VP, Internal Audit

F5, Inc•Seattle, WA

43d

About The Position

At F5, we strive to bring a better digital world to life. Our teams empower organizations across the globe to create, secure, and run applications that enhance how we experience our evolving digital world. We are passionate about cybersecurity, from protecting consumers from fraud to enabling companies to focus on innovation. Everything we do centers around people. That means we obsess over how to make the lives of our customers, and their customers, better. And it means we prioritize a diverse F5 community where each individual can thrive. We are seeking an innovative VP of Internal Audit to build and lead a world-class internal audit function at F5! The ideal candidate currently operates as Head of Internal Audit at a public company and brings extensive experience leading / developing the internal audit function and overseeing operationally focused internal audit programs that go beyond SOX-encompassing enterprise risk, operational, and technology-focused auditing. The VP of Internal Audit should have expertise in technology risks, cybersecurity, and the SaaS landscape, using their knowledge to elevate F5's risk management, audit innovation, and business partnership. They will design, implement, and execute a dynamic, forward-looking audit framework that anticipates evolving risks, delivers actionable insights, and supports operational excellence across the company. The VP of Internal Audit will serve as a trusted advisor to the Audit Committee, executive leadership, and cross-functional partners-providing independent, objective assurance and strategic recommendations. This is a highly visible leadership role, requiring exceptional executive presence, clear and persuasive communication, and a proven ability to demonstrate Internal Audit's value to the business. If you are a results-oriented leader driven to innovate, inspire, and foster a culture of transparency and accountability, we invite you to shape the future of Internal Audit at F5.

Requirements

At least 15 years of experience in internal auditing or a similar assurance function.
Minimum of 5 years in executive or senior leadership roles, preferably within internal audit or equivalent, ideally has public or pre-IPO company experience.
Demonstrated experience with internal audit in complex technology, security, SaaS, or high-growth environments.
Mastery of SOX (Sarbanes-Oxley) compliance, including designing, implementing, and testing internal controls, as well as addressing deficiencies.
Deep understanding/ experience with technology-focused internal audit areas.
Deep understanding of risk management, governance, and internal controls frameworks.
Skilled in leveraging data analytics, auditing technologies, and automation tools to drive audit efficiency and insights.
Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, business administration, or a related discipline.
Professional certifications such as CPA, CIA, or CISA (highly preferred).
Proven track record building, leading, and developing high-performing and diverse internal audit teams.
Exceptionally strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present complex audit findings to Audit Committees and executive leadership.
Experience as a trusted advisor who can balance independence with business partnership.

Nice To Haves

SaaS or Technology Sector Experience: Hands-on internal audit experience within SaaS, pre-IPO, or tech-driven companies.
Advanced Degree: Master's degree in business administration, accounting, or a closely related field.
Change Management: Success driving significant process improvements, enterprise transformation, or operational scaling initiatives.
Stakeholder Management: Ability to build strong cross-functional relationships, including with Finance, IT, Legal, and external auditors.
Strategic Vision and Tactical Execution: Ability to set a forward-looking audit strategy while ensuring effective day-to-day execution.
Customer-Centric Mindset: Deliver audit insights that align with key business priorities and operational improvement.
Commitment to Integrity: Promote a culture of accountability, transparency, and continuous learning.
Impact at Scale: Shape F5's internal control practices to meet the demands of a fast-evolving and growing technology company.
Visibility & Accountability: Gain exposure to high-level strategic decision-makers, including the Audit Committee and senior executives.
Culture of Excellence: Work in an environment that prioritizes learning, collaboration, and a deep commitment to integrity.
Global Collaboration: Influence teams and organizational processes on a global scale.

Responsibilities

Build a High-Impact Audit Program: Lead the development of F5's internal audit function to ensure a scalable, effective program that meets the needs of a growing global technology and security company. Develop strategic and operational audit plans to deliver best-in-class independent assurance.
Design and execute the annual internal audit plan approved by the audit committee, aligned to F5's enterprise risk framework
Perform Independent and Value-Driven Audits: Plan and execute audit engagements across the organization, providing actionable recommendations to enhance internal controls and business processes.
Strengthen Internal Control Systems: Ensure the design and execution of effective internal controls over financial reporting, including SOX compliance, in partnership with Finance, IT, and other operational teams.
Develop talent within the IA function: Build/ execute on a talent development plan that helps the IA function grow their skillset to meet IA's needs
Collaborate with the Audit Committee, executive leadership, and external auditors to ensure continuous improvement in risk management and controls.
Continuously update audit practices in response to technology changes, regulatory shifts, and global best practices.
Own End-to-End SOX Compliance: Oversee F5's SOX 404 compliance program, coordinating with external auditors, documenting key controls, and carrying out testing and remediation efforts as required.
Drive Efficiency in Compliance: Continuously evaluate and refine SOX compliance processes to minimize inefficiencies and ensure alignment with evolving organizational needs.
Promote Operational Efficiency: Identify and execute opportunities to improve operational workflows and internal controls. Partner with business teams to provide insights that enable streamlined processes, better automation, and improved accountability.
Leverage Technology: Implement and optimize audit tools, data analytics, and automation technologies to enhance audit efficiencies and provide data-driven business insights.
Work Closely with Key Stakeholders: Partner with leaders across Risk Governance, Finance, Security, IT, Product, Legal, and other business areas to create alignment on audit findings and drive meaningful improvements. Act as a trusted advisor without compromising the independence of the audit function.
Communicate with Transparency: Provide clear and impactful reports to the executive team,, Audit Committee, and Risk Committee, highlighting audit findings, progress updates, and opportunities for improvement.
Build and Inspire a Stellar Team: Recruit, lead, and mentor an internal audit team that operates with integrity and delivers value to the business. Create an environment of accountability, curiosity, and excellence.
Enhance Talent Development: Provide ongoing professional development opportunities and resources to ensure the internal audit team continues to grow and meet evolving organizational needs.
Work with External Audit Partners: Manage relationships with external auditors and co-sourced partners to enhance audit scope and scalability during busy periods.