Job Description:

VP - Internal Audit Manager - Finance, Commercial

Job Locations

US-NJ-Oak Ridge

Duties

The VP - Internal Audit Manager - Finance, Commercial at Lakeland Bank supports the mission, vision and values of Lakeland Bancorp by leading an audit team in providing independent, objective assurance and consulting activity designed to add value and improve Lakeland's operations. This includes developing methodologies, implementing tools, and in executing engagements to support the organization in the areas of governance, risk management, and internal controls. The leader and the team, collectively, help Lakeland accomplish our objectives by bringing a systematic, disciplined approach to evaluate and improve the effectiveness of risk management, control and governance processes.

Under the direction of the Chief Audit Officer, this position is responsible for managing audits for various lines of businesses and functional areas that are primarily related to the following areas; financial reporting, accounting, treasury, current expected credit losses, risk management, and commercial lending.

Key Responsibilities:

Develop and execute a bank-wide Audit Plan, for assigned areas in accordance with Internal Audit standards, relevant government statues and regulations and Bank policies.
• Provide independent, objective assurance over the organization's internal control framework and assists business line management by bringing a systematic, disciplined approach to the evaluation and improvement of the effectiveness of risk management, control and governance processes.


• Objectively evaluate the effectiveness of internal controls within the various functions of the bank including financial reporting, accounting, treasury, current expected credit losses, risk management, and commercial lending.


• Manage, support, and/or perform risk-based audits of varying complexity through all phases of the audit (planning, fieldwork, reporting) in conformance with the International Professional Practice Framework (IPPF) of the Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA) and within prescribed time frame, budget and scope parameters to ensure deadlines are met.


• Execute audit engagements and perform audit procedures, including evaluating key business process risks and controls, reviewing and analyzing audit evidence/documents, conducting interviews and surveys, documenting processes, and test results to support conclusions.


• Review work papers prepared by staff auditors and provide coaching feedback.


• Develop clear, concise and actionable recommendations for improving internal controls, governance, and operating efficiencies to ensure the risk of loss is appropriately mitigated and to help the Bank better achieve its objectives.


• Prepare and review audit reports that are accurate, clear, and concise for submission to the Chief Audit Officer for finalization.


• Supervise the day-to day work of the audit staff (or other staff as assigned by the CAO) as it relates to the assigned engagements in accordance with professional standards, provide timely and effective feedback to assist in the professional development of staff members.


• Conduct risk assessments of audits in accordance with departmental standards for various audit functions.


• Reviews, analyzes, and interprets data collected from multiple sources to ensure valid conclusion from audit testing are drawn.


• Follow-up on audit findings in a timely manner to ensure that actions taken by management have been adequately addressed and documented.


• On an ad-hoc basis, conduct SOX walk throughs, assess control design, test control operating effectiveness, and evaluate deficiency remediation.


• Build and maintain positive relationships with internal clients, staff, management and executive relationships through individual contacts and group meetings.


• Assists in preparation of Audit Committee materials.


• Assist in the design and maintenance of the various internal audit programs, procedures, and workpapers.


• Participate in major business initiatives and ad-hoc projects as requested: function as advocate for strong internal controls while helping business meet objectives.


• Maintain core competencies in accounting, stay abreast with industry and regulatory changes and professional standards.


• Perform other duties as required, consistent with the goals, objectives, and responsibilities of the Internal Audit Department.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Business or relevant field such as, Accounting, Business Administration, Finance, and Economics.


• 7 years of internal audit experience and/or professional experience in a public accounting firm within the banking sector.


• Professional designation in one of the following: Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Certified Internal Auditor (CIA), Certified Financial Services Auditor (CFSA), or Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE).


• Minimum of 4 years of audit supervisory or audit management experience with accountability for staff performance and delivery.


• Prior experience leading/performing financial audits in a bank with exposure in the following areas: financial, treasury, risk management functions, commercial loans, and current expected credit losses.


• Robust understanding of GAAP, SEC reporting requirements, Sarbanes-Oxley 404 testing requirements, COSO framework, PCAOB rules and IIA International Standards for the Professional Practice of Internal Auditing.


• Ability to learn and adapt quickly, solve complex business problems and identify innovative solutions, maintain confidentiality and discretion in sensitive situations.


• Possess strategic and strong analytical/critical thinking skills. Proven experience evaluating complex data using data analytics and drawing logical conclusions.


• Proven ability to lead and manage staff: influencing and galvanizing others to follow you toward a solution.


• Broad and comprehensive experience in audit theory, internal audit principles with demonstrated experience in audit examining, analyzing, assessing, and drawing conclusions from audit work.


• Team player with a positive "can do" attitude, willingness to learn new concepts in a fast-paced environment, be a self-starter, and accept responsibility to meet deadlines.


• Strong oral and written communication skills with demonstrated ability to interact confidently and professionally with fellow employees, senior management, and other stakeholders.


• Successful history of building and leveraging relationships.


• Ability to provide technical guidance and training to audit team members.


• Effective negotiation skills, a proactive and 'no surprise' approach in communicating issues and strength in sustaining independent views.


• Possess a high energy level and strong work ethic with a commitment to continuous improvement in a dynamic and changing environment that strives to exceed expectations.


• Strong project management experience in managing audits and supervising audit staff.


• Effectively manage competing priorities for self and other.


• Must be bondable.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master Degree in, Accounting, Business Administration, Finance or Economics or related discipline.


• A second professional designation such as a CPA, CIA, CFSA or, CFE.

Employment Eligibility

All Lakeland Bank employees must be bondable. FBI background checks are required to confirm eligibility for bonding. Note: A guilty plea or criminal conviction will not necessarily preclude employment at Lakeland Bank.

Lakeland Bank is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy, genetic information, national origin, disability, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law

Scheduled Hours

Monday through Friday

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