Director, Audit Services

APS • Phoenix, AZ

8d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Director of Audit Services is accountable to the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors and reports administratively to the Chief Financial Officer. The role provides independent, objective, risk-based assurance and consulting activities intended to add value and improve company operations. The Director develops and implements an overall strategy that helps the organization achieve its objectives through a systematic, disciplined approach to evaluating and improving governance, risk management, and control processes.

The Director leads the Audit Services department, develops its goals and audit plans, oversees a high-performing team, and coordinates risk-based audits and department metrics. The role also promotes industry benchmarking and the use of technology to improve audit quality and efficiency, and controls the department budget. The position is hybrid, with employees expected to work about 40% of their time in person at an APS or other non-home-office location. Employees are expected to reside in Arizona, or in New Mexico if based at Four Corners.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting or a related field.
• At least 10 years of diverse accounting or auditing experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• At least 5 years of leadership experience, with a proven ability to develop and manage high-performing teams.
• In-depth knowledge of the electric utility industry and associated business issues.
• Ability to remain independent and objective while partnering across the organization to add operational value.
• Sound judgment and discretion in handling confidential and sensitive matters, and ability to escalate difficult issues appropriately.
• Strong critical thinking and creativity, with sound decision-making based on accurate and timely analysis.
• Effective written communication and presentation skills, including the ability to engage with the Board and executives.
• Strong project management and process improvement focus.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Copilot, and Power BI.

Nice To Haves

• Master’s degree.
• CPA, CIA, or CISA certification.
• Experience with AutoAudit or similar software.

Responsibilities

• Plan, evaluate, and recommend strategies, programs, policies, and processes for Audit Services that align with the Company’s business objectives; set and manage long-term and annual department goals.
• Oversee the preparation of detailed audit plans and programs to ensure audits comprehensively assess the Company’s internal controls.
• Understand the Company’s risk profile, identify higher-level risks, and develop the annual audit plan in partnership with Enterprise Risk Management and the Executive Risk Committee.
• Oversee audits that may address financial information, anti-fraud, regulatory matters, utility operations, environmental, health and safety compliance, power dispatch, fuel procurement and hedging, information systems, customer experience, cybersecurity, Sarbanes-Oxley, and jointly owned facilities cost settlements.
• Select and develop a high-performing team through coaching, performance feedback, recognition, training, and developmental opportunities.
• Coordinate and administer an annual risk-based audit plan, develop and track department metrics, and report to the Audit Committee and management.
• Manage industry best-practice and technology trend monitoring, lead benchmarking efforts, and provide insights to executive leadership; coordinate with industry peers and external auditors.
• Lead the use of technology, including data analytics, automation, and artificial intelligence, to improve audit project quality and efficiency.
• Plan, implement, and control the department’s costs and budget, and initiate action when deviations occur.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director