Associate Manager, Internal Audit

Company Description

CREATIVITY IS OUR SUPERPOWER. It’s our heritage and it’s also our future. Because we don’t just make toys. We create innovative products and experiences that inspire fans, entertain audiences and develop children through play. Mattel is at its best when every member of our team feels respected, included, and heard—when everyone can show up as themselves and do their best work every day. We value and share an infinite range of ideas and voices that evolve and broaden our perspectives with a reach that extends into all our brands, partners, and suppliers.

Job Description

The Opportunity: 

The Associate Audit Manager will play a key role in executing and continuously enhancing Mattel’s SOX compliance program while also contributing meaningfully to the Company’s operational audit plan. Reporting to the Senior Manager, Internal Audit, this role offers broad exposure across Mattel’s global business and requires regular interaction with stakeholders across IT, Finance, Legal, HR, Operations, Sales, Marketing, Brands, and Manufacturing, as well as close coordination with external auditors and advisors.

This individual will assist with the end-to-end SOX program, including risk assessment, control design evaluation, testing, issue identification, and remediation support, while also participating in operational audits that assess the effectiveness of business processes, internal controls, and risk management practices. The role requires a strong foundational understanding of SOX and internal controls, along with the ability to clearly articulate control concepts, deficiencies, and remediation strategies to stakeholders at all levels of management.

What Your Impact Will Be: 

• Support the execution of Mattel’s SOX compliance program, including planning, walkthroughs, testing, evaluation of control design and operating effectiveness, and remediation follow-up.
• Apply a strong understanding of SOX requirements, internal control frameworks, and risk assessment principles to identify control gaps, assess risks, and recommend practical, business-focused solutions.
• Participate in end-to-end operational audit engagements, from planning and risk assessment through execution, issue validation, reporting, and follow-up.
• Effectively communicate SOX control concepts, audit findings, and remediation expectations to process owners and management at all levels, including senior leadership.
• Coordinate audit activities with external auditors to maximize efficiency, leverage work performed, and minimize disruption to the business.
• Maintain high professional and ethical standards in accordance with Mattel’s Internal Audit Charter and the Institute of Internal Auditors’ (IIA) International Professional Practices Framework (IPPF).
• Support special audits, investigations, and management-requested projects as assigned.
• Contribute to the adoption of technology and digital audit tools to enhance continuous monitoring, risk assessment, and audit efficiency.
• Stay current on evolving auditing standards, SOX and regulatory requirements, IT and business risks, and emerging issues that may impact the organization.

Qualifications

What We’re Looking For:

• Bachelor’s degree in business, accounting, finance, or a related field required.
• CPA and/or CIA certification required.
• 5+ years of progressive experience in Big 4 public accounting, internal audit, or a related audit / controls function.
• Strong, hands-on experience supporting or leading an end-to-end SOX compliance program, including risk assessment, control design evaluation, testing, deficiency assessment, and remediation monitoring.
• Solid foundational knowledge of SOX, internal control frameworks (e.g., COSO), and financial and business process controls, with the ability to confidently discuss control concepts, issues, and remediation approaches with stakeholders at all levels of the organization.
• Experience evaluating controls and identifying control gaps across complex business processes, including the ability to develop practical, cost-effective, and business-aligned solutions.
• Experience executing operational audit engagements end-to-end (planning, coordination, execution, issue validation, workpaper documentation, reporting, and follow-up) strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate clearly and professionally, both verbally and in writing, including the ability to present audit findings and recommendations to senior management.
• Strong analytical, organizational, project management, and presentation skills, with attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Proven ability to collaborate effectively across functions and build strong working relationships with bu