Chief Audit Executive

Overview

Horizon Farm Credit is seeking a strategic and experienced Chief Audit Executive to lead our internal audit function. This role will help accomplish our objectives by bringing a systematic, disciplined approach to evaluate and improve the effectiveness of risk management, control, and governance processes. 

Qualified candidate may work in any available Horizon Farm Credit branch. To view locations, click here Locations | Horizon Farm Credit. This position is eligible for a hybrid work schedule. 

Posting Description:  This position is responsible for establishing the Internal Audit vision, and collaborating with the Executive Leadership Team on business processes and effective controls for the Association.  This position is specifically responsible for conducting a comprehensive risk-based internal audit program that supports management in their accomplishment of strategic objectives and helps ensure that established financial, operational and compliance practices, and the related controls, are designed and operated effectively. 

The Internal Audit functions as the third line of defense, independently validating the risk management program and framework responsible for auditing, examining, and evaluating business activities and related risk for the purpose of making recommendations to mitigate risks, and improve regulatory compliance, safeguard organizational assets, and improve its systems of financial and operational controls. 

This position reports functionally to the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors, and administratively to the CEO, and will provide both parties with formal assessments of the adequacy of the Association’s internal control and risk management environment. 

The position is responsible for constantly monitoring activities and reporting to the CEO and Audit Committee any irregularities, exceptions, or other items, which could affect association operations.

Areas of responsibility include:

• Conduct Association Internal Audit program for all functional areas of the Association. 
• Develop and execute a risk-based audit plan.
• Provide recommendations to correct control and compliance deficiencies noted. 
• Identify operational weaknesses, make recommendations to management to address weaknesses, and follow up on management actions to implement corrective actions. 
• Provide an independent assessment of management’s compliance with FCA and other applicable regulations. 
• Stay abreast of new regulations, innovative business processes, or philosophical changes that affect the association. 
• Provide leadership and supervision to the internal Audit team.
• Respond to requests by the Audit Committee and the CEO for special audits and examinations. 
• Review the allowance for losses process and other functional Association areas and provides accurate, non-biased reports to the Audit Committee and the CEO. 
• Follows the “Standards for the Professional Practice of Internal Auditing” for all aspects of work performed by the Internal Audit function. 
• The function will leverage internal audit software, such as data analytics/data mining software, and internal audit administrative software to more effectively perform audit and review work. 
• Act as the primary liaison with FCA, AgFirst Internal Audit, outside auditors, and other regulators. 

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, Business, Finance, Information Systems, or another relevant/related field required. 
• MBA or other related advanced education, Certified Internal Auditor (CIA), Certified Public Accountant (CPA), and/or other relevant professional certifications highly preferred.

Experience

• Minimum of 10 years of progressive audit experience, including 5+ years in a leadership role.
• Strong knowledge of internal audit standards, knowledge of regulatory frameworks, risk management, and corporate governance.
• Proven effective experience working with audit committees and executive leadership.
• Familiarity with data analytics and audit management software.
• Proven ability to lead change and drive strategic initiatives.

Requirements

• Excellent communication, leadership, and analytical skills.
• Detail-oriented, independent judgment skills, and strong organizational skills.
• Adaptable and flexible to a changing work environment.
• Demonstrate a willingness to be collaborative and the ability to develop and work well in a team atmosphere.
• Knowledge of financial institutions’ internal audit management, policies, and procedures. Additional knowledge of the Farm Credit System is