Internal Audit Manager

Job Description

Internal Audit Manager

Location: 5000 Kansas Avenue Kansas City, KS 66106

Work Model: Hybrid

Department: Internal Audit

Travel Requirement: 15-20% (Periodic site visits across 9 US distribution centers)

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Position Summary

The Internal Audit Manager will play a key leadership role in transforming and modernizing the Internal Audit function from a non-traditional advisory unit into a structured, best-in-class traditional audit practice. Reporting directly to the Director of Internal Audit, this leader will drive the establishment of standardized audit methodologies, build a high-performing audit team, and execute a risk-based audit plan. Serving as a strategic partner to executive management, the Manager will leverage exceptional written and oral communication skills to articulate business risks, evaluate internal controls, drive organizational accountability, and build strong alignment across all corporate and regional operations.

Key Responsibilities

• Departmental Transformation & Governance: Partner with the Director to build, implement, and institutionalize a traditional, standards-aligned audit methodology. Drive change management efforts to reframe the internal audit function into a trusted, structured risk management partner across the enterprise.
• Leadership & People Development: Recruit, mentor, and elevate Senior and Staff Auditors. Provide active coaching, detailed workpaper reviews, constructive performance feedback, and formal career development pathways to foster a high-performing audit culture.
• Audit Execution & Oversight: Lead the planning, execution, and wrap-up of risk-based financial, operational, and compliance audits across corporate functions and operational sites.
• Executive Stakeholder Management: Build collaborative relationships with cross-functional leaders and site general managers while maintaining strict professional independence and objectivity.
• High-Impact Reporting: Draft and present clear, persuasive audit reports for executive leadership that clearly define risks, root causes, and practical management solutions.
• Risk Assessment & Remediation: Drive annual and ongoing risk assessment activities; monitor and track management action plans to ensure effective remediation of audit findings.
• Advisory & Special Investigations: Lead high-visibility management requests, advisory engagements, and sensitive investigations as required.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or Business Administration.
• 5+ years of progressive audit experience (mix of public accounting and corporate internal audit preferred), including 2+ years of direct supervisory and leadership experience.
• Strong leadership profile with demonstrated ability to mentor staff, drive organizational change, and build credibility with executive leaders.
• Strong command of IIA Standards, internal control frameworks (COSO), risk assessment methodologies, and core financial/operational control principles.
• Active CIA, CPA, or equivalent professional certification (or actively in progress).
• Willingness and ability to travel 15-20% nationwide.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in Accounting, Finance, or MBA.
• Background in public accounting combined with multi-location corporate internal audit experience.
• Demonstrated experience building, transforming, or formalizing an internal audit function or department framework.
• Advanced skills in executive presentation, change leadership, process optimization, and data analytics.
• Strong written

Associated Wholesale Grocers, Inc. (AWG) is the nation's largest cooperative food wholesaler to independently owned supermarkets, serving 1,100 member companies and 3,500 locations throughout 33 states from 9 wholesale division support centers. Consolidated sales for AWG in 2025 were $12.2 billion. In addition to its cooperative wholesale operations, the company also operates subsidiary companies that provide certain real estate and supermarket development services, and pharmaceutical products. For more information, visit AWGinc.com.

Benefits

• Medical, Dental, & Vision Insurance
• Health Savings Account
• Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account
• Paid Vacation, Holiday, and Sick Time
• 401(k) with 4% match along with 3 other contributions
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Basic & Supplemental Life and AD&D
• Employee Assistance Program
• Short-Term and Long-Term Disability
• Wellness Program
• Yearly Holiday Bonus