Vice President, Internal Audit

Ares Operations•Los Angeles, NY

About The Position

As the third line of defense, Internal Audit’s mission is to independently assess the firm’s overall control environment, including the firm’s governance processes and controls, and risk management and global Sarbanes-Oxley (SOX) 404 compliance activities. Communicates and reports on the effectiveness of the firm’s governance, risk management and controls that mitigate current and evolving risk. Raise awareness of control risk. Oversee business process testing globally, while serving as the key liaison between the business and external auditors Monitors management’s implementation of control measures. The SOX Program Lead is accountable for the effective and efficient SOX program that ensures compliance with SOX requirements for Ares Management globally, including registered and public funds.

Requirements

Subject matter expertise in auditing, compliance, and risk management concepts (e.g., risk assessment/prioritization, process & internal controls, root cause analysis)
Understanding of the operation of financial markets, financial instruments and strategies.
10 years of internal audit experience in the Financial Services Industry, focused on SOX and Internal Control.
Strong managerial skills, written and verbal communication skills, analytical, problem-solving, organizational, and interpersonal skills
Enthusiastic/ self-motivated/ strong interest in learning/ effective under pressure and willing to take personal responsibility/accountability.

Nice To Haves

Related certifications (CPA, CA, CIA or similar) preferred.

Responsibilities

Support and supervise the execution of SOX 404
Optimize the SOX program globally.
Assess global control requirements across jurisdictions and businesses to drive a common control approach
Ensure effective compliance with SOX regulation.
Lead annual planning: financial statement risk assessment and control scoping
Conduct design walkthroughs, oversee operating effectiveness testing, identification and remediation of deficiencies, and quarterly management certifications
Advise business in the development and maintenance of control documentation and issue remediation
Provide timely and effective communication with key stakeholders, including internal stakeholders, external auditors, and audit committee(s)
Promote a risk aware culture by providing training on SOX and internal control topics to the business quarterly
Provide ongoing improvement to the SOX program based on design and operating effectiveness assessments performed.
Advise on process improvements and monitor the implementation
Assess new controls based on merger activity and incorporate into SOX program, as required.
Consider materiality, consolidation, control effectiveness assessment, and entity level procedures
Design and implement control rationalization activities as the SOX program grows with the business, including ongoing alignment to the COSO Internal Control Integrated Framework
Design and implement a standardized process for control deficiency assessment and management action plan oversight
Lead the delivery of Service Organization Controls (SOC 1) assessments globally
Coordinate between external auditors and the business for any attestation-based reporting that Ares Management may elect to perform (e.g., SOC 1, SOC 2) for the benefit of Limited Partners or external parties
Leverage and advocate for the use of technology across the function with particular emphasis on data analytics. Partner with business and technology to develop use cases and integrate automation in control testing
Identify and communicate existing and emerging business risks and significant issues in a timely and proactive manner.
Exhibit strong organization and follow up skills.
Follow instructions accurately and efficiently and proactively.
Maintains all organizational and professional ethical standards.
Conducts quarterly risk and fraud assessments based on input from management, external auditors, and external factors for the development of quarterly audit plans.
Pursues professional development opportunities, including external and internal training and professional association memberships.
Maintains independence and objectivity.
Maintain an in-depth understanding of business areas and supporting functions.