principal, Internal Audit

Now Brewing – principal, Internal Audit! #tobeapartner

From the beginning, Starbucks set out to be a different kind of company. One that not only celebrated coffee and the rich tradition, but that also brought a feeling of connection. We are known for developing extraordinary leaders who share this passion and are guided by their service to others.
The principal, Internal Audit plays a key leadership role in strengthening the organization’s control environment, risk management practices, and governance processes. This role leads the execution of the internal audit plan, delivers high-quality assurance and advisory services, and partners with stakeholders to identify and mitigate risks while improving business performance.
The principal operates as both a strategic leader and hands-on audit professional, influencing change and driving continuous improvement across the audit function.

Summary of Key Responsibilities:
Audit Execution & Delivery
•    Lead end-to-end execution of complex internal audit engagements (financial, operational, compliance, IT, Sarbanes Oxley (SOX), or integrated audits), including planning, fieldwork, and reporting.
•    Ensure audits are completed on time, within scope, and aligned to professional standards (e.g., IIA Standards).
•    Review and approve audit workpapers, findings, and final reports for quality, accuracy, and clarity.
•    Identify control gaps, root causes, and actionable recommendations to strengthen the control environment.
Risk Assessment & Audit Planning
•    Support development and execution of a risk-based internal audit plan aligned to enterprise priorities.
•    Conduct risk assessments to identify key focus areas and emerging risks.
•    Adjust audit coverage in response to changes in business strategy, systems, or regulatory requirements.
Leadership Capabilities
•    Set clear expectations, provide ongoing feedback, and ensure high-quality deliverables.
•    Foster a culture of accountability and continuous improvement.
•    Manage resource allocation across multiple concurrent audit engagements.
Stakeholder Management & Advisory
•    Build strong relationships with senior management, business leaders, and cross-functional partners.
•    Serve as a trusted advisor by providing insights on risk, controls, and process improvements.
•    Communicate audit results and risk implications clearly and persuasively.
•    Partner with external auditors and regulators as needed.
Continuous Improvement & Transformation
•    Drive improvements in audit methodology, tools, and processes.
•    Leverage data analytics, automation, and technology to enhance audit effectiveness and efficiency.
•    Identify opportunities for continuous monitoring and more proactive, insight-driven auditing.
Governance & Reporting
•    Ensure audit activities align with internal policies, standards, and regulatory requirements.
•    Monitor management action plans and validate remediation of audit findings.
•    Support Audit Committee reporting, as applicable.

Summary of Experience:
Required
•    8+ years of progressive experience in internal audit, external audit, risk management, or a related discipline.
•    Experience leading complex audits and managing multiple priorities.
•    Strong knowledge of SOX/internal controls, risk assessment, and audit methodologies.
Preferred
•    Experience in a complex, global, or publicly traded organization. 
•    Experience with data analytics, automation, and continuous auditing techniques. 
•    Exposure to SOX compliance, IT audit, or operational audits.

Education and Certification:
•    Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business, Information Systems, or a related field.
•    Professional certification(s): CIA, CPA, CISA, CFE or equivalent.

Core and Leadership Competencies:
•    Strategic thinking with strong execution capability 
•    Strong analytical and problem-solving skills 
•    Excellent communication and stakeholder influence 
•    Ability to manage multiple priorities and drive results 
•    High degree of integrity, objectivity, and professional skepticism

As a Starbucks partner, you (and your family) will have access to medical, dental, vision, basic and supplemental life insurance, and other voluntary insurance benefits. Partners have access to short-term and long-term disability, paid parental leave, family expansion reimbursement, paid vacation from date of hire*, sick time (accrued at 1 hour for every 25 hours worked), eight paid holidays, and two personal days per year. Starbucks also offers eligible partners participation in a 401(k) retirement plan with employer match, a discounted company stock program (S.I.P.), Starbuck