Lead Internal Auditor

Jackson National Life Insurance•Lansing, MI

About The Position

The Jackson Financial Inc. Internal Audit team is an independent assurance function that supports the Board, Executive Committee, Audit Committee, and Risk Committee in protecting the organization’s assets, reputation, and sustainability. It independently and objectively assesses and reports on the effectiveness of risk management, control, and governance processes across the organization, and challenges executive management to improve those processes. The team also challenges risk assessment and scoping, internal control testing, evaluation, and reporting in support of management’s Sarbanes-Oxley Section 404 and Model Audit Rule compliance programs. The Lead Internal Auditor leads audits of key business processes, controls, and systems related to Jackson’s products, distribution activities, regulatory compliance, human resources, broker-dealer and investment advisory operations, and other areas as needed. The role manages and executes audit activities, supports audit team members, works with business stakeholders to address findings and risks, and contributes to audit planning and SOX and MAR program activities. Domestic travel is approximately 10–20% of the time.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree, preferably in Accounting.
At least 4 years of related audit or internal controls experience, internal and/or external.
Strong leadership and demonstrated decision-making skills.
Excellent project management skills, including the ability to lead critical and complex projects to achieve goals and objectives and meet timelines.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
PC skills, including Microsoft Office, and familiarity with or ability to learn audit productivity software and eGRC packages.
Ability to be flexible and think creatively to find innovative solutions to complex problems and issues.
Excellent interpersonal and influencing skills to communicate and build relationships with all levels of associates, including executive management and the Internal Audit team.
Ability to appropriately handle sensitive and confidential information.
Strong team-player skills, including contributing to team effort, sharing responsibility for team results, and maintaining a positive attitude.
Willingness to travel domestically approximately 10–20% of the time.

Nice To Haves

Supervisory or leadership experience.
Internal or external audit experience in the insurance or financial services industry.
Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Certified Internal Auditor (CIA), or another recognized audit or accountancy qualification.
Other financial services industry licenses, such as Series 24.

Responsibilities

Manage and execute audit activities to evaluate the design and effectiveness of internal controls, and recommend changes as needed.
Provide guidance to Audit team members regarding technical concepts.
Execute and review audit work for assigned projects and other areas as needed.
Evaluate controls and document audit work in accordance with standards and methodology.
Consult with stakeholders on audit findings and advise when changes are necessary to improve control efficacy.
Collaborate with the team to ensure audit reports clearly communicate business risks and their root causes to business stakeholders.
Work with business stakeholders to develop relevant and practical action plans that mitigate identified risks.
Maintain strong communication and relationships with business stakeholders.
Monitor and review audit execution in alignment with audit methodology and professional standards and frameworks, including COSO, ISACA, and IIA.
Manage and execute observation assurance on open audit observations.
Assist with SOX and MAR Program activities as needed.
Support preparation of the annual audit plan.
Participate in steering committees, project boards, and other discussions as needed.
Monitor and track industry developments and trends.
Perform other duties and projects as assigned.