AVP, Internal Audit – Business Assurance

As a team member in Internal Audit at Nationwide, a Fortune 100 company with nearly $70 billion in annual sales, the opportunities are endless! Let Nationwide help create your career journey! At Nationwide®, “on your side” goes beyond just words. Our customers are at the center of everything we do and we’re looking for associates who are passionate about delivering extraordinary care.

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Job Description Summary

With the ever evolving and increasing levels of internal auditing requirements, as well as heightened operational, financial, strategic and technology risks inherent in a Fortune 100 protection organization, Nationwide prioritizes internal audit as a critical component of our business strategy, governance and success. If you have the desire to develop and lead internal audit practices that drive business outcomes and deliver outstanding solutions and results, we want to know more about you!

As the AVP, Internal Audit – Business Assurance, you will be responsible for all aspects of IA’s Business Assurance portfolio. You’ll oversee risk‑based assurance engagements across Property & Casualty (P&C) Operations, Nationwide Financial (NF) Operations and key Corporate Function operations (including Finance, Investments, Legal, Human Resources and Marketing). You’ll focus primarily on assurance services over core business and technology operational activities; ensure that risks are identified, controls are designed and operating effectively, and management receives clear, actionable insights. You will accomplish this by leveraging the use of cutting-edge technologies, such as AI, process intelligence and advanced analytics.

Job Description

Key Responsibilities: 

• Creates and drives a multi-year, risk-based assurance strategy for P&C, NF and Corporate operations, including risk assessments, scoping, control testing, issue identification and reporting. Ensures coverage across the end‑to‑end lifecycle (e.g., product development, underwriting, pricing, sales, billing, in‑force management, claims, servicing).

• Partners with IA business and IA technology leaders to identify and assess operational, financial, regulatory and technology risks.

• Evaluates the design and operating effectiveness of internal controls and recommends enhancements to improve quality, efficiency and risk management.

• Serves as the primary IA point-of-contact for senior leaders in the P&C and NF Operations and relevant Corporate Functions.

• Communicates audit objectives, observations and recommendations clearly and constructively, fostering a collaborative, solutions‑oriented relationship.

• Collaborates with Internal Audit peers to coordinate coverage, leverage digital tools and ensure consistent risk themes and messages across portfolios.

• Drives adoption of data analytics, process mining, automation and visualization within Business Assurance engagements.

• Partners with Internal Audit peers to embed digital techniques into planning, execution and reporting.

• Ensures the right balance of assurance and advisory skills, generalist and specialist expertise, and business, risk and technology experience across the team. Lead and develop a high-performing team, providing guidance, mentorship, and performance management. Fosters a culture of collaboration, continuous improvement, and accountability within the Internal Audit function.

May perform other responsibilities as assigned. 

Reporting Relationships:  VP, Internal Audit. Leads a team of four direct reports and approximately 11 indirect reports.

Typical Skills and Experiences: 

Education:  Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business, Risk Management, or a related field. Advanced degree (e.g., MBA or relevant master’s in Accounting, Finance, Risk Management) preferred.
 

License/Certification/Designation: Professional certifications such as CICS, CISSP, CISM, or similar strongly preferred.

Experience:  Typically, 10 or more years of progressive experience in internal audit, accounting, finance, operations or risk management, with strong exposure to financial services or insurance operations.

Knowledge, Abilities and Skills:  Proven ability to plan and execute risk-based audits, assess risks, test controls, and identify issues. Strong ability to evaluate controls, interpret risks, and recommend process improvements. Proven communication skills that are clear and constructive. Skilled at relationship-building and politica