principal, Internal Audit

Starbucks•Seattle, WA

9d•Onsite

About The Position

The principal, Internal Audit plays a key leadership role in strengthening the organization’s control environment, risk management practices, and governance processes. This role leads the execution of the internal audit plan, delivers high-quality assurance and advisory services, and partners with stakeholders to identify and mitigate risks while improving business performance. The principal operates as both a strategic leader and hands-on audit professional, influencing change and driving continuous improvement across the audit function.

Requirements

8+ years of progressive experience in internal audit, external audit, risk management, or a related discipline.
Experience leading complex audits and managing multiple priorities.
Strong knowledge of SOX/internal controls, risk assessment, and audit methodologies.
Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business, Information Systems, or a related field.
Professional certification(s): CIA, CPA, CISA, CFE or equivalent.
Strategic thinking with strong execution capability
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
Excellent communication and stakeholder influence
Ability to manage multiple priorities and drive results
High degree of integrity, objectivity, and professional skepticism

Nice To Haves

Experience in a complex, global, or publicly traded organization.
Experience with data analytics, automation, and continuous auditing techniques.
Exposure to SOX compliance, IT audit, or operational audits.

Responsibilities

Lead end-to-end execution of complex internal audit engagements (financial, operational, compliance, IT, Sarbanes Oxley (SOX), or integrated audits), including planning, fieldwork, and reporting.
Ensure audits are completed on time, within scope, and aligned to professional standards (e.g., IIA Standards).
Review and approve audit workpapers, findings, and final reports for quality, accuracy, and clarity.
Identify control gaps, root causes, and actionable recommendations to strengthen the control environment.
Support development and execution of a risk-based internal audit plan aligned to enterprise priorities.
Conduct risk assessments to identify key focus areas and emerging risks.
Adjust audit coverage in response to changes in business strategy, systems, or regulatory requirements.
Set clear expectations, provide ongoing feedback, and ensure high-quality deliverables.
Foster a culture of accountability and continuous improvement.
Manage resource allocation across multiple concurrent audit engagements.
Build strong relationships with senior management, business leaders, and cross-functional partners.
Serve as a trusted advisor by providing insights on risk, controls, and process improvements.
Communicate audit results and risk implications clearly and persuasively.
Partner with external auditors and regulators as needed.
Drive improvements in audit methodology, tools, and processes.
Leverage data analytics, automation, and technology to enhance audit effectiveness and efficiency.
Identify opportunities for continuous monitoring and more proactive, insight-driven auditing.
Ensure audit activities align with internal policies, standards, and regulatory requirements.
Monitor management action plans and validate remediation of audit findings.
Support Audit Committee reporting, as applicable.

Benefits

medical, dental, vision, basic and supplemental life insurance, and other voluntary insurance benefits.
short-term and long-term disability
paid parental leave
family expansion reimbursement
paid vacation from date of hire
sick time (accrued at 1 hour for every 25 hours worked)
eight paid holidays
two personal days per year
401(k) retirement plan with employer match
discounted company stock program (S.I.P.)
Starbucks equity program (Bean Stock)
incentivized emergency savings
financial well-being tools
100%25 upfront tuition coverage for a first-time bachelor’s degree through Arizona State University’s online program via the Starbucks College Achievement Plan
student loan management resources
access to other educational opportunities
backup care
DACA reimbursement