Senior Internal Auditor

We are currently seeking a Senior Internal Auditor to join our team.

The Senior Internal Auditor is accountable for leading assigned assurance and consulting engagements or executing assigned parts thereof as per the annual Audit Plan with the primary focus of evaluating and improving the effectiveness of First West’s (FW) risk management, control and governance processes. This role interacts directly with stakeholders at FW and provides a high level of professional service in line with the Institute of Internal Auditors’ “International Standards for the Professional Practice of Internal Auditing, the Definition of Internal Auditing, and the Code of Ethics” (“IIA Standards”).

We are open to filling this role across Canada, however, please note preference will be given to those that are located in BC due to the proximity of our office locations. To be considered for this role, when applying, you must be eligible to work in Canada.

Here’s what would be included as a part of your typical day

1. Audit Delivery: Leads assigned assurance and consulting engagements or executes assigned parts thereof.      Plans the objectives and scope for assigned assurance and consulting engagements using a risk-based approach or assists internal audit management in doing so. Designs and develops risk-based audit programs and related procedures for such areas to address the objectives or assists internal audit management in doing so. Completes files within time budgets and target dates, and/or reviews peer or junior staff’s files/work to ensure sufficient work was completed and evidence obtained to meet the objectives of the engagement. 
2. Reporting and Communication: Investigates audit observations to identify root causes of control deficiencies.      Writes concise, risk-focused reports with practical recommendations. Communicates with and engages stakeholders in a diplomatic and tactful manner, in discussions of audit observations, risks and recommendations. Ensures open communication with other members of the Internal Audit department, as well as other employees, members of management, risk, and other organizational partners, in the areas of risk management, governance, regulatory compliance, and internal policies/procedures.
3. Assistance and Guidance: Contributes to and assists internal audit management in the execution of the audit plan, and other department priorities and initiatives. Provides guidance, training, and functional advice to lesser experienced and junior Internal Audit team members in execution of their audit work and learning and professional development.  Provides advice to and performs value-add activities for management, without compromising independence and objectivity, on risk management, internal control and governance processes, and recommends process improvements to mitigate risk to First West.
4. Professional Standards: Ensures adherence to the IIA Standards and maintains a professional standard of conduct.      Maintains an understanding of departmental audit quality standards, policies and procedures, industry regulations, and relevant organizational policies and procedures, and imparts that understanding to staff and incorporating it into all assurance, consulting, and value-add activities.
5. Knowledge Management: Stays current with First West’s strategic priorities, governance and risk management processes, business operations, and risk environment, as well as changing regulations, and emerging risks.  Keeps abreast of relevant governance, risk management and/or internal control frameworks (e.g., COSO, ISO 31000, etc.), as well as leading industry or professional practices and trends.  Apply the knowledge, where applicable, while carrying out audit engagements or other relevant responsibilities.

Required Skills, Experience & Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration or equivalent required
• Accounting designation (CPA) or Audit designation (CIA) preferred or candidate is or is willing to work towards attaining. 
• 3-5 years of internal audit experience, or 5+ years of progressively senior experience in a relevant discipline where expertise may be needed such as operations, finance, risk management and compliance, or lending—preferably within the financial services industry — is required.
• Demonstrated written and verbal communication skills, interpersonal skills and the ability to build effective relationships with a range of stakeholders
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to process information, reach appropriate conclusions, and develop practical recommendations to improve the overall effectiveness and efficiency of the organization
• Ability to exercise strong and sound professional judgment
• Must be proficient with MS Office products, especially Word, Excel and Powerpoint. Experience with audit software applications, such as TeamMate, considered beneficial.
• Strong time management skills: demonstrated ability to juggle priorities and meet deadlines
• Internal Audit related skills (candidates with significant industry experience rather than internal audit experience may not possess these skills)
  • Demonstrated knowledge of internal controls, risk management and risk-based auditing concepts, techniques, practices, standards and frameworks (e.g., COSO, ISO 31000, etc.)
  • Solid knowledge of the IIA Standards, as well as internal audit processes and methodologies
  • Strong business acumen, ideally within the financial services context
• Displays an understanding of risk and risk ownership by being able to demonstrate adherence to policies and procedures.