Director Internal Audit

1100 Applied Industrial Technologies, Inc.•Cleveland, OH

About The Position

The Director of Internal Audit is a senior leader responsible for overseeing the planning, execution, and reporting of the company’s global internal audit activities. This role ensures the effectiveness of internal controls, risk management practices, and governance processes across the enterprise. The Director partners closely with executive leadership, business unit leaders, external auditors, and the Audit Committee to provide independent, objective assurance and advisory services that strengthen operational performance and safeguard shareholder value.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business, or related field.
10+ years of progressive internal audit, public accounting, or risk advisory experience.
Experience in a large, complex, multinational organization (Fortune 500 preferred).
Professional certification required: CPA, CIA, or equivalent.
Strong knowledge of SOX 404, PCAOB standards, and internal control frameworks (COSO).
Demonstrated ability to lead teams, manage complex projects, and influence senior stakeholders.
Exceptional communication skills, including executive‑level reporting and presentation.

Nice To Haves

Experience with data analytics, automation, and continuous monitoring tools.
Exposure to cybersecurity, ESG reporting, or digital transformation initiatives.
MBA or advanced degree.
Experience working directly with an Audit Committee.

Responsibilities

Lead the development of the annual risk‑based internal audit plan aligned to enterprise risks, strategic priorities, and regulatory requirements.
Continuously assess emerging risks, industry trends, and control environment changes to adjust audit priorities.
Ensure audit coverage supports SOX 404 compliance, cybersecurity, ESG reporting, and operational risk areas.
Direct end‑to-end audit engagements, including scoping, fieldwork, issue identification, and reporting.
Ensure audits are executed in accordance with IIA Standards and company methodology.
Review and approve audit reports, ensuring clarity, accuracy, and actionable recommendations.
Oversee follow‑up on remediation plans and validate closure of audit findings.
Lead, mentor, and develop a high‑performing global audit team.
Foster a culture of integrity, curiosity, accountability, and continuous improvement.
Manage external co‑sourcing partners and specialized audit resources as needed.
Serve as a trusted advisor to senior leadership on internal controls, risk mitigation, and process optimization.
Present audit results, risk insights, and control themes to the Audit Committee and executive leadership.
Build strong relationships across Finance, IT, Operations, Legal, Compliance, and HR to promote a strong control environment.
Oversee the company’s SOX 404 compliance program, including scoping, testing, deficiency evaluation, and reporting.
Coordinate with external auditors to ensure efficient reliance strategies and alignment on key control matters.
Drive enhancements to control design, documentation, and testing efficiency.
Provide insights on enterprise risk management, fraud risk, cybersecurity, data governance, and third‑party risk.
Support special investigations, whistleblower matters, and ad‑hoc executive requests.
Contribute to governance initiatives, policy development, and process improvement efforts.