Guardian Life Insurance

Lead Specialist, General Audit

Guardian Life Insurance$86K — $141K *
Finance & Insurance
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • 5+ years of experience in internal audit or related functions.
  • Strong analytical skills to assess processes and risks.
  • Excellent organizational skills for managing multiple projects.
  • Proficient written and verbal communication skills.
  • Ability to build strong interpersonal relationships.
  • Experience in insurance or financial services is beneficial.
  • Familiarity with IT and cybersecurity is advantageous.
  • Bachelor's degree required; accounting or business field preferred.
  • Professional certifications (CIA, CPA, CFE, CISA) mandatory.

Responsibilities

  • Lead complex assurance projects following professional standards.
  • Communicate effectively to influence business areas and improve relationships.
  • Collaborate with audit team members to enhance overall audit quality.
  • Mentor junior auditors on department processes and company operations.
  • Monitor and follow up on audit recommendations and action plans.
  • Provide advisory services as requested on various projects.
  • Support governance, compliance, and enterprise risk assessments when needed.
  • Assist external auditors and Controls Assurance in specific audits.
  • Continuously enhance departmental practices in coordination with leadership.
  • Ensure compliance with departmental policies and quality standards.

Benefits

  • Hybrid work schedule with 3 days in-office and 2 days remote.
  • Opportunity to mentor and develop new talent in the audit team.
  • Involvement in high-profile and complex business risk assessments.
  • Access to ongoing education and training in auditing and industry standards.
Full Job Description

This role will support the Head of Corporate Shared Services, Internal Audit. Typically, this position functions as a working audit project manager, fully responsible for planning, executing, and reporting audits independently and, on occasion, within a team. This role is focused on performing high quality, value-add, assurance and advisory services that identify, evaluate, and report on highly complex business risks and controls in accordance with the Institute of Internal Auditors Standards and established methodologies.

This role will identify meaningful observations about the design and operating effectiveness of controls and discuss with various levels of manag

ement on improving the internal control environment. You will be frequently sought after as a key resource for complex assignments. This position is focused on the Corporate Functions (e.g., Strategic Initiatives, Corporate Development, Law, Compliance, Marketing, Communication, Talent & Culture, etc.) with the possibility of covering other business and functional areas of the Company.

You are

  • An individual who is highly efficient and effective to lead an audit from planning, execution, and reporting. Possesses an experienced knowledge level of business processes, risks, and controls. You have a strong knowledge of general business and the insurance industry. Ability to multi-task and exemplify strong organizational skills and project management skills in a deadline-driven environment.

You will

  • Lead and execute complex assurance projects in accordance with established methodologies and professional standards.

  • Demonstrate influencing skills when communicating with business areas and other risk assurance providers aimed to continually improve relationships and enable management to proactively manage risk.

  • Collaborate with other members of the audit team to leverage their skill sets, experience, and expertise; providing the same.

  • Act as a mentor to new or less experienced auditors by providing guidance on Department processes and sharing knowledge of Company operations, product lines, etc.

  • Monitor all outstanding recommendations and action plans for the assigned audits; prepare status commentary and perform follow-up testing as needed.

  • Provide advisory services on projects, business functions, and processes, if requested.

  • Provide governance, compliance, investigation, and enterprise risk assessment support, if requested.

  • Assist the external auditors and the Controls Assurance team (Model Audit Rule Program) through coordinating and executing direct assistance testing for select assignments.

  • Work with Internal Audit leadership to identify and continuously improve departmental practices.

  • Monitor and demonstrate compliance with departmental policies and practices, as evidenced by strong quality assurance results, and strong performance within standards and related metrics.

  • Stay abreast of current issues, standard industry practices, regulations, and obtain continuing education and training. Participate in special projects and perform other duties as requested.

  • Interact with all levels of management to provide effective risk and control advice, maintaining active communication with clients to enhance risk and control awareness and manage expectations.

You have

  • 5+ years of broad-based experience in internal audit, external audit, or related functions.

