Head of Internal Audit

About the position

Argo Group is a leader in specialty insurance with a vibrant culture built on respect, equality, wellness and opportunity. We're an innovative organization that's small enough to be agile and big enough to make a difference in our industry. Our collaborative workplace is continuously evolving to ensure all employees feel comfortable bringing their whole selves to work, confident that they will be treated respectfully, and recognized for their performance and provided with equal opportunities to succeed. Under the supervision of BWS's Senior Vice President of Internal Audit, the Argo Head of Audit will lead the delivery of audit, advisory, internal control over financial reporting (ICFR), and conduct & ethics services for Argo, working closely with Argo senior leadership and Brookfield Internal Audit. This is an in-office role based in New York City, Chicago, or Omaha. The Argo Head of Audit will report functionally to Argo's Audit Committee Chair and will be responsible for overseeing a team of professionals based in New York, Chicago, and San Antonio, as well as managing several outsourced service provider relationships.

Responsibilities

• Develop and lead the execution of the risk-based internal audit plan considering strategic, financial, operational and compliance objectives for the Company and BWS.
• Regularly evaluate and update the risk and control assessment, staying informed of new and emerging risks as well as key control issues, trends and developments.
• Organize and oversee audit planning, resource allocation, budgeting and engagement fieldwork.
• Review engagement files and reports, ensuring compliance with BWS Internal Audit's standards.
• Assess and periodically report on remediation of audit findings.
• Enhance the Argo internal audit function and support the build out of BWS's P&C audit function.
• Assess the existing resourcing model and determine if changes are required to carry out responsibilities effectively and efficiently.
• Strategically staff the function to ensure the right mix of skills to successfully execute the plans.
• Manage the audit team, focusing on training and development, performance assessments and offering growth opportunities.
• Build strong professional relationships with Argo senior leadership and provide value-add support.
• Present regular updates to the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors of Argo and contribute materials for the quarterly BWS Board and Audit Committee reports.
• Oversee the Company's Internal Controls over Financial Reporting (ICFR) Program to comply with relevant SEC and statutory filing requirements as well as BWS's Sarbanes-Oxley (SOX) Program.
• Plan and supervise management assurance, advisory and strategic projects to support the Company's growth plans and to help manage new and emerging risks.
• Plan, conduct and report on investigations of fraud allegations or violations of the Company's Code of Conduct.
• Coordinate assurance activities to provide integrated assurance by working with Risk Management, Compliance and other Second Line functions.
• Promote a culture of sound governance and effective controls across the organization.
• Offer innovative solutions to enhance the quality of the assurance programs and to support management with enhancing its control environment and risk mitigation strategies.

Requirements

• At least 12 years of experience; P&C insurance or other financial services experience is preferred.
• At least 7 years of experience directing audits, risk management or compliance programs and managing teams; experience reporting to Boards of Directors and Board subcommittees is desirable.
• Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, business or related field.
• Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) or other professional accounting designation is preferred.
• Certified Internal Auditor (CIA), Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) and Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE) designations are considered an asset.

Nice-to-haves

• Comprehensive knowledge of auditing practices, procedures and principles, sufficient to interpret and analyze complex concepts and apply these in innovative ways.
• Strong understanding of risk management frameworks and operating practices.
• Deep knowledge of and experience with ICFR, preferably including Sarbanes-Oxley (SOX) requirements, and familiarity with US GAAP.
• Experience with and understanding of information technology general controls and IT audit practices.
• Knowledge of the Global Internal Audit Standards.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to develop creative approaches and solutions necessary to pragmatically solve complex problems.
• Strong negotiating skills and ability to resolve conflicts to achieve objectives.
• Flexible working approach and ability to manage multiple stakeholders and meet deadlines.
• Self-motivated and proactive with a focus on continuous professional development.
• Strong leadership skills, including the desire and aptitude to build direct reports' skills and team culture.

Benefits

• A culture that recognizes performance and empowers employees to excel, offering competitive compensation and merit driven profit sharing.
• Workplace policies that support employee well-being include flex time and floating holidays.
• Comprehensive health, wellness, and financial planning options that employees can tailor to meet their personal and family needs.
• Dental, disability, life insurance, medical, and vision insurance.
• Matching 401(k) retirement savings.
• Generous paid time off (21 days of PTO, 11 paid company holidays, 3 floating holidays and a paid voluntary day).
• Paid caregiver and parental leave, paid bereavement, jury duty/court appearances, and military (up to 14 days) leave.
• Employee assistance program (EAP), and an array of voluntary benefits.
• Argo Academy, a digital and instructor-led platform that offers continuous learning and professional development.
• An inclusive culture that develops and sponsors diverse teams, encourages cross-functional engagement and collaboration.
• Active community outreach and volunteer programs.
• A generous Employee Referral program that results in approximately 25% of all new hires annually.