Lead Audit Specialist, Internal Audit at Guardian in Phoenix, Arizona

Job Description:

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Internal Audit's mission is to provide independent and objective assurance and advisory services guided by a philosophy of adding value to improve the operations of Guardian, its subsidiaries, and affiliated entities. Internal Audit assists the company in accomplishing its objectives by bringing a systematic and disciplined approach to evaluate and improve the effectiveness of governance, risk management, and internal control, while furthering staff development and providing career growth opportunities.

Typically, in collaboration with an Audit Management staff member, this position functions as a working audit project manager, fully responsible for planning, executing, communicating issues and progress, and reporting audit results, independently and, on occasion, within a team. This job is predominately focused on performing high quality, value-add, assurance and advisory services that identify, evaluate and report on highly complex business risks and controls in accordance with the Institute of Internal Auditors Standards and established methodologies. This position contributes to the enterprise risk management

framework through effective planning, executing and reporting on audit projects, through which the individual will identify meaningful issues about the design and effectiveness of controls, and make important recommendations to improve the control environment. This seasoned individual is frequently sought as a key resource for critical, urgent, or complex assignments.

This position is mainly focused on life and disability individual insurance products and the distribution channel, with the possibility of covering other aspects of the business.

Major Responsibilities

• Lead, manage and execute complex assurance projects in accordance with established methodologies and professional standards. This includes:
  
  
  • developing an understanding of management's business objectives and processes
  • using strong data analysis skills
  • using well developed data collection skills to acquire an understanding of the process, risks, and controls
  • creating keenly-focused flowcharts, process maps, and occasionally narratives to analyze and evaluate the effectiveness of management's control design in addressing associated risks, identifying control gaps or potential improvements
  • using critical thinking skills to prepare planning memos, including fraud as a consideration, to set audit scope and objectives
  • formulating and executing audit procedures that test key controls
  • preparing communications covering issues and progress
  • lead project related meetings and discussions
  • obtaining management input on solutions
  • writing value-added audit conclusions, presenting findings to both Internal Audit and business management, to proactively manage risk
  • preparing clear, concise, high quality audit reports and other audit documents that comply with the Department's methodology, and communicate relevant issues and effective, value-added recommendations
  • managing work so that projects are completed on time and within budget
  
  
• Demonstrate influencing skills when communicating with business areas and other risk assurance providers aimed to continually improve relationships and enable management to proactively manage risk.
• Work with other members of the audit team to leverage their skill sets, experience and expertise; provide same.
• Act as a mentor to new or less experienced auditors by providing guidance on Department processes and sharing knowledge of Company operations, product lines, etc.
• Monitor all outstanding recommendations and action plans for the assigned audits; prepare status commentary and perform follow-up testing as needed.
• Provide advisory services on projects, business functions, and processes, if requested.
• Provide governance, compliance, investigation, and enterprise risk assessment support, if requested.
• Assist the external auditors and the financial controls team through coordinating and executing direct assistance testing for select assignments.
• Work with Internal Audit leadership to identify and continuously improve departmental practices.
• Monitor and demonstrate compliance with departmental policies and practices, as evidenced by strong quality assurance results, and strong performance within standards and related metrics.
• Stay abreast of current issues, standard industry practices, regulations, and obtain continuing education and training. Participate in special projects and perform other duties as requested.
• Interact with all levels of management to provide effective risk and control advice, maintaining active communication with clients to enhance risk and control awareness and manage expectations.
  

• Typically requires a minimum of 10 years of broad based experience in internal audit, external audit or related functions.
• Experience in the insurance or financial services industry is helpful, but not required.
• Ability to multi-task and work with minimal supervision.
• Strong written and oral communication skills, with the ability to write clearly and concisely.
• Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to build strong relationships and clearly articulate thoughts and ideas.
• Highly motivated self-starter, with the ability to work independently, as well as in teams.
• Strong analytical skills, with the ability to effectively assess a process, analyze data, and assess risks and controls.
• Working knowledge of information technology and cybersecurity and ability to apply to operational audits.
• Understanding of enabling technologies, including robotics process automation (RPA), natural language processing (NLP), and/or artificial intelligence (AI) is a plus.
• Strong organizational skills, with the ability to manage concurrent projects and meet deadlines.
• Experience with risk assessment tools and methodologies.
• Adaptable to changing priorities.
• Ability to collaborate with others, both inside and outside of the department, while working toward common goals and fostering understanding and agreement.
• Develop strong relationships within business areas.

• Bachelor's degree required (accounting or business degree is a plus)
• Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) accreditation attained or in progress.
• Additional professional accreditations (CPA, CFE, CISA, etc.), licenses, or designations is a strong plus.

• Work from home until our offices reopen July 2021, then you will be based in one of our beautiful new or renovated offices including Bethlehem PA, Holmdel NJ, or Hudson Yards NY with work from home flexibility .
• Minimal (up to 10%) travel within the continental United States once it is safe to do so.

• Through skill-building, leadership development and philanthropic opportunities, we provide opportunities to build communities and grow your career, surrounded by diverse colleagues with high ethical standards

• Meaningful and challenging work opportunities to accelerate innovation in a secure and compliant way.
• Competitive compensation package.
• Excellent medical, dental, supplemental health, life and vision coverage for you and your dependents with no wait period.
• Life and disability insurance.
• A great 401(k) with company match.
• Tuition assistance, paid parental leave and backup family care.
• Dynamic, modern work environments that promote collaboration and creativity to develop and empower talent.
• Flexible time off, dress code, and work location policies to balance your work and life in the ways that suit you best.
• Employee Resource Groups that advocate for inclusion and diversity in all that we do.
• Social responsibility in all aspects of our work. We volunteer within our local communities, create educational alliances with colleges, drive a variety of initiatives in sustainability.

Guardian has been helping people protect their futures and secure their lives for 160 years. Every day, we serve approximately 29 million people through a range of insurance and financial products. We help people and their families pursue financial security and well-being in life, health, and wealth. We help companies take care of their employees. And we help people recover and thrive after unexpected loss.

From our founding in 1860, when a community of immigrants joined together to insure and protect their businesses and families, doing the right thing for our policyholders and customers has guided everything we do. Our dedication to customers has helped us remain one of the most highly rated in client satisfaction and financial strength . And as one of the largest mutual insurance companies, we know what matters most: putting the needs of our customers first. Because everyone deserves a Guardian. Learn more about Guardian at www.GuardianLife.com .

© Copyright 2020 The Guardian Life Insurance Company of America, New York, NY

Equal Employment Opportunity

Guardian is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to age, race, color, creed, religion, sex, affectional or sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, marital status, disability, military or veteran status, or any other classification protected by applicable law.