Sr Auditor

Metra•Chicago, IL

11h

About The Position

The Senior Auditor reports to a member of the Internal Audit Department management team and performs financial, operational, strategic, and compliance audits, as well as advisory engagements. The role assesses controls and processes, identifies exceptions and non-compliance, conducts research and data analysis, and communicates findings and recommendations for improvement. The Senior Auditor leads audit activities, supports and guides staff auditors, and contributes to the development and improvement of the department’s audit plans, procedures, tools, and methodologies. The position also coordinates day-to-day team activities but is not a supervisor. Metra’s Audit Department reports to the Chief Audit Officer, who reports directly to Metra’s Board of Directors and the CEO. The department conducts operational, financial, and compliance audits and reviews money-handling to support transparency and proper conduct across the agency. The final salary depends on the candidate’s qualifications; candidates with at least eight years of required experience may expect offers up to the midpoint of the salary range. Metra is a railroad employer subject to the Railroad Retirement Tax Act, not the Social Security Administration.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Economics, Business or Public Administration, Computer Information Systems, or a related field.
At least five years of experience performing internal, financial, operational, or compliance audits, public accounting, corporate accounting, operational assessments, and/or compliance monitoring.
Working knowledge of accounting, business finance, internal auditing, and controls, such as GAAP, the International Standards for the Professional Practice of Internal Auditing and Code of Ethics, or GASB standards.
Working knowledge of the COSO internal controls framework and information technology controls.
Understanding of foundational analytics and quantitative analysis techniques applicable to audit engagements, such as outlier detection, trend analysis, and continuous monitoring.
Proficiency in Microsoft 365 (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Visio) or audit software used to access data, perform data manipulations and analytics, and develop project worksheets and reports.
Effective written and verbal communication, critical thinking, analytical, and presentation skills.
Interpersonal skills to interact with all levels of management, employees, external consultants, and organizations.
Strong financial and mathematical analysis skills and the ability to interpret facts and figures.
Critical-thinking and problem-solving skills, particularly for operational, financial, and compliance processes.
Organizational and time-management skills.
Ability to work effectively with moderate supervision and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
Ability to interpret audit procedures, techniques, and analytical materials.
Ability to work in a detail-oriented environment and carefully compile and examine documentation and information.
Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
Ability to exercise discretion, sound judgment, tact, and courtesy when handling sensitive and confidential information.
Ability to establish and maintain effective relationships within the department and with external stakeholders within the agency.
Ability to stand, walk, and/or sit for extended periods.

Nice To Haves

Experience conducting internal, financial, operational, or compliance audits.
Experience in public accounting or corporate accounting.
Familiarity with internal audit standards, including GAAP, GASB, and the International Standards for the Professional Practice of Internal Auditing and Code of Ethics.
Certified Internal Auditor (CIA).
Certified Public Accountant (CPA) license.

Responsibilities

Lead and execute operational, financial, strategic, and compliance audits to assess alignment with Metra policies, procedures, contracts, laws, regulations, and leading practices, and support effective governance.
Independently plan and perform audit procedures, assess key controls, analyze relevant data, and contribute to improvements in audit processes, templates, tools, and methodologies.
Communicate with the Internal Audit team and stakeholders throughout the audit lifecycle, including inquiries, walkthroughs, fieldwork discussions, and closing meetings; provide relevant information and escalate issues promptly.
Evaluate operational, financial, compliance, and other activities, and test and strengthen internal controls to determine whether they mitigate risks, prevent non-compliance, or prevent or detect errors, fraud, or misstatements.
Identify relevant data sources, obtain and clean data, analyze risks, trends, and control effectiveness, and communicate analytic findings through visualizations, examples, models, or narratives that inform audit conclusions.
Prepare comprehensive work papers documenting audit testing, evidence, conclusions, and compliance with internal audit methodology.
Present findings and recommendations to management, drive corrective actions, and conduct follow-up reviews to confirm issue resolution.
Lead and support staff auditors by providing direction, technical assistance, and guidance; support their professional development and review work papers for completeness, accuracy, and relevance.
Participate in developing long- and short-term audit plans, department manuals, and procedures aligned with applicable standards.
Maintain objectivity and independence in accordance with internal audit policies, applicable audit standards, and organizational ethical guidelines.
Coordinate the team’s day-to-day activities, assign tasks and projects, monitor performance, and provide guidance and training; this role is not a supervisor.
Promote safe work practices and maintain and foster a safe work environment.
Perform other related duties as assigned to meet the ongoing needs of the organization.