Internal Audit Associate

Overview Join Our Team at Harborstone Credit Union—Voted one of Washington’s Best Workplaces! Are you ready to make a difference in the lives of others while building your own career? At Harborstone Credit Union (HCU), we’re more than just a financial institution—we’re a community dedicated to building dreams and changing lives for generations to come! Position: Internal Audit Associate Location: Lakewood, WA What You’ll Do Assist in the execution of the annual audit plan. Support Internal Audit’s Findings Management Program. Coordinate external audits and examinations. Key Responsibilities Assist internal audits across all phases of an engagement, including planning, fieldwork, and reporting. Track and monitor findings under Internal Audit oversight and validate management remediations to ensure risk and control deficiencies are adequately addressed. Coordinate document requests with business units, assist with general inquiries, and facilitate interactions with auditors and examiners. What We’re Looking For Strong communication, critical thinking, and analytical skills. Organized with the ability to self‑motivate and complete tasks within established timelines. Deep understanding of credit union operations and systems. High ethical standards and commitment to integrity and confidentiality. Why Join Our Team At HCU, we believe that happy teammates create happy members. Enjoy competitive wages, unique benefits, and a workplace culture that supports your growth and happiness. If you’re looking for the “Best Place to Work, Ever!” and want to be part of a team that truly values its members and each other, apply today! Compensation Minimum: $22.74 Maximum: $34.12 Placement in the pay scale will be determined by experience and qualifications. Responsibilities The Internal Audit Associate plays a pivotal role in the Internal Audit department by supporting the department’s mission to enhance and protect organizational value by providing risk‑based and objective assurance, advice, and insight. This position is responsible for assisting in the execution of the annual audit plan, supporting the Findings Management Program, and coordinating external audits and exams. The ideal candidate possesses high ethical standards and is committed to integrity and confidentiality. The candidate is highly organized, self‑motivated, has a deep understanding of credit union operations and systems, and possesses strong critical thinking, analytical, and time management skills. This role reports directly to the Director of Internal Audit and collaborates closely with all business units to ensure alignment with Harborstone’s mission, vision, and values. Key Responsibilities Assist in the Execution of the Annual Audit Plan Description: Support the end‑to‑end internal audit process by contributing to planning activities, performing audit testing during fieldwork, and evaluating the adequacy and effectiveness of internal controls and adherence to Credit Union policies, procedures, and applicable regulatory requirements. Prepare audit documentation in accordance with IIA Global Standards. Success Metric: Complete assigned audit work within established timelines while adhering to applicable IIA Global Standards. Support Internal Audit’s Findings Management Program Description: Track and monitor findings under Internal Audit oversight from inception to validation and closure. Coordinate status updates with business owners, update systems and logs as appropriate, and support validation of management remediation plans, ensuring risk and control deficiencies are adequately addressed. Success Metric: Accurately track findings across Harborstone’s GRC software solution and Internal Audit’s Finding Tracking log. Validate assigned findings within established timelines. Coordinate External Audits and Examinations Description: Assist third‑party engagements by managing documentation requests, facilitating process and system walkthroughs, and organizing meetings, while supporting inquiries and interactions with external auditors and examiners. Success Metric: Respond to external auditor/examiner inquiries promptly and fulfill document and meeting requests by the established timelines. Other Responsibilities Assist with the development and periodic update of department governance. Complete Credit Union‑assigned training by the designated due date(s). Obtain and maintain a working knowledge of Credit Union policies and procedures, IIA Global Standards, and industry best practices. Perform other duties as assigned by management. Qualifications Education Advanced degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, Information Systems/IT/Computer Science, or equivalent work experience [Preferred]. Experience 1 year of experience in internal audit, risk management, compliance, or quality assurance, preferably within a financial institution [Preferred]. 1 year of experience in a financial institution. Technical Skills Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Outlook, Word, Excel, Teams) [Essential]. Soft Skills High ethical standards and commitment to integrity and confidentiality [Essential]. Strong critical thinking and analytical skills [Essential]. Ability to research and understand complex processes, laws, and regulations [Essential]. Strong organizational and time management skills with a consistent record of meeting deadlines [Essential]. Self‑motivated with the ability to work independently [Essential]. Ability to use sound judgement in balancing independent problem‑solving and seeking guidance to ensure timely progress on assignments [Essential]. Certifications/Additional Qualifications (if applicable) Holds, is actively pursuing, or is willing to obtain a relevant professional certification (e.g., CIA, CPA) within an established timeframe [Essential] Physical Considerations Ability to communicate effectively in verbal, written, and electronic formats with internal and external stakeholders. Ability to read, comprehend, and respond to written and verbal instructions and information. May be required to sit or stand for extended periods, depending on job duties. May involve repetitive motions, including keyboarding and handling office equipment. May require stooping, bending, squatting, or reaching occasionally. May be required to lift and carry items weighing up to 50 pounds. Ability to navigate office environments, including walking between workstations, meeting rooms, and member service areas. #J-18808-Ljbffr