with competitive employer contributions.
• Competitive paid-time-off programs, including company-paid holidays.
• Competitive Parental Leave Benefits & Adoption Assistance program.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
• Tax-Free Commuter Benefit.
• Tuition Reimbursement & Professional Qualification benefits.

Our commitment to diversity and inclusion is reflected in our equal opportunity employment policy. We strive to create a workplace where every employee feels valued and respected, regardless of their background or identity. We are dedicated to fostering an inclusive environment that encourages innovation, creativity, and collaboration.