Role Overview for Head of Internal Audit with a Global Bank – Jersey City, NJ
JRG Partners is proud to be the exclusive recruitment partner for a premier global banking institution seeking a distinguished and strategic leader for the position of Head of Internal Audit. This executive-level role, based in the vibrant financial hub of Jersey City, NJ, represents a cornerstone of the bank’s governance and control framework. You will be entrusted with the leadership of the entire North American internal audit function, providing independent, objective assurance and consulting activities designed to add value and improve the organization’s operations.
As the Head of Internal Audit, you will report directly to the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors, with a secondary administrative reporting line to the Chief Executive Officer. This high-visibility position requires an individual with exceptional integrity, profound expertise in the complexities of global banking, and the gravitas to act as a trusted advisor to the board and senior executive management. You will be responsible for shaping the vision and strategy of the audit function, ensuring it remains agile, effective, and forward-looking in a rapidly evolving regulatory and business landscape.
The ideal candidate will be a transformative leader, capable of inspiring a large team of audit professionals, fostering a culture of continuous improvement, and leveraging cutting-edge technology and data analytics to enhance the audit process. This is a unique opportunity to make a significant impact on the risk management and control consciousness of a systemically important financial institution, driving a best-in-class audit function that is respected both internally and by external regulators.
Key Responsibilities of Head of Internal Audit with a Global Bank – Jersey City, NJ
The successful candidate will assume a broad range of critical responsibilities, encompassing strategic leadership, operational execution, and key stakeholder management. Your primary mandate is to ensure the internal audit function provides robust assurance over the bank’s governance, risk management, and internal control processes.
Strategic Leadership and Planning
Develop, articulate, and execute a comprehensive, risk-based annual and long-term internal audit plan that aligns with the bank’s strategic objectives and addresses key risks. Provide visionary leadership to the audit department, fostering a culture of excellence, professional skepticism, and continuous learning.
Audit Execution and Oversight
Direct and oversee all aspects of the audit lifecycle for financial, operational, technological, and regulatory compliance audits across all business lines and support functions. Ensure that all audit activities are conducted in accordance with the highest professional standards and internal methodologies.
Reporting and Communication
Deliver clear, concise, and impactful audit reports to the Audit Committee, senior management, and other stakeholders. Present key findings, risk themes, and actionable recommendations in a manner that drives remediation and process improvement. Facilitate open and constructive communication to ensure audit results are understood and acted upon.
Stakeholder and Regulator Management
Cultivate and maintain strong, collaborative relationships with members of the Board of Directors, the Audit Committee, executive leadership, and external regulators (e.g., Federal Reserve, OCC). Serve as the primary liaison for regulatory examinations of the internal audit function.
Team Development and Management
Lead, mentor, and develop a large, geographically dispersed team of audit professionals. Champion talent development, succession planning, and the recruitment of top-tier talent to ensure the department has the necessary skills and expertise to meet its objectives.
Risk Assessment and Advisory
Oversee the continuous risk assessment process to identify emerging risks and adjust the audit plan accordingly. Provide proactive, value-added advice to management on risk and control matters related to new initiatives, products, and process changes without compromising independence.
Innovation and Continuous Improvement
Champion the adoption of innovative audit techniques, including data analytics, automation, and continuous auditing, to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the audit function. Drive initiatives to improve internal audit processes, methodologies, and quality assurance programs.
Budget and Resource Management
Develop and manage the internal audit department’s annual budget, ensuring optimal allocation of resources, including co-sourcing with third-party experts where necessary, to achieve the audit plan’s objectives.
Requirements for the Head of Internal Audit with a Global Bank – Jersey City, NJ
This senior leadership role demands a seasoned professional with a deep and comprehensive background in financial services auditing, coupled with exceptional leadership and communication abilities. The following qualifications are essential for consideration:
Educational Background
A Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related discipline is required. An MBA or other relevant advanced degree is strongly preferred.
Professional Certifications
A professional certification is mandatory. Candidates must hold a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) or Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) designation. Additional certifications such as Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) or Certified Financial Services Auditor (CFSA) are highly advantageous.
Experience
A minimum of 15-20 years of progressive experience in internal audit, public accounting, or a related risk management function within the banking or financial services industry. At least 7-10 years of experience in a senior leadership capacity, managing a large and complex audit function for a global or major regional bank.
Technical Expertise
Extensive knowledge of U.S. banking regulations (e.g., regulations from the Fed, OCC, FDIC), risk management frameworks (e.g., COSO, ERM), and accounting principles (U.S. GAAP). Proven experience auditing complex financial products, capital markets, treasury, credit risk, and technology infrastructure.
Leadership Acumen
Demonstrated ability to lead, inspire, and manage a high-performing team. A track record of developing talent and building a strong succession pipeline. Must possess executive presence and the ability to influence and build credibility with the Board of Directors and C-suite executives.
Communication Skills
Impeccable written and verbal communication skills. The ability to distill complex issues into clear, concise messages and present with confidence and authority to diverse audiences, including regulators.
Strategic Thinking
A strategic and forward-thinking mindset with the ability to anticipate future risks and trends. Capable of balancing strategic planning with tactical execution to deliver results.
Integrity and Professionalism
Unquestionable personal and professional integrity, ethics, and a commitment to upholding the highest standards of governance and professional conduct.
Benefits & Perks Offered
Our client is committed to attracting and retaining top-tier executive talent by offering a highly competitive and comprehensive compensation and benefits package. This includes:
Executive Compensation
A highly competitive base salary complemented by a significant annual performance-based bonus and a long-term incentive plan (e.g., restricted stock units, performance shares).
Comprehensive Health & Wellness
Premier medical, dental, and vision insurance plans for you and your eligible dependents. Access to executive wellness programs, mental health resources, and a generous health savings account (HSA) contribution.
Retirement Savings
A robust 401(k) plan with a generous company match and potential for profit-sharing contributions to help you secure your financial future.
Paid Time Off
A substantial paid time off (PTO) package, including vacation days, sick leave, personal days, and company holidays, promoting a healthy work-life balance.
Professional Development
A strong commitment to your continued growth, with a budget for professional memberships, certifications, industry conferences, and executive leadership training.
Work Environment
A modern and collaborative office environment in Jersey City, with flexibility for a hybrid work arrangement.
Additional Perks
Includes potential relocation assistance, commuter benefits, employee assistance programs (EAP), and access to various corporate discounts.
How to Apply
JRG Partners is managing this executive search on an exclusive basis. We invite all qualified and interested candidates to submit their applications for this confidential search. To apply, please submit your resume and a cover letter detailing your suitability for the role. Due to the high volume of applications we receive, only those candidates who meet the specified requirements will be contacted.
We are dedicated to connecting exceptional talent with outstanding opportunities in the financial sector. To learn more about similar executive-level roles and our expertise in this area, we invite you to visit our Financial Services & Banking Recruitment practice page. We look forward to reviewing your application and discussing this career-defining opportunity with you.
