Internal Audit Manager

Aquent, a global leader in talent solutions, is thrilled to partner with a prominent organization within the essential energy sector. This company is at the forefront of powering communities, driving innovation, and ensuring reliability for millions. They are seeking a dynamic leader to play a pivotal role in strengthening their operational integrity and strategic vision. This is an incredible opportunity to make a tangible impact, shaping robust control environments and fostering a culture of continuous improvement across critical business functions that keep our communities moving forward.

Step Into a Leadership Role that Drives Strategic Impact

We are searching for an exceptional audit professional to guide and elevate crucial internal initiatives. In this role, you will be instrumental in overseeing risk-based activities, delivering insightful reports, and leading critical management-requested projects, including investigations. This is more than just an oversight position; it's a chance to actively shape the future of risk management and operational excellence within a vital industry. You will lead dedicated teams, cultivate talent, and ensure the highest standards of execution, all while serving as a trusted advisor to management on risk mitigation and process enhancement. You'll directly contribute to the company's success by aligning strategies with enterprise risk priorities, fostering strong relationships with business leaders, and proactively identifying emerging risks.

What You'll Do

• Lead the execution of the internal strategy, ensuring alignment with organizational objectives and enterprise risk priorities.
• Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with business and functional unit management, serving as the primary liaison and trusted advisor.
• Proactively identify emerging risks and control considerations, staying informed of ongoing initiatives and potential challenges.
• Oversee and lead advisory and consultative engagements, providing timely insights into process design, governance, and risk mitigation strategies.
• Manage departmental policies, procedures, and governance practices to ensure consistency, quality, and compliance with professional standards.
• Champion the integration of data analytics and artificial intelligence into methodologies to enhance innovation and efficiency.
• Identify critical issues and improvement opportunities, collaborating with management to develop and implement practical, value-added solutions.
• Ensure effective monitoring, validation, and timely closure of Management Action Plans.
• Provide comprehensive people management for assigned team members, including performance feedback, development planning, and workforce planning.
• Coordinate activities with external auditors to optimize efficiency and support reliance strategies.
• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives within the function, incorporating lessons learned and enhancing performance metrics.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of accounting, legal, and regulatory developments across various critical domains, including IT, finance, safety, and human resources.
• Demonstrate sound judgment and accountability while independently leading complex projects and initiatives.

What You Bring (Required Skills)

• Bachelor's degree or MBA in Accounting, Finance, or a business-related field.
• CPA, CIA, or other relevant professional certification.
• 8-10 years of progressive experience in audit, accounting, finance, compliance, or operational disciplines.
• Demonstrated experience leading engagements and managing teams.
• Comprehensive understanding of GAAP, internal controls, and familiarity with the COSO framework.
• Proven ability to prioritize tasks, manage multiple projects concurrently, and adapt to changing information and deadlines.
• Strong business and financial acumen, with the ability to understand how actions impact overall enterprise profitability.
• Exceptional coaching and development skills, inspiring and guiding others toward their full potential.
• Excellent collaboration and communication skills, fostering open dialogue and shared goals across teams.
• A customer-focused mindset, dedicated to understanding and exceeding internal stakeholder expectations.
• An enterprise mindset, prioritizing organizational success and focusing on efforts that add significant value.
• Strong results orientation, with a drive to challenge the status quo and deliver outstanding business outcomes.
• Demonstrated steadiness and poise, capable of projecting credibility, handling conflict effectively, and maintaining focus during periods of change.

Bonus Points (Nice-to-Have Qualifications)

• Experience in public accounting or within the utility industry.
• Proficiency with SAP, IDEA, Tableau, and TeamMate+.