Senior Internal Audit Manager

First Watch Restaurants, Inc.•Bradenton, FL

About The Position

The Senior Internal Audit Manager is a strategic leader within the Internal Audit function, responsible for overseeing the execution of the annual SOX audit plan and broader risk-based internal audit initiatives. This role provides critical insight into the company’s internal control environment and partners with executive leadership to drive continuous improvement and risk mitigation strategies. The Senior Manager will lead complex audits, manage relationships with external auditors, and play a key role in shaping the company’s governance, risk, and compliance framework.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field; CPA, CIA, or CISA certification strongly preferred.
7+ years of progressive experience in internal audit public accounting or a related field. Restaurant, hospitality or retail industry experience preferred
Comprehensive understanding of internal control frameworks (e.g. COSO), risk assessment, audit methodologies, PCAOB standards, and GAAP
Experience auditing IT general controls (ITGCs) and application controls
EPR system knowledge

Responsibilities

Lead the planning, execution and reporting of financial, operational and compliance audits across the organization.
Drive the development and ongoing refinement of a risk-based annual audit plan, ensuring alignment with the Company’s key risks and strategic priorities.
Develop and maintain a risk-based audit plan and ensure alignment with business priorities
Evaluate internal controls and identify opportunities for process improvement and risk mitigation
Prepare and deliver clear, compelling audit reports and presentations to senior leadership and stakeholders.
Monitor the implementation of audit recommendations and corrective actions
Build effective relationships with process owners and senior management to stay abreast of activities within the Company’s operations for consideration in risk assessment exercises and audit planning activities
Educate management and process owners by leading training sessions to demonstrate compliance requirements and share hot topics in SOX compliance
Collaborate with external auditors and regulatory bodies as needed
Provide guidance and mentorship to audit team members and support their professional development
Stay current on industry trends, regulatory changes, and best practices in internal auditing and adjust audit plans accordingly.
Drive cross-functional initiatives to strengthen internal controls, enhance operational efficiency, and support regulatory compliance
Champion the use of data analytics and automation to improve audit quality, efficiency, and insight generation
Partner with external auditors on SOX strategy and testing to optimize reliance and reduce duplication of efforts.
Lead or support investigations into suspected fraud or misconduct, coordinating with Legal and Compliance as needed.