Hybrid Head of Internal Audit bei American Equity

At American Equity we offer leading annuity products that help empower our clients to fulfill their needs and wants in retirement. Our success comes from hiring high-energy individuals who embody the beliefs that drive our unique culture. We currently fund over half a million retirements nationwide, and have been headquartered in West Des Moines, Iowa, for over twenty-five years with satellite offices in Charlotte, NC and New York, NY.

*Position will be based out of our West Des Moines office, working a hybrid onsite schedule*

GENERAL PURPOSE OF THE JOB:   

The Head of Internal Audit serves as the second-in-command within the Internal Audit function, supporting the Chief Audit Officer (CAO) in overseeing the company’s internal audit strategy, execution, and reporting.  This role plays a critical part in providing assurance to the Company’s stakeholders, ensuring regulatory compliance, and enhancing operational effectiveness, with a specific focus on the insurance industry’s unique risks and requirements.  The Head of Internal Audit leads and mentors a high-performing audit team, drives the annual audit plan, and acts as a trusted advisor to executive leadership and the Audit Committee.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:  

• Partners with the CAO to develop and execute the risk-based internal audit plan considering strategic, financial, operational and compliance objectives for the Company and BWS.
• Regularly evaluates and updates the risk and control assessment, staying informed of new and emerging risks as well as key control issues, trends and developments.
• Organizes and oversees audit planning, resource allocation, budgeting and engagement fieldwork.
• Reviews engagement files and reports, ensuring compliance with BWS Internal Audit’s standards.
• Assesses and periodically report on remediation of audit findings.
• Supports the CAO in planning and supervision of management assurance, advisory and strategic projects to support the Company’s significant growth plans and to help manage new and emerging risks.
• Coordinates assurance activities to provide integrated assurance by working with Risk Management, Compliance and other Second Line functions.
• Promotes a culture of sound governance and effective controls across the organization.
• Offers innovative solutions to enhance the quality of the assurance programs and to support management with enhancing its control environment and risk mitigation strategies.
• Is a keen student of the Company and stays on top of industry trends and developments.
• Leverages data analytics, process mining and other audit tools and technologies.
• Supports the CAO in maintaining the function’s readiness for external quality assessments and regulatory reviews.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Direct Reports:

Internal Audit contractors, Audit Managers and senior level personnel

General Description of Indirect Reports (2 and 3-downs): 

 Audit Analysts

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE:  

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance or related field of study; plus ten (10) years of insurance or other financial services industry and four (4) or more years of experience directing audits, risk management or compliance programs and managing teams; experience reporting to Boards and Board subcommittees is desirable.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, PROFESSIONAL DESIGNATIONS:

• Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) or similar professional accounting designation is strongly preferred
• Certified Internal Auditor (CIA), Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) and Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE) designations are considered an asset

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:   

• Comprehensive knowledge of auditing practices, procedures and principles, sufficient to interpret and analyze complex concepts and apply these in innovative ways
• Strong understanding of risk management frameworks and operating practices
• Deep knowledge of and experience with ICFR, including SOX and MAR requirements, and familiarity with US GAAP and US statutory accounting requirements
• Experience with and understanding of information technology general controls and IT audit practices
• Knowledge of the Global Internal Audit Standards
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to develop creative approaches and solutions necessary to pragmatically solve complex problems
• Strong negotiating skills and ability to resolve conflicts to achieve objectives
• Flexible working approach and able to manage multiple stakeholders and meet deadlines
• Self-motivated and proactive with a focus on continuous professional development
• Strong leadership skills, including the desire and aptitude to build direct reports’ skills and team culture

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This description covers the major purpose and essential functions of the job.  It is not intended to give all details or a step-by-step account of the way each task is to be performed.  Employees may receive other job related instructions and be required to perform other job related work requested by their manager.  All requirements are subject to possible modification to provide reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities.

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