Senior Manager- Internal Audit

Senior Manager- Internal Audit

We are seeking a hardworking Internal Audit Senior Manager to join our growing team at Cognizant! Our strength is built on our ability to work together. Our diverse set of backgrounds offer a wide range of perspectives and new ways of thinking. It encourages lively discussions, inspires thought leadership, and helps us build better solutions for our people and clients. We're looking for someone who thrives in this setting and is inspired to craft significant solutions through true partnership.

Internal Audit’s purpose is to provide independent, risk-based and objective assurance and advisory services designed to add value, protect and improve the organization’s internal controls and operations; accomplished through the application of a systematic, disciplined approach applying the principles from the Institute of Internal Auditors.

The Senior Manager, Internal Audit is responsible for managing various audit and SOX engagements that contribute to the control environment, process efficiency, and risk mitigation of operational business areas. The Senior Manager, Internal Audit works closely with the Internal Audit Directors and AVP/VP, to effectively plan and execute engagements. The Senior Manager, Internal Audit will report to the AVP/VP, Internal Audit. This role will be hybrid of working from a designated Cognizant office and working from home.

Roles & Responsibilities:

• Contributing to the development of relevant standards, methodologies, practices and procedures for the IA Function.
• Complete risk assessments in order to develop audit programs that target high-risk areas in the company’s controls, systems, and processes. Ensure engagements are performed as per the Corporate SOX / Audit Methodology and documentation requirements.
• Collaborate with the IT Audit and Data Analytics Leads to ensure reviews are effectively planned and integrated.
• Applying prior functional/business experience to audit situations and provide subject matter expertise in key audit functional areas.
• Facilitate coordination of engagement activities with external / co-sourced internal auditors to ensure proper scope, elimination of duplication of effort, and improvement in the efficiency and effectiveness of testing activities.
• Direct and monitor engagement execution and reporting (as per Department methodologies) to ensure that the fieldwork is in accordance with the planned scope/ risk areas, aligned with budget expectations and overall value-added reporting is delivered; track and report project status and manage resolution and/or escalation of engagement challenges.
• Direct team members and drive accountability and timely execution of each engagement. • Leverage understanding of the organization to provide value-added recommendations and apply industry best practices.
• Finalizing audit reports/memos highlighting key risk exposures, noted issues, assist in overall conclusion, and agreed upon corrective actions.
• Collaborate with and educate process owners regarding the importance of maintaining strong internal controls and the role of internal audit.
• Effectively manage process owners follow-up for timely implementation of MAPs/ deficiency remediation.
• Assist in periodic reporting to Audit committee including information on the status of the review, summarizing results of key audit findings, etc.
• Build effective strategic partnerships with key internal and external stakeholders.
• Attract, retain, coach and lead a strong, cohesive and effective team.

Required Skills:

• At least 8 plus years of progressive audit/accounting/ finance/ operations/ risk assessment or compliance experience.
• At least 2 years of leadership experience.
• CA/CPA/ CIA or equivalent.
• Deep knowledge of risk management frameworks such as COSO, Internal Audit, and regulatory requirements such as Sarbanes-Oxley and the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act.
• Previous experience in IT services industry preferred.
• Ability to relate well with various levels of management and senior leadership.
• Ability to instill confidence and credibility in auditing by providing sound, well developed solutions to audit findings and recommendations.
• Ability to assess and determine acceptable levels of risk and collaborate with management to identify effective/ substantial remediation plans.
• Ability to build effective strategic partnerships with key internal and external stakeholders; high self-awareness to continuously identify and implement leadership skills.
• Demonstrate highest professional standards, integrity, and ethical behavior.

Location-Chennai and Bangalore