AVP, Internal Audit – Professional Practices

Nationwide Mutual Insurance•Columbus, OH

1d•Onsite

About The Position

As a team member in Internal Audit at Nationwide, a Fortune 100 company with nearly $70 billion in annual sales, the opportunities are endless! Let Nationwide help create your career journey! At Nationwide®, “on your side” goes beyond just words. Our customers are at the center of everything we do and we’re looking for associates who are passionate about delivering extraordinary care. With the ever evolving and increasing levels of internal auditing requirements, as well as heightened operational, financial, strategic and technology risks inherent in a Fortune 100 protection organization, Nationwide prioritizes internal audit as a critical component of our business strategy, governance and success. If you have the desire to develop and lead internal audit practices that drive business outcomes and deliver outstanding solutions and results, we want to know more about you! As the AVP, Internal Audit – Professional Practice, you will lead IA’s Professional Practices function and be responsible for strategy and operations, methodology, quality assurance, training, and Audit Committee reporting. We’ll count on you to advance Internal Audit’s operating model, professional standards, and continuous improvement into a center of excellence focus. You’ll partner closely with AVP and Senior Director peers to ensure consistency, effectiveness and efficiency across IA’s assurance and advisory activities. You will accomplish this by leveraging the use of cutting-edge technologies, such as AI, process intelligence and advanced analytics.

Requirements

Bachelor’ degree in Accounting, Finance, Business, Business Risk Management, or related field; advanced degree (e.g., MBA or relevant master’s) preferred.
Professional certifications such as CIA, CPA, CISA, CFE, PMP, or similar strongly preferred.
Typically, 10 or more years of progressive experience in internal audit or closely related risk and control disciplines, with meaningful exposure to audit methodology, quality assurance and/or audit operations., ideally within insurance or financial services.
Proven expertise in audit methodology, governance frameworks, and regulatory compliance, including alignment with IIA Standards.
Proven capability to lead quality assurance programs, conduct self-assessments, and prepare for external quality reviews while driving adherence and continuous improvement.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including preparing executive-level reporting and materials for Audit Committees and Boards, with the ability to synthesize complex information into clear insights and emerging risk themes.
Skilled in designing and governing risk partner reliance frameworks, including establishing methodologies and documentation standards.
Experience designing and implementing enterprise-wide learning and development strategies, fostering knowledge sharing and capability building across teams.
Strong leadership capabilities.
Other criteria, including leadership skills, competencies and experiences may take precedence.
Staffing exceptions to the above must be approved by the hiring manager’s leader and Human Resource Business Partner.
Regularly and consistently demonstrates Nationwide Values.

Nice To Haves

advanced degree (e.g., MBA or relevant master’s) preferred
Professional certifications such as CIA, CPA, CISA, CFE, PMP, or similar strongly preferred
ideally within insurance or financial services

Responsibilities

Develops and maintains IA’s strategic plan, operating model and performance management approach.
Coordinates annual planning, budgeting, resource and sourcing strategies and internal initiatives.
Owns IA’s audit methodology, policies, procedures and templates in accordance with IIA Standards and regulatory expectations.
Oversees the Internal Quality Assurance Program, periodic self‑assessments and preparation for External Quality Assurance Reviews (EQARs).
Monitors adherence to methodology and drives corrective actions.
Coordinates Audit Committee and Board reporting for Internal Audit, including materials on plan status, key themes, emerging risks, issue trends and quality program updates.
Supports SVP, Internal Audit executive in preparing for committee meetings and executive sessions.
Oversees the design and execution of IA’s risk partner reliance program, in partnership with AVP and Senior Director peers.
Establishes methodologies, documentation standards and governance for reliance on first- and second‑line work.
Partners with Digital Auditing Insights and Technology Audit & Advisory to embed digital capabilities (analytics, process mining, AI, workflow tools) into IA methodology and operations.
Helps evaluate and implement IA tools and platforms.
Designs and coordinates IA’s training strategy, including technical, business, data and leadership development.
Promotes knowledge sharing across IA through communities of practice, playbooks and reusable assets.
Serves as a key advisor and integrator for the SVP, Internal Audit, helping coordinate leadership team activities, strategic initiatives, communications and engagement efforts.
Leads and develops a team of technology auditors with diverse backgrounds providing guidance, mentorship, and performance management.
Fosters a culture of collaboration, continuous improvement, and accountability within the Internal Audit function.
May perform other responsibilities as assigned.

Benefits

medical/dental/vision
life insurance
short and long term disability coverage
paid time off with newly hired associates receiving a minimum of 18 days paid time off each full calendar year pro-rated quarterly based on hire date
nine paid holidays
8 hours of Lifetime paid time off
8 hours of Unity Day paid time off
401(k) with company match
company-paid pension plan
business casual attire