Audit Director, IT & Digital

AstraZeneca•New Haven, CT

12d•$151,767 - $227,651•Hybrid

About The Position

Group Internal Audit (GIA) is a forward-looking, insight-driven assurance function that provides AstraZeneca’s senior leaders with independent assurance and insights to navigate risks and achieve strategic objectives. The Audit Director, IT & Digital reports to the Head of Audit, IT & Digital and helps plan, manage, execute, and oversee the annual audit plan. The role takes a systematic, risk-focused, and balanced approach to evaluating and improving processes, internal controls, risk management, and governance, while delivering value to technology and business stakeholders. The position leads and supports IT and digital audit work from planning through fieldwork and reporting, producing practical, impactful insights and clear reports for non-technical executive audiences. It also involves verifying timely implementation of recommendations, building stakeholder relationships, keeping up with industry trends, coaching team members, supporting the wider GIA strategy, and promoting innovation through AI and data-driven audit techniques. The role is based in New Haven, Connecticut, with hybrid working averaging three days per week in the office and potential travel of up to 10% of working days.

Requirements

Bachelor of Science degree.
At least eight years of experience in Information Technology or IT auditing.
Relevant audit and/or consulting experience with a Big Four accounting firm, consulting firm, and/or an Internal Audit department of a large global organisation.
Experience auditing or working closely with cybersecurity, cloud computing, digital transformation, data governance, artificial intelligence, and other emerging technologies.
Excellent project management skills, including the ability to manage teams and stakeholders across geographies.
Excellent written and oral communication skills and the ability to build effective, long-standing partnerships across the organisation at all levels, particularly with functional peers.
Ability to explain complex technical concepts in accessible terms to non-technical executives.
Highly motivated, with curiosity to learn.
Experience using artificial intelligence, data-driven auditing, and/or visualisation techniques to generate impactful insights.
Ability to travel, potentially up to 10% of working days.

Nice To Haves

Relevant life sciences or biopharmaceutical industry experience.
Experience leading multiple complex audits in a matrixed organisation across geographical locations.
Understanding of IT control frameworks and internal audit industry guidance, such as NIST, ISO, COBIT, ITIL, IIA, and COSO.
A degree in management information systems, business, computer science, or a related engineering field.
Professional certifications such as CISA, CISM, CISSP, CIA, CPA, and/or other technical accreditations.

Responsibilities

Collaborate with the Head of Audit, IT & Digital and peer Audit Directors to develop and deliver the IT & Digital audit plan in coordination with the overall GIA plan.
Plan, manage, execute, and provide oversight over audit engagements, including planning, fieldwork, and reporting.
Deliver value-added, practical insights and observations that support the long-term growth of the organisation.
Ensure written reports are clear, insightful, and understandable to non-technical executive audiences.
Verify that recommendations are implemented in a timely manner.
Maintain dialogue with IT audit and cybersecurity colleagues in professional associations to stay informed about industry trends and best practices.
Develop and maintain stakeholder relationships by providing thought leadership on emerging risks.
Support the development and coaching of team members.
Lead initiatives that advance the wider Group Internal Audit strategy.
Promote innovation, including the use of AI and data-driven techniques in audit activities.