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Desert Financial Credit Union · 1 day ago

Director of Audit

Phoenix, AZ

Full-time

Onsite

Senior Level, Lead/Staff

8+ years exp

Desert Financial Credit Union is seeking a Director of Audit to lead and evolve their audit function into a strategic enabler of enterprise risk management and operational excellence. The role involves overseeing internal and external audits, aligning audit priorities with strategic initiatives, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement and innovation within the organization.

BankingFinance

Responsibilities

Partner with Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) and executive leadership to align audit priorities with strategic initiatives, risk appetite statements and regulatory milestones

Lead strategic planning sessions with external audit partners and internal leadership to ensure audit engagements reflect organizational goals, risk profile, business priorities and regulatory expectations

Develop and maintain a multi-year, risk-based internal audit plan, leveraging enterprise risk assessments, business unit input and evolving regulatory/regime changes

Continuously evaluate emerging risks (e.g., technology, cyber, third-party vendor, business model changes) and drive adjustments to the audit plan accordingly

Oversee all internal, external, regulatory and special audits to ensure integration with ERM, compliance frameworks, business objectives and control environment

Drive continuous improvement of audit methodologies, audit lifecycle (pre-audit planning/kick-off, fieldwork, reporting, follow-up), and use of analytics, technology and automation in audit processes

Manage the audit budget, resource allocation, external audit partner/vendor relationships, and ensure the audit team and external providers deliver efficiently and effectively

Monitor audit quality (scope coverage, issue severity, timeliness, stakeholder feedback), and report on audit function performance metrics

Establish and nurture direct communication channels between the audit team, LOB leaders, ERM, compliance, finance, operations and other stakeholders to promote transparency, responsiveness and sound business partnership

Present audit findings, strategic insights and recommendations to the Supervisory Committee, Board of Directors, senior leadership and relevant committees; ensure messaging is clear, prioritized and actionable

Serve as the primary liaison for audit-related matters with external auditors, regulators/examiners, and other third-party assurance providers

Lead strategic audits (including control environment reviews, business process risk reviews, emerging risk horizon scanning) and embed audit insights into enterprise decision-making, business strategy, and operational planning

Evaluate control designs and business processes; advise lines of business and support functions on control enhancements, process improvements, best practices, and innovation opportunities

Facilitate audit training, risk awareness, and control-culture programs across the organization to elevate risk intelligence and proactive mitigation mindset

Mentor business unit partners, external audit providers and foster a consultative mindset, business-partner orientation and strategic thinking across the audit function

Promote a culture of ethics, continuous learning, innovation, and strong control consciousness throughout the organization

Lead change management efforts related to audit function transformation (process redesign, technology adoption, business partnering model)

Champion initiatives that build organizational capacity for growth, including scalable audit processes, talent development, and adoption of emerging technologies

Lead transformation projects that prepare the organization for expansion, mergers, new business lines, or regulatory changes

Ensure audit activities and function comply with professional standards (e.g., The Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA) Global Standards, regulatory frameworks applicable to credit unions) and maintain audit charter, policies and procedures accordingly

Oversee management’s implementation of audit recommendations, track issue closure, measure impact and ensure that control-enhancement initiatives are embedded and sustained

Support preparation of required reports for regulators, examiners and audit committees, and ensure readiness for regulatory examinations and asset-threshold milestones

Perform other job-related duties as assigned

Qualification

Internal audit standardsERM integrationAudit process managementLeadership experienceAudit analyticsProcess improvementAudit technologyChange managementConsultative mindsetStrategic foresightHigh ethicsVendor managementVisionary thinkingCommunicationIntegrity

Required

8 years of experience in internal audit, external audit or audit process management, preferably within a financial services, regulated or asset-based institution

5+ years of leadership experience

Deep understanding of internal audit standards (e.g., IIA Global Standards), ERM integration, regulatory audit frameworks, internal controls and risk assurance

Instill a growth mindset and strategic orientation throughout the audit team and audit partnership, encouraging proactive learning, experimentation, and cross-functional collaboration to drive enterprise value

Proven ability to lead cross-functional initiatives, influence senior stakeholders (executive leadership, Board/Supervisory Committee), and drive change

Strong consultative and strategic mindset, with ability to operate as a business partner rather than just a control reviewer

Excellent oral and written communication skills, facilitation and presentation skills, with experience presenting to senior leadership, audit committees or boards

Strategic foresight, leadership fluidity, resource prioritization, vendor/partner management, change management, innovation and visionary thinking

Demonstrated experience with audit analytics, process improvement, audit technology, and mature audit functions

High degree of ethics, integrity, and professionalism