VP, Internal Audit

The Vice President, Internal Audit will lead enterprise-wide oversight of risk management, internal controls, and governance for a complex global manufacturing organization. Reporting functionally to the Chair of the Audit Committee and administratively to the Chief Financial Officer, this leader will assess, evolve, and lead the internal audit function while partnering closely with external auditors and key stakeholders.

This role is accountable for delivering independent assurance on the effectiveness of controls, processes, and the integrity of financial and operational information, while developing and executing a risk-based annual audit plan for Audit Committee review and approval.

The ideal candidate is a forward-thinking, seasoned audit and risk leader with deep experience in internal controls, governance, enterprise risk management, and publicly traded, multinational industrial or manufacturing environments.

About the Job – Key Responsibilities

• Lead Enterprise Risk-Based Audit Planning: Lead Internal Audit’s annual risk assessment and planning process to develop risk-informed audit plans, policies, and procedures across global operations.

• Strengthen Internal Controls and Governance: Provide independent assurance on internal controls, business processes, governance, and the integrity of financial and operational information.

• Develop and Evolve the Audit Function: Build an Internal Audit function capable of managing financial, operational, and information technology audits across multiple business segments, with emphasis on internal controls, operating efficiencies, M&A integration, compliance, and corporate policies.

• Partner with the Audit Committee and Senior Leadership: Serve as the primary interface on audit matters with the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors, providing updates on audit progress, emerging risks, exposures, and internal control best practices.

• Drive Timely, Actionable Audit Reporting: Lead the issuance of clear and concise Internal Audit reports that identify root causes, offer practical solutions, and support corrective action plans.

• Support SOX and Compliance Requirements: Review and update process and policy documentation to support management’s SOX assessment and audit compliance, including final assessments of internal controls over financial reporting as needed.

• Coordinate External Audit Coverage: Work closely with external auditors to optimize audit coverage and align audit scoping for the organization.

• Lead and Develop the Audit Team: Build and lead a team of Internal Audit professionals with the expertise, leadership, and credibility required to accomplish organizational goals; oversee learning, talent development, and performance evaluations.

• Operate as an Embedded Business Leader: Influence outcomes cross-functionally and drive improvements across the business, operating as a proactive leader rather than a detached advisory resource.

About You – Knowledge and Experiences

• Extensive Audit and Finance Leadership: Minimum of 15 years of finance management experience, including as Head of Internal Audit or an equivalent role within a publicly traded global manufacturing or industrial technology company.

• Global Controls Expertise: Proven track record managing significant audit and control matters across a global, multi-site operating environment and building a strong controls environment.

• Board and Audit Committee Experience: Experience working with a Board of Directors Audit Committee as a regular interface, preferably at a publicly listed company.

• Audit Function Transformation: Experience building and scaling audit functions, evaluating team structures and delivery models, and evolving a co-sourced model toward a more efficient in-house capability where appropriate.

• Technology and Analytics Orientation: Adept at leveraging technology and analytics to improve Internal Audit effectiveness.

• Complex Global Business Acumen: Ability to work in a fast-paced, dynamic environment with multiple priorities, including acquisitions, integrations, and global supply chain dynamics.

• Executive-Level Communication: Superior oral presentation and written communication skills, with the ability to build relationships across corporate executives, external partners, consultants, and board members.

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or a related field required; MBA or Master’s degree preferred.

• Certifications: Certified Internal Auditor (CIA), Certified Public Accountant (CPA), or similar professional certification strongly preferred.

• Strategic Risk Leadership: Anticipates enterprise risks, strengthens governance, and aligns audit priorities to business strategy and global operations.

• Results-Oriented Execution: Demonstrates urgency, accountability, and sound judgment while delivering audit outcomes that support business improvement and compliance.