VP Internal Audit

Samsonite$160K — $200K *
Finance & Insurance
11 - 15 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • 15+ years of audit experience, preferably from a Big 4 firm or a large multinational company in relevant sectors.
  • Bachelor's in accounting or finance, with an MBA or advanced degree being preferred.
  • Professional certification such as CPA, CIA, CISA, or equivalent is highly desirable.
  • In-depth knowledge of IFRS, US GAAP, US GAAS, IAS, and IIA standards.
  • Extensive experience with risk assessments, SOX 404 compliance, and financial/operational audits.
  • Proven leadership skills with experience managing diverse global teams.
  • Strong analytical skills with experience in data analytics platforms and emerging audit technologies.

Responsibilities

  • Conduct annual enterprise risk assessments to adapt to changes in the Company's risk profile.
  • Oversee the SOX 404 compliance program, ensuring timely compliance coordination across multiple departments.
  • Develop a strategic, risk-based audit plan covering key financial, operational, and compliance controls.
  • Facilitate annual control self-assessments with management for relevant business units.
  • Plan and manage audit resources to meet objectives and budget targets effectively.
  • Summarize and present audit outcomes to the CFO and Audit Committee, promoting continuous improvement.
  • Lead and develop a high-performing global audit team while fostering an inclusive environment.

Benefits

  • Opportunity to influence senior leadership and the Board through strategic insights.
  • Leadership role in shaping the direction of the internal audit function.
  • Access to modern data analytics and AI technologies to enhance audit efficiency.
  • Engagement in high-impact risk management initiatives across the enterprise.
  • Supportive environment for professional development and retention of top talent.
Full Job Description
Job Description

The VP of Internal Audit is a strategic, high-impact leader who reports to the Audit Committee with a dotted line to the CFO and guides the evolution of the global internal audit function. This role offers the opportunity to lead a high-performing global team, shape enterprise risk and audit strategy, strengthen internal controls, and deliver meaningful insights that influence senior leadership, the Board, and business partners across the organization.

Responsibilities:
  • Conduct annual enterprise risk assessment that effectively captures and communicates changes in the Company's risk profile, ensuring top risks are effectively mitigated.
  • Own and oversee the Company's SOX 404 compliance program, including annual control testing, design and evaluation of internal controls over financial reporting (ICFR), remediation tracking, and management representations. Ensure effective coordination with Finance, IT, operations, and External Audit to meet regulatory requirements and timelines.
  • Develop and execute a strategic, risk-based audit plan that provides effective coverage over financial, operational, and compliance risks and controls at key operating units.
  • Work with management to facilitate the completion of management's annual control self-assessment for in-scope business units.
  • Effectively plan, organize, and manage activities/resources in a manner that assures meeting objectives, annual goals, and budget targets.
  • Effectively summarize and present results of audit activities to the CFO and the Audit Committee. Provide overall direction and leadership for the audit function while fostering continuous improvement and integrating best practices.
  • Lead, motivate, develop, and retain a high-performing global team that serves as a strong talent pipeline for the organization.
  • Create an equitable and inclusive environment where people can bring their full selves to work and unlock their greatest potential and contributions to the team.
  • Scope and perform risk-based audits; deliver clear, effective audit reports; and partner with management to define issues, identify root causes, communicate recommendations, and support corrective action plans.
  • Guide and support the Internal Audit team in leveraging modern data analytics, automation, and AI-driven technologies to enhance audit coverage and efficiency. Identify and evaluate opportunities for continuous monitoring and process digitization, driving greater effectiveness and scalability.
  • Develop trusted relationships with senior leaders and management to understand key initiatives, business performance, and emerging risks, adjusting audit plans accordingly.
  • Support Compliance Committee in helping to facilitate the Company's quarterly management representation process.
  • Support ad hoc finance and operational requests with corporate & regional management teams.
  • Work closely with Legal on compliance programs involving business ethics, including investigation of whistleblower complaints and other matters. Report results to management and the Audit Committee.
  • Liaise/coordinate with external auditors where appropriate to ensure the most effective audit coverage and to minimize duplication of effort.


Qualifications

Qualifications:
  • Minimum 15+ years of progressive audit experience in Big 4 public accounting firm (ideally Risk/IA practice) or combined experience with a large, complex multi-national company (ideally manufacturing, distribution, retail) is strongly preferred.
  • Bachelor's degree in accounting or finance is strongly preferred; MBA or other advanced degree is preferred.
  • Professional certification is strongly preferred (i.e., CPA, CIA, CISA, CFE, or equivalent).
  • Knowledge of IFRS, US GAAP, US GAAS, IAS, and IIA standards is strongly preferred.
  • Strong working experience conducting risk assessments and evaluating controls is required, with demonstrated SOX 404 compliance and control testing experience. Must have experience performing financial and operational audits.
  • Self-directed and self-motivated leader with experience leading diverse, global teams.
  • Executive presence combined with a high degree of maturity and business judgment.
  • Global travel is required (approximately 20-30% of the year).
  • Demonstrated experience or strong capability with data analytics platforms, business intelligence tools, and automation technologies. Ability to evaluate and adopt emerging audit technologies, including AI-driven analysis capabilities.
  • Experience with HFM and ERPs, such as SAP, is preferred.

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