Head of Internal Audit

Walker & Dunlop•Bethesda, MD

1d•$240,000 - $270,000•Hybrid

About The Position

The mission of Walker and Dunlop’s Internal Audit (“IA”) department is to protect and enhance organizational value by providing our stakeholders with risk‐based, independent, objective, and reliable assurance, advice, and insight designed to mitigate risk, add value, and improve W&D’s operations. IA acts as a valuable business partner to senior management and the Audit and Risk Committee of the Board of Directors by providing assurance, information, analyses, and advice to assist Senior Management in fulfilling its responsibilities to ensure operations are managed ethically, effectively, and efficiently within an environment of strong internal controls.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree required, preferably in Accounting, Finance, or a related field.
12+ years of progressive experience in finance, accounting, audit, or a related discipline.
7+ years of management experience required, including demonstrated experience leading teams and audit functions.
Strong financial, analytical, operational, accounting, and internal audit expertise.
Excellent business judgment, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.
Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to communicate effectively with senior management, the Board, regulators, external auditors, and other stakeholders.
Strong relationship-building and stakeholder management skills.
Excellent time management and organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities effectively.
Detail-oriented with a demonstrated commitment to accuracy, quality, and sound professional judgment.
Flexible and collaborative leader with the ability to operate effectively in a changing business and regulatory environment.
Strong proficiency in Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint.
Demonstrated initiative and ownership, with the ability to identify opportunities to strengthen processes, controls, and audit practices.
Demonstrated people leadership skills, including coaching, mentoring, development, performance management, and delegation.

Nice To Haves

5+ years of Big Four public accounting experience preferred.
Financial services industry experience preferred.
Certified Public Accountant (CPA) or Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) designation preferred.
Experience in public accounting and/or within a regulated financial services environment preferred.

Responsibilities

Develop and oversee a comprehensive, risk-based Internal Audit program designed to provide independent assurance regarding the effectiveness of the Company’s governance, risk management, internal controls, and compliance with applicable regulatory requirements.
Manage and perform financial, operational, and compliance audits in accordance with the internal audit program approved by the Audit and Risk Committee.
Lead the Company’s Sarbanes-Oxley (SOX) compliance testing program, including planning, scoping, testing, deficiency evaluation, and reporting.
Manage the performance and development of Internal Audit staff and co-sourced resources, as applicable.
Negotiate annual internal audit engagements with co-sourced or outsourced providers, as applicable, based on the approved scope of work.
Coordinate Internal Audit activities with applicable regulatory agencies and examiners to effectively utilize internal and co-sourced resources and achieve established objectives.
Coordinate with and support the activities of the Company’s external audit firm.
Support the Audit and Risk Committee in fulfilling its oversight responsibilities, including presenting the annual Internal Audit scope and plan for approval, providing quarterly updates on the status and results of the Internal Audit program, and discussing audit findings and other matters as needed.
Review Company practices, processes, and records to assess adherence to established internal policies and procedures.
Develop recommendations to strengthen internal controls, improve operating efficiency, and enhance the adequacy and reliability of Company records and recordkeeping practices.
Communicate audit findings and recommendations to appropriate management based on scheduled and non-scheduled audits and escalate matters requiring timely management attention.
Conduct follow-up reviews to assess remediation of financial, operational, internal control, or regulatory compliance deficiencies identified through audits.
Investigate potential irregularities or other matters at the request of Senior Management or the Audit and Risk Committee, or as otherwise identified through Internal Audit activities.
Serve as an active participant on the Company’s Risk Committee, Fraud Risk and Response Committee, and other committees as appropriate.
Perform other duties as assigned, including duties consistent with the goals, objectives, and responsibilities of the Internal Audit function and as approved by the Audit and Risk Committee.

Benefits

Up to 83% subsidized medical payroll deductions
Competitive dental and vision benefits
401(k) + match
Pre-tax transit and commuting benefits
A robust health and wellness program – earn cash rewards and gain access to resources that promote health, engagement, and balance
Paid maternity and parental leave, as well as other family paid leave programs
Company-paid life, short and long-term disability insurance
Health Savings Account and Healthcare and Dependent Care Flexible Spending
Career development opportunities
Empowerment and encouragement to give back – volunteer hours and donation matching