Audit Specialist ( Operational/Corporate )

Position Overview

We are seeking a highly motivated and detail-oriented Audit Specialist (Operational/Corporate) to join our Internal Audit team. In this pivotal role, you will lead and conduct comprehensive financial, operational, and procedural audits across SGS’s global operations to enhance business efficiency, ensure financial reliability, and strengthen compliance with regulatory standards. Your expertise will be instrumental in safeguarding company assets, optimizing risk management, and improving governance processes. This position offers a dynamic environment where you can leverage your analytical skills to drive continuous improvement and contribute to the organization’s long-term success.

Key Responsibilities

The Audit Specialist will play a critical role in executing audit engagements while adhering to professional standards and organizational objectives. Your core responsibilities will include:

• Audit Execution and Oversight:
  • Lead and supervise audit teams to ensure timely completion of audit engagements in alignment with the approved audit plan.
  • Develop and implement detailed audit programs, testing procedures, and risk-based methodologies to assess operational effectiveness, financial integrity, and compliance with policies, procedures, and applicable laws.
  • Conduct thorough reviews of organizational activities to verify adherence to SGS’s internal guidelines and regulatory requirements.
  • Evaluate the efficiency of resource utilization, ensuring compliance with approved policies and procedures.
• Documentation and Reporting:
  • Prepare comprehensive, well-documented work papers that provide clear evidence of audit procedures performed and conclusions reached, in accordance with professional Internal Audit standards.
  • Draft detailed audit reports highlighting findings, deficiencies, and actionable recommendations to mitigate risks and enhance operational performance.
  • Collaborate with management to agree on corrective action plans and timelines for addressing identified risks and control gaps.
  • Present audit findings and recommendations to stakeholders through oral and written communications, ensuring clarity and actionable insights.
• Team Leadership and Development:
  • Supervise and mentor audit team members, providing guidance on audit methodologies, best practices, and professional development opportunities.
  • Evaluate team performance and capabilities, offering constructive feedback and training to enhance individual and collective competencies.
  • Foster a culture of knowledge sharing within the Internal Audit team by disseminating lessons learned, control gaps, and industry best practices.
• Follow-Up and Continuous Improvement:
  • Conduct follow-up reviews to ensure the timely and effective implementation of audit recommendations, verifying that risks are mitigated and processes are aligned with acceptable standards.
  • Stay abreast of emerging auditing methodologies, technologies, and industry trends, such as statistical sampling and electronic data processing, to enhance audit efficiency and effectiveness.
  • Proactively pursue professional growth opportunities, including relevant certifications and training, to advance your expertise and contribute to the evolution of the Internal Audit function.
  • Lead investigations into reported cases as required, ensuring thorough and objective analysis to identify root causes and recommend corrective actions.
• Compliance and Governance:
  • Ensure all audit activities comply with professional standards, regulatory requirements, and SGS’s internal policies.
  • Contribute to the enhancement of risk management, control, and governance processes across the organization.

Qualifications and Experience

To excel in this role, you must meet the following qualifications and possess relevant experience:

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, or an equivalent field.
• Certifications (Preferred): Professional certifications such as Certified Internal Auditor (CIA), Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Certified Control Self-Assessment (CCSA), Certified Management Accountant (CMA), Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA), Certification in Risk Management Assurance (CRMA), or Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE).
• Experience: Minimum of 4 to 6 years of progressive experience in internal audit, external audit, or a related field, with a strong understanding of audit principles, risk management, and control frameworks.
• Skills and Competencies:
  • Exceptional analytical, problem-solving, and critical thinking abilities.
  • Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage effectively with stakeholders at all levels.
  • Proficiency in audit software, data analytics tools, and Microsoft Office Suite.
  • Demonstrated leadership skills with the ability to mentor and develop junior team members.
  • Commitment to professional integrity, ethical standards, and continuous learning.

Why Join Us?

As an Audit Specialist, you will have the opportunity to work in a dynamic and collaborative environment, contributing to the strategic objectives of a global leader in inspection, verification, testing, and certification services. You will play a key role in enhancing organizational resilience, driving operational excellence, and ensuring compliance with regulatory standards. This position offers professional growth, exposure to diverse business functions, and the chance to make a meaningful impact on SGS’s success.