Finance Audit Leader

Company Details

Our Company provides a state of predictability which allows brokers and agents to act with confidence. Founded in 1967, W. R. Berkley Corporation has grown from a small investment management firm into one of the largest commercial lines property and casualty insurers in the United States. Along the way, we've been listed on the New York Stock Exchange, become a Fortune 500 Company, joined the S&P 500, and seen our gross written premiums exceed $10 billion. Today the Berkley brand comprises more than 60+ businesses worldwide and is divided into two segments: Insurance and Reinsurance and Monoline Excess. Led by our Executive Chairman, founder and largest shareholder, William R. Berkley and our President and Chief Executive Officer, W. Robert Berkley, Jr., W.R. Berkley Corporation is well-positioned to respond to opportunities for future growth.

Responsibilities

Performs and/or leads high quality, risk-focused audit fieldwork, in accordance with Internal Audit policies, methodologies, and standards to identify meaningful issues, risks and other exposures within Finance and Operational areas. As part of this role, the individual would work closely with the Business Units and Corporate Finance both in learning the business and testing controls. This requires both good oral and written communications skills and an ability to be sensitive to the needs of clients and team members. Must be able to keep sensitive information confidential and know how to use appropriately. No direct reports. Demonstrates leadership through work guidance and training of less experienced peers and through advice to Business Units.

Lead and/or perform financial and operational examinations, partnering with operational and IT audit teams to assess adequate management controls, efficiency, and compliance with policies, regulations, and accounting principles using sound, independent judgment.

Demonstrate leadership through engagement, reflective listening, collaboration, sound judgment, personal development and fostering a spirit of continual improvement.

Provide guidance and training to less experienced members of the Finance audit team, through effective communication and demonstration. Review work papers prepared by others, ensuring proper support for audit conclusions.

Develop a risk-based approach for each financial audit during the pre-audit planning process. Appropriately analyze control environment and develop effective audit steps to test controls where necessary in line with internal audit methodology.

Identify, document, and assess business processes and controls to evaluate risks and controls. Conduct walkthroughs to gain an understanding of the financials and/or operational process(es) being audited.

Understand the audits steps being performed by the Operational and/or IT teams and complete a gap analysis of all key processes to ensure the completeness of the audit scope.

Document all testing in accordance with best practices and the department's standards, including drafting of a planning memo, complete and accurate workpapers and draft audit findings.

Develop and apply alternative audit procedures beyond those contained in standard Audit Program Guides, where applicable. Periodically update existing Audit Program Guides and/or develop new ones. Design testing plans/methodologies for areas not previously reviewed.

Lead meetings with the Business Unit management to provide audit status updates and/or communicate audit findings and recommendations.

Work independently and in a team environment to maximize performance.

Follow up periodically with the Business Units regarding the action plan progress taken by the Business Units until issue remediation.

Learn new businesses, processes and regulations and apply new knowledge to audit work performed. Must be able to quickly assimilate new information to analyze the risks and controls effectively.

Build positive working relationships with all auditees, particularly with Senior Management.

Communicate well with clients and Audit team members.

Staff at this level will be expected to own sections of the audit program and bring them to completion with minimal supervision.

Analyze data from Business Units to identify and interpret trends and patterns to provide meaningful insights in the audit process.

Collaborate with internal audit team members to find opportunities to use audit analytics in Internal Audits.

Participate in special projects as assigned by management.

Engage in relevant training regarding audit, businesses, financial controls, regulations, or a particular specialty.

Maintain audit proficiency through self-study, training, and professional association memberships.

Qualifications

A minimum 10 years of total professional experience including a minimum of 7 years auditing experience (public and/or internal).

Minimum 5 years' experience in the Property and Casualty insurance industry or equivalent relevant training or experience.

Experience in a financial reporting or similar role is a plus.

Some relevant/recent experience in audit analytics and/or continuous audit monitoring programs a plus.

Demonstrated ability to analyze and problem solve with the ability to prioritize and multitask.

Strong communication skills, both verbal and written, proven ability to communicate with all levels of an organization.

A high level of accuracy and attention to detail.

Computer proficiency in Microsoft Office Excel and Word is a must; knowledge of PeopleSoft, Hyperion Smart View is a plus.

Strong work ethic, ability to prioritize work and meet deadlines.

Strong business acumen and risk awareness.

Strong analytical, organizational, project management and communications skills (written and oral).

Strong knowledge of internal controls over financial reporting (COSO, Sarbanes-Oxley, and Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA) Professional Practices Framework).

Strong knowledge of property and casualty insurance industry, GAAP and Statutory accounting principles as well as claims and underwriting operations.

Should be able to think creatively as well as take direction.

Self-starter, able to work independently with minimal supervision, and demonstrate accountability for results.

Need to display flexible and adaptive problem-solving skills due to the variety of operational and technological infrastructures within the Company.

Working knowledge of data analysis software such as ACL, IDEA and dashboard tools such as Tableau, Microsoft BI is a plus.

A willingness to roll up sleeves and get the work done versus delegating.

Ability to work in an environment with minimal administrative support.

Travel: The job will require overnight travel (approximately (30% - 35%) to Business Unit locations and/or Corporate Home Office. Travel is mostly within the United States but there is some international travel as well.

The Company is an equal employment opportunity employer.

Education Requirement:

Requires a bachelor's degree in accounting, business administration or finance.

Professional certification (CPA, CIA or equivalent) strongly preferred.