VP, Internal Audit

About the role

The Vice President of Internal Audit is responsible for the independent review and assessment of operational integrity throughout the organization. They will evaluate compliance with policies and procedures and ensure that the company’s assets are being effectively safeguarded. The role also involves leading the Internal Audit team, providing a systematic, disciplined approach to evaluate and improve the effectiveness of GreatAmerica’s risk management, control, and governance processes.

Responsibilities

• Develops and aligns resources of the internal audit department with the organization's risk management, control, and governance framework.
• Leads the internal audit team, including audit consultants where necessary.
• Establishes risk-based audit plans to set out the priorities of the internal audit function and procedures to guide the internal audit function and ensure the quality of the assurance services delivered.
• Safeguards internal audit resources to ensure they are appropriate, sufficient, and effectively deployed to achieve the internal audit plan approved by the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors.
• Collaborates with other internal and external providers of assurance and consulting activities to optimize coverage, cost, effectiveness, and effort.
• Communicates the plan of engagements and resource requirements for the internal audit function to the Audit Committee, including the impact of resource limitations.
• Evaluates key risks and controls with a continuous perspective on changes in the business, as well as risk and control environment, and adjusts team focus and capabilities as needed.
• Evaluates audit findings, prepares and presents results of audit work and recommendations to leadership and the Audit Committee.
• Maintains effective communication with leadership and staff across the organization.
• Communicates with all levels of leadership regarding company risk, audit needs, and findings, and follows up on actions to be taken as a result of the findings.
• Participates in and addresses questions at various management and Board of Director level committee meetings.
• Hires and develops the Internal Audit team members and enhances the capabilities of the team.
• Lives the GreatAmerica principles and participates in cross-functional efforts as assigned and required.
• Stays current on Internal Audit Standards and other key standards, guidelines, and changes important to the performance of the role and the team’s responsibilities.
• Performs various audits as needed.

Requirements

• Education: Bachelor’s and/or advanced degree in accounting, finance or another relevant field is required. Certification of at least one of the following: CPA, CIA, or CFE.
• Experience: Minimum of at least seven years of audit experience, internal Audit leadership experience within financial services, leasing, and/or in a regulated bank environment is strongly preferred. Desired emphasis and experience in leading the design and completion of internal and/or external financial and operational audits.

Skills and Abilities

• Computer Skills: Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, Data Analytics tools, Visio software, flowcharting tools, and able to learn industry software efficiently and effectively.
• Other Requirements: Deep knowledge of Internal Audit Standards (IIA) and leading practices related to internal controls, governance, and risk management. Strong understanding of financial reporting, operational processes, compliance requirements, and regulatory expectations, particularly in regulated industries. Ability to design and execute risk-based audit methodologies that balance assurance, advisory value, and organizational efficiency. Strategic thinker with the ability to set direction for the Internal Audit function while maintaining independence and objectivity. Proven ability to influence senior leaders and the Board through clear, concise, and credible communication. Strong judgment and ethical grounding, particularly when navigating sensitive audit findings, compliance concerns, or regulatory issues. Ability to prioritize competing demands, manage resource constraints, and adjust plans in response to business and risk changes. Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to clearly articulate complex issues to both technical and non-technical audiences. Strong interpersonal skills enabling effective collaboration with executive leadership, regulators, auditors, and cross-functional partners. Ability to build trust across the organization while appropriately challenging risk and control issues. Detail-oriented with strong analytical and problem-solving skills. Adaptable and resilient in a dynamic, evolving business environment. Committed to continuous learning and staying current with audit, regulatory, and governance standards. Ability and willingness to travel which is only occasional. Willing to work more than 40 hour weeks as the demands of the department dictate. Knowledge of the banking and leasing industries and the company operating systems are a plus and/or has the ability to learn these areas efficiently and effectively.