Senior Audit Manager

The SouthState story is one of steady growth, deep community roots, and an unwavering commitment to helping our customers move forward. Since our beginnings in the 1930s to becoming a trusted financial partner across the South and beyond - we are known for combining personal relationships with forward-thinking solutions.

We are committed to helping our team members find their success while maintaining the integrity of our values: building trust, fostering lasting relationships and pursuing excellence. At SouthState, individual contributions are recognized, potential is cultivated and team members are inspired to achieve their greater purpose. Your future begins here!

SUMMARY/OBJECTIVES

The Senior Audit Manager leading audits of the company’s risk management, operations, and compliance functions will be one of the key members of Internal Audit’s senior leadership team. Reporting to the Deputy audit director, the Senior Audit Manager will be Internal Audit’s point-of-contact and relationship manager for the company’s risk management, operations, and compliance functions. In addition, the Senior Audit Manager will oversee and direct performance of work for and interaction with external auditors particularly on SOX and other annual audit testing for reliance; will provide guidance to other non-IT audit Managers; and will assist in interface with regulators as needed.

It is expected that the Senior Audit manager will possess and maintain adequate industry expertise. The Senior Audit Manager will oversee the planning, execution, and reporting of the audits in their assigned risk areas including leading multiple audits simultaneously utilizing the support of audit supervisors and staff in a team-based environment. This individual will also provide primary input to the risk assessment and audit planning process. The Senior Audit Manager’s performance will be impacted by his or her ability to build strong relationships with key management, address their most critical risk and control issues in a measurable way, and add value as a key source of internal control and risk management best practices.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Manage projects in accordance with applicable standards, identify significant control issues, and provide quality recommendations.
• Oversee overall performance of SOX and other audit and project work for external audit use and review.
• Assist in interface and coordination with external parties, including external auditors, regulators, and other work teams.
• Foster a positive and collaborative team environment that embraces change, encourages professional growth, and fosters open communication, accountability, and a shared commitment to departmental objectives.
• Support ongoing enhancements to the Internal Audit function by contributing to various strategic initiatives aimed at elevating audit quality and operational efficiency.
• Serve as Internal Audit’s primary point-of-contact for the assigned risk areas and auditable units.
• Facilitate ongoing dialogue with management regarding emerging risks or issues that need to be considered and/or addressed; build relationships with business line stakeholders.
• Provide input to the annual risk assessment and planning process relative to areas of assigned responsibility.
• Supervise planning, performance, and reporting of audit results by audit teams utilizing Internal Audit Software.
• Manage multiple competing priorities to ensure deadlines are met.
• Perform second level review of all work performed, and results produced in areas of assigned responsibility including drafting of audit reports.
• Provide technical guidance to supervised personnel on issues or questions related to audit delivery.
• Supervise follow-up on open audit issues related areas of assigned responsibility.
• Provide periodic and annual performance reviews, as well as ongoing coaching, and oversight of development plans for supervised personnel.
• Provide subject matter expertise to the entire Internal Audit team related to areas of assigned responsibility.
• Accepts other duties as assigned.

COMPETENCIES

• Unquestionable ethics, integrity, and values.
• Ability to professionally handle confidential matters.
• High degree of initiative, dependability, and ability to work with minimal supervision.
• Ability to accept and facilitate change, whether indicated by corporate needs, market, or regulatory requirements.
• Must be a self-starter and able to work independently.
• Must be able to work in a fast-paced environment and successfully manage competing priorities.
• High level of energy, passion, and commitment to excellence.
• Strong written and oral communication skills.
• Strong problem-solving skills, including creativity and innovative thinking combined with a willingness to challenge the status quo and act as a “change agent.”
• Highly professional with strong interpersonal skills.
• Requires strong knowledge of Microsoft Office.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS:

• An undergraduate degree in Accounting or a related business discipline is required. Graduate education such as Masters in Accounting or Business Administration is considered a plus.
• An active professional certification in at least one area (e.g., CIA, CPA, CBA, CISA, CFSA, CTA, etc.) is required.

EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:

• Minimum 10 years of financial services auditing experience including at least 3 years in a managerial capacity.
• Strong knowledge of products, issues, risks, and the regulatory environment related to financial services, including experience with payments-related risks and controls.
• Strong knowledge of management/internal control best practices.
• Proven experience managing audit teams.
• Excellent communication skills with proven experience building strong relationships with senior and middle management.
• Proven experience performing risk assessments and developing audit plans.
• Strong technical, accounting, business, and auditing background with substantial experience gained in the banking industry.
• Working knowledge of information technology (IT) auditing and ability to apply those concepts to assigned areas of responsibility, through collaboration with the IT audit team. 
• Public accounting experience is considered a plus.

TRAINING REQUIREMENTS/CLASSES

Required annual compliance training.

RECOMMENDED ADDITIONAL TRAINING

New Employee Orientation

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY

This position has supervisory responsibilities.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS/WORK ENVIRONMENT

Must be able to stand and/or sit for long periods of time. Must be able to effectively access and interpret information on computer screens, documents, reports, and cash denominations, and identify customers. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

TRAVEL

This position requires some limited, occasional travel.

Equal Opportunity Employer, including disabled/veterans.