Internal Audit Senior Associate

Job Title Internal Audit Senior Associate Job Summary This is a senior role within the Internal Audit Department, reporting to the Director of Internal Audit. The Senior Associate supports engagements that align with the strategy, vision, and brand of the Internal Audit function, executing audits and advisory reviews to assess, report on, and recommend value-added improvements to Cushman & Wakefield’s financial, operational, and compliance objectives. The role provides management assurance on the adequacy and effectiveness of internal financial and operational controls, and is expected to build a strong network across the organization with a progression into broader responsibilities within 2‑3 years. Essential Functions & Responsibilities Support the department in executing a comprehensive annual audit plan. Own execution of planning, fieldwork, and reporting for audit and advisory engagements. Develop risk‑based audit programs and testing procedures for compliance with global, regional, and local regulations and business objectives. Assess operating risks and efficiency of internal controls, performing gap analyses to identify control weaknesses. Conduct interviews with audit clients and communicate issues, co‑developing action plans to address root causes. Ensure audit conclusions are supported, well‑documented, and based on a firm understanding of business processes, circumstances, and risks. Develop clear, concise, and complete audit workpapers that meet IIA standards. Draft audit reports to conclude on audited areas, identify issues, and ensure management remediation plans address root causes and associated risks. Assist with audit report socialization and recommendations to senior leadership in a clear