We9re looking for a Head of Internal Audit & SOX to lead and continue building our internal audit and SOX program from the ground up. This is Avant9s top internal audit role - you9ll be the principal advisor to the Board9s Audit, Risk and Compliance Committee (ARCC) on the strength of our control environment.
There9s a limited existing program to inherit. You9ll have the autonomy to build a robust program, evolving Avant9s framework with the same rigor and judgment you9d bring to a fully established audit function.
Reporting structure: This role sits within Finance and reports directly to the ARCC. The Committee approves your annual audit plan, receives your quarterly reporting, and meets with you in executive sessions without management present.
Why this role matters: Our bank partners, regulators, and Board expect real rigor around controls. In this seat, you decide what gets audited, drive timely remediation, and give the Board a clear, unvarnished view of risk - a big part of how seriously Avant addresses regulatory risk as a lender.
What you9ll do at Avant:- Own the Board relationship: Partner directly with the ARCC Chair to approve audit plans, deliver quarterly reporting on control health, and escalate critical risks.
- Set audit and SOX strategy: Define the audit charter, methodology, and resourcing model. Own the enterprise risk assessment and establish a risk-based audit plan for financial reporting, technology, third-party, and regulatory compliance-keeping it current as the business evolves while building a roadmap to sustained SOX 302/404 compliance.
- Build and lead the function: Recruit talent and manage co-source partners. Oversee scoping, walkthroughs, testing, deficiency evaluation, and reporting. Establish evidence-retention standards and risk-control matrices while leveraging GRC tools, data analytics, automated testing, and continuous monitoring to scale coverage.
- Drive remediation governance: Track control deficiencies from identification to validated closure, monitoring aging and high-risk findings, enforcing root-cause resolution, and escalating material delays to leadership and the ARCC.
- Operate as a trusted partner: Collaborate closely with executive leadership and partners across Finance, Accounting, Technology, Product, Legal, Compliance, and Enterprise Risk to support business goals while maintaining independence.
Why you9re a fit at Avant:- 15+ years in internal audit, SOX, or internal controls, including at least 4 years leading an audit function or SOX program at a Director level or above
- Direct experience owning the relationship with an audit committee or board - you9ve built the materials, delivered the readout, defended the plan, and handled tough questions from senior people in the room
- A proven track record of building or materially rebuilding an internal audit function or SOX program from an early or undefined state - not just operating within one someone else built
- Deep technical command of COSO 2013, SOX 302 and 404, PCAOB AS 2201, the IIA framework, ITGC frameworks, and risk-based audit methodology, including inherent vs. residual risk and deficiency severity evaluation
- Background in a regulated financial services environment - banking, lending, fintech, or payments; bank partnership oversight or consumer lending regulation is a strong plus
- A genuine player-coach mindset - willing to write the risk assessment, run walkthroughs, and execute testing yourself, especially while the function is being built
- A direct communication style and good judgment about what belongs in front of the Board, with the independence to hold a position under pressure
- An active CPA, CIA, or CISA, and a bachelor9s degree in Accounting, Finance, Information Systems, or a related field
Nice to Have Experience:- Experience managing a co-sourced audit partner or offshore delivery model against a defined scope and budget
- Understanding of consumer finance regulatory frameworks including TILA, ECOA, UDAAP, FCRA, and GLBA, and of BSA/AML audit requirements
- Experience building continuous monitoring or automated testing capabilities within an audit or SOX program
This role is based on our downtown Chicago Office, located in the Merchandise Mart. We highly value collaboration and our hybrid schedule (M, T, Th in-office) enables flexibility to balance work and individual priorities.
Compensation Range:The base salary range for this job is USD $205,000 - USD $230,000/ Year
Employees new to Avant typically come in below the midpoint of the pay range. The compensation range is based on the level outlined in the job posting, and compensation decisions are dependent on each applicant9s experience, skills and abilities.
[If an outstanding applicant9s experience and skill level is above or below the qualifications outlined in the job posting, we reserve the right to make an offer at a different level than the one listed in this job posting, which may have a different compensation range.]
This role is eligible for additional incentives, including an annual bonus. These rewards are allocated based on level, impact and performance in the role.
Our benefits include:- Choice of great Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance Plan options
- 401(k) match
- Flexible Time Off
- Flexible Work Environment - (i.e. Mon/Tues/Thurs in-person)
- Generous Paid Parental Leave, Adoption Assistance and Post-parental leave ramp-up program
- Lunch Allowance (Fooda) and In-office Snacks
- Summer Fridays
- Fun In-Office and Virtual Social Events
- And who doesn9t love the swag
