Role Overview for VP, Internal Audit with a Global Insurer – Hartford, CT
JRG Partners is proud to partner with a premier, globally recognized insurance provider in their search for a dynamic and visionary Vice President of Internal Audit. This pivotal executive leadership role, based in the insurance hub of Hartford, CT, offers a unique opportunity to shape and direct the global audit function of a complex, multi-billion dollar organization. The successful candidate will be a strategic partner to the business, providing independent, objective assurance and consulting activities designed to add value and improve the organization’s operations.
As the VP of Internal Audit, you will be entrusted with the critical responsibility of safeguarding the company’s assets, ensuring adherence to regulations, and enhancing the effectiveness of risk management, control, and governance processes. You will report directly to the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors and administratively to the Chief Financial Officer, ensuring maximum independence and objectivity. This high-visibility role requires a leader who can navigate the intricate regulatory landscape of the global insurance industry, anticipate emerging risks, and foster a culture of integrity and continuous improvement across the enterprise.
You will lead a talented team of audit professionals, setting the strategic direction for the department and overseeing the execution of a comprehensive, risk-based audit plan. This includes financial, operational, compliance, and information technology audits. The ideal candidate will not only be a master of traditional audit methodologies but also a forward-thinker who can leverage data analytics, automation, and other innovative technologies to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the audit process. This is more than a compliance function; it is a strategic role that provides critical insights to senior leadership, helping to drive informed decision-making and support the company’s long-term strategic objectives. If you are a seasoned audit executive with a passion for leadership and a deep understanding of the insurance sector, we invite you to explore this exceptional career opportunity.
Key Responsibilities of VP, Internal Audit with a Global Insurer – Hartford, CT
The Vice President of Internal Audit will have a broad and impactful scope of responsibilities, acting as a key leader within the organization’s governance structure. Success in this role requires a blend of technical expertise, strategic thinking, and exceptional leadership.
Strategic Audit Leadership & Planning
Develop and execute a comprehensive, risk-based annual internal audit plan that aligns with the organization’s strategic goals. This involves performing a thorough annual risk assessment, engaging with senior management and the Audit Committee to identify key areas of risk, and dynamically adjusting the plan to respond to the evolving business and risk environment.
Team Development & Management
Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing global internal audit team. Foster a collaborative and inclusive team culture, promote professional development through training and certifications, and manage resource allocation to ensure audit projects are completed on time, within budget, and to the highest quality standards.
Audit Committee & Executive Reporting
Serve as the primary liaison to the Audit Committee. Prepare and present clear, concise, and insightful reports on audit activities, significant findings, fraud investigations, and the status of remediation efforts. Build and maintain strong, collaborative relationships with executive leadership, providing them with valuable insights and becoming a trusted advisor on risk and control matters.
Execution of Audit Engagements
Oversee the full lifecycle of internal audits, including financial, operational, IT, and compliance reviews. Ensure all audits are conducted in accordance with the highest professional standards, including the International Professional Practices Framework (IPPF). Review and approve audit scopes, programs, and final reports to ensure findings are accurate, root causes are identified, and recommendations are practical and value-added.
SOX Compliance Oversight
Lead the company’s Sarbanes-Oxley (SOX) 404 compliance program. This includes overseeing the documentation, testing, and assessment of internal controls over financial reporting, coordinating with external auditors, and reporting on the overall effectiveness of the control environment to management and the Audit Committee.
Risk Management & Governance Partnership
Collaborate closely with other governance functions, including Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) and Compliance, to promote a holistic approach to risk management. Provide expert advice on the design and implementation of internal controls and contribute to the continuous improvement of the company’s overall governance framework.
Continuous Improvement & Innovation
Champion the adoption of advanced audit techniques, including data analytics, artificial intelligence, and robotic process automation, to enhance the depth of audit coverage and the efficiency of the audit function. Stay abreast of industry trends, regulatory changes, and emerging risks to ensure the internal audit function remains best-in-class.
Requirements for the VP, Internal Audit with a Global Insurer – Hartford, CT
We are seeking a distinguished professional with a proven track record of success in senior audit leadership roles within the insurance or financial services industry.
Educational & Professional Credentials
A Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field is required. An active professional certification such as Certified Public Accountant (CPA) or Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) is mandatory. An advanced degree (MBA, Master’s in Accounting) is highly preferred.
Executive Audit Experience
A minimum of 15 years of progressive experience in internal audit, public accounting, or a related field, with at least 10 years in a significant leadership capacity managing large, geographically dispersed teams.
Industry Expertise
Deep and extensive experience within the insurance industry (Property & Casualty, Life, or Reinsurance) is essential. A thorough understanding of insurance-specific accounting principles (STAT, GAAP), operational processes, and regulatory requirements (e.g., NAIC, Solvency II) is required.
Technical Proficiency
Expert-level knowledge of US GAAP, COSO internal control framework, Sarbanes-Oxley (SOX) requirements, and the IIA’s professional standards. Experience with data analytics tools (e.g., ACL, IDEA, Tableau) and GRC platforms is strongly preferred.
Leadership & Communication Skills
Demonstrated ability to lead, inspire, and develop a team of professionals. Exceptional executive presence and outstanding communication skills, with the ability to articulate complex audit and risk concepts to a variety of audiences, including the Board of Directors.
Strategic & Analytical Mindset
Proven ability to think strategically, assess complex business risks, and develop pragmatic solutions. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with an unwavering attention to detail and a commitment to quality.
Integrity & Professionalism
Unquestionable personal and professional integrity, ethics, and credibility. The ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with discretion and to operate with independence and objectivity.
Benefits & Perks Offered
Our client is committed to attracting and retaining top-tier talent by offering a comprehensive and competitive executive compensation and benefits package. This includes:
Executive Compensation
A highly competitive base salary, annual performance-based bonus, and a long-term incentive plan (e.g., stock options, restricted stock units) designed to reward leadership and contribution to the company’s success.
Comprehensive Health & Wellness
A full suite of benefits including medical, dental, and vision insurance for you and your dependents, along with a robust wellness program, employee assistance program (EAP), and health savings accounts (HSA).
Retirement & Financial Planning
A generous 401(k) plan with a significant company match, along with access to financial planning services to help you achieve your long-term financial goals.
Work-Life Balance
A flexible, hybrid work model that recognizes the importance of balancing professional and personal commitments. A generous paid time off (PTO) policy, paid holidays, and comprehensive parental leave policies.
Professional Development
A strong commitment to your continued growth, with support for professional memberships, certifications (CISA, CFE, etc.), and attendance at industry conferences and executive education programs.
Relocation Assistance
A comprehensive relocation package is available for qualified candidates moving to the Hartford, CT area.
How to Apply
JRG Partners is dedicated to connecting exceptional leaders with transformative opportunities. If you are a results-oriented audit executive ready to make a significant impact at a leading global insurer, we encourage you to apply.
To be considered for this confidential search, please submit your resume and a cover letter detailing your qualifications and interest in the role. For more information about our expertise in this area, please visit our Accounting & Finance Executive Search practice page.
Our client is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.
