Director, Audit Strategy and Operations

Director, Audit Strategy and Operations – Atlanta, GA

Are you an organized, hands-on individual with an eye for detail? Are you intuitive to the needs of the senior executives you support and have a strong sense of urgency? Are you interested in joining a globally diverse organization where our unique contributions are recognized and celebrated, allowing each of us to thrive? Then it’s time to join Western Union as a Director, Audit Strategy and Operations.

Western Union powers your pursuit. 

Western Union is seeking a strategic and operations-focused Director of Audit Strategy and Operations to lead key initiatives across audit methodology, risk assessment, SOX compliance, and data analytics. This role oversees internal systems like AuditBoard, manages audit scheduling, drives executive reporting, and partners with EY to ensure SOX compliance. You’ll also support Audit Committee reporting and lead quality assurance and training efforts. Join us to make a global impact through audit excellence.

Role Responsibilities

Internal Audit Strategy, Operations & Support (Chief of Staff to CAE)

• Create and maintain documentation on Internal Audit’s methodology, to include strategy / mission / vision and compliance with the Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA) standards.
• Create project plans and drive the implementation of internal audit strategic initiatives, interfacing with both internal audit teams and internal “client” teams
• Manage the staffing of senior and staff auditors globally, to ensure audit projects are staffed appropriately, while gaining efficiencies and meeting plan objectives.  Establish processes and rules with staffing the pool of auditors, ensure that ultimately, there is a cross-trained population of staff and senior auditors that can effectively work on operational, compliance and / or IT audits.
• Prepare / Draft required reporting in alignment with the Chief Audit Officer, to include weekly executive reporting, Audit Committee preparation, other periodic management reporting
• Manage the annual risk assessment process, in strong collaboration with the Internal Audit Leadership team.
• Maintain Internal Audit’s system, AuditBoard, and ensure its structure aligns with Internal Audit methodology and goals; ensure it facilitates efficiencies in the audit process
• Direct the audit issue follow-up processes; ensure appropriate escalation occurs timely, as necessary.
• Direct a succession planning program, to be aligned with a skills assessment of auditors.
• Maintain and monitor Internal Audit Department goals
• Coordinate internal audit conferences for the department and maintain / build other training courses, as deemed necessary

Internal Quality Assurance Reviews (QARs)

• Enhance and maintain an internal quality assurance program to ensure internal audits are performed in compliance Institute of Internal Auditing (IIA) standards
• Execute the QA program, providing reporting to the Chief Audit Officer and CFO, upon request
• Required to manage one audit annually

SOX Compliance

• Direct the SOX PMO Leader to ensure the program is effective to ensure the scope of key financial control evaluation is adequate
• Develop and maintain a strong business relationship with external audit Partner and management, increasing reliance on Internal Audit’s SOX Compliance results

Data Analytics

• Direct the Data Analytics team, based in Vilnius, Lithuania; provide guidance and direction to ensure productivity and effectiveness of the team’s execution
• Partner with business leaders on special projects and ad hoc analysis used to understand and solve challenges, create new opportunities and identify / mitigate business risks

FX/Owned Store Global Audit Program

• Direct the Global internal audit program for all FX businesses and Company owned stores
• Manage Global FX audit team, based in the UK

Role Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree required in relevant subject area such as business, accounting, finance, etc. Masters degree preferred in a relevant subject area. 
• 10 years of relevant experience in the management of auditing, compliance and/or risk management,
• 3 years of experience managing teams of auditors. 
• Certification required: CPA, CIA, CFE, or equivalent.
• Well versed in internal controls, regulatory compliance, risk management and SOX Compliance.
• Analytical and problem-solving skills should be strong.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills with all levels of management is required.
• Experience in FINTech industry strongly preferred.

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