Director of Internal Audit

Proskauer•New York, NY

1d•$250,000 - $350,000•Onsite

About The Position

The world’s leading organizations and global players choose Proskauer to represent them when they need it the most. With 800+ lawyers in key financial centers around the world, we are known for our pragmatic and business-savvy approach. Proskauer is the place to turn when a matter is complex, innovative, and game-changing. We work seamlessly across practices, industries and jurisdictions with asset managers, private equity and venture capital firms, Fortune 500 and FTSE companies, major sports leagues, entertainment industry legends and other industry- redefining companies. We are proud of our many achievements across a full spectrum of transactional and contentious practices. The Director of Internal Audit is responsible for the overall direction and leadership of the internal audit function for the Firm and is responsible for providing objective assurance and consulting services to support governance, risk management, internal controls and operational effectiveness. The Director of Internal Audit is responsible for planning and conducting operational, financial and compliance audits, reporting findings to senior leadership and the Risk Committee and helps the Firm improve controls while safeguarding assets. The Director of Internal Audit reports to the Risk Partner.

Requirements

12+ years of operational/financial internal audit experience
7+ years management experience
Professional designation such as CPA, CIA, CISA preferred
Extensive experience with internal audit methodology and applying concepts in audit delivery and execution
Solid understanding of internal control concepts with the ability to evaluate and determine adequacy of internal controls
Excellent leadership skills to inspire and motivate others to perform well.
Ability to provide performance feedback and encourage growth and development of staff.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the proven ability to present and explain complex and sensitive issues to diverse audiences, including Executive Management.
The ability to work effectively within a team, both locally and globally, share information, support colleagues and encourage participation
Proven ability to implement long-term enhancements across different areas of the Firm by leading and actively participating in working groups.
Ability to effectively establish and maintain working relationships with peers, senior leadership and all levels of the organization, with a positive and professional image.
This position will require physical presence in Proskauer’s offices on a regular basis (at least 3x per week, or more, if it becomes the policy of the Firm or as business needs require).

Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership: Maintain the vision, strategy and mission for the Internal Audit and Compliance functions in alignment with Firm goals and objectives.
Lead Internal Audit’s risk assessment and planning process to develop the audit plan and projects, ensure the plan is responsive and aligned with the risk profile of the Firm.
Implement the Firm’s Annual Audit Plan, ensuring adequate coverage of financial, operational, compliance, information technology and strategic risks, revise as needed.
Develop and manage a high-performing professional staff with sufficient knowledge, skills, and experience to execute audit, compliance, and risk management initiatives.
Provide leadership in risk management and internal control, supporting evaluation of controls, risk mitigation strategies, and adherence to Firm policies.
Oversight and Execution: Direct and manage audits and reviews from planning and execution, to reporting and follow-up.
Evaluate and provide assurance that control, risk management, compliance, and governance systems are functioning as intended.
Conduct periodic risk assessments, identify emerging risks, and update or adjust Internal Audit plan accordingly.
Review audit findings with auditees, assess root causes, risks, and business impact; make recommendations to improve the control environment and compliance posture.
Track audit observations to ensure they are implemented timely; escalate and report status to Leadership.
Coordinate with external auditors, as needed.
Governance and Reporting Proactively inform senior management of significant risks or audit observations related to internal control, compliance, etc. that require prompt attention.
Actively participate in executive management meetings or committees to ensure that Internal Audit is well informed of key business developments that could have an impact on audit priorities and plans.
Prepare high quality audit deliverables, including audit recommendations, compliance reports, risk dashboards, presentations, and status updates.
Regularly report to and distribute formal audit reports to Risk Partner and Leadership, as appropriate.
Provide recommendations for improving organizational operations, including risk-informed strategies for efficiency, streamlined processes, and recommendations for new policies and procedures.
Engage in continuous professional education and stay current with federal, state and local audit regulations and laws.
Participate in projects or investigations, as required or directed by management, such as system pre-implementations, internal investigations, etc.
Risk and Compliance : Maintain the risk management program, assisting management in addressing key risk exposures and regulatory obligations.
Manage the risk register, documenting risks, regulatory requirements, mitigation strategies, and follow up action plans.
Ensure timely completion of regulatory filings (e.g., Secretary of State, Local Bar and Partnership filings).
Manage Firm policy database, follow up with policy owners to ensure policies are updated timely.
Escalate policies that are not in compliance or updated timely.
Ensure Internal Audit is performing work in accordance with established professional standards and remain on top of emerging trends, risks and best practices.
Remain current with developments in internal auditing, risk management, compliance, and applicable regulatory requirements through continuous professional development, certifications, and participation in professional organizations.