  • Strong analytical skills, with the ability to effectively assess a process, analyze data, and assess risks and controls.

  • Strong organizational skills, with the ability to manage concurrent projects (multi-task) and meet deadlines with minimal supervision.

  • Strong written and oral communication skills, with the ability to write clearly and concisely.

  • Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to build strong relationships and clearly articulate thoughts and ideas.

  • Ability to collaborate with others, both inside and outside of the department, while working toward common goals and fostering understanding and agreement.

  • Experience in the insurance or financial services industry is a plus.

  • Working knowledge of information technology, cybersecurity, and ability to apply to operational audits is a plus.

  • Understanding of enabling technologies, including robotics process automation (RPA), natural language processing (NLP), and/or artificial intelligence (AI) is a plus.

  • Bachelors degree required (accounting or business degree is a plus)

  • Professional accreditations, licenses, or designations required  (CIA, CPA, CFE, CISA, etc.)

Location

Hybrid role - 3 days in office in Hudson Yards, NYC; Bethlehem, PA or Holmdel, NJ office; 2 days WFH

Salary Range:

$86,210.00 - $141,635.00

The salary range reflected above is a good faith estimate of base pay for the primary location of the position. The salary for this position ultimately will be determined based on the education, experience, knowledge, and abilities of the successful candidate. In addition to salary, this role may also be eligible for annual, sales, or other incentive compensation.


About Guardian Life Insurance

Guardian Life Insurance Careers

Join the Guardian Life Insurance team today and be part of a company that values growth, leadership, and innovation. As a leading provider in the insurance industry, Guardian Life Insurance offers a wealth of job opportunities that empower you to shape your future and strengthen your professional skills. Work You’ll Do At Guardian Life Insurance, you’ll collaborate with a diverse team of experts dedicated to providing exceptional service and innovative solutions to our clients. Our culture thrives on inclusivity and the shared ambition of our team members to drive positive change in the insurance sector. Explore a variety of career paths in areas ranging from customer service to financial advisement, each offering the potential to engage with transformative projects that impact lives. Our commitment to professional growth is evident in our robust training programs, including leadership development and diversity training, designed to enhance your skills and advance your career. Innovative Work Guardian Life Insurance is at the forefront of integrating cutting-edge technology and personalized service. Join us and contribute to initiatives that redefine industry standards and lead to more predictive and personalized customer experiences. Be Part of a Great Team Our team at Guardian Life Insurance is our strongest asset. We foster an environment where creativity and effectiveness are encouraged, making it a perfect place for those who seek to innovate and excel in their careers. With a focus on nurturing talent, we offer comprehensive benefits, competitive salaries, and a supportive atmosphere that advocates work-life balance. Future-Proof Your Career With Guardian Life Insurance, your career is future-proof. Dive into a range of employment opportunities that not only align with your current skills but also challenge you to grow and expand your capabilities. Whether you’re looking for a full-time position, an internship, or even leadership roles, Guardian Life Insurance is committed to helping you find the right path. Stay Connected Join Our Team Discover the job opportunities waiting for you at Guardian Life Insurance. We are continuously hiring and looking for individuals who are passionate, driven, and ready to contribute to our mission. Search open positions that match your skills and interests, and take the first step towards a rewarding career with us. Keep Up to Date Stay informed with the latest career tips, industry insights, and company news—all from the professionals who make Guardian Life Insurance a leader in the insurance industry. Our careers blog provides valuable information to help you prepare for your next interview, polish your resume, and enhance your networking abilities. Job Alert Emails Customize your experience by subscribing to job alerts and insider tips tailored to your preferences. Discover exciting and rewarding opportunities that await at Guardian Life Insurance, and see how you can contribute to our legacy of excellence and innovation. Join Guardian Life Insurance today and be part of a company that’s dedicated to your career growth and professional development.
Learn more about Guardian Life Insurance
Size
9,000 employees
Industry
Founded
1860

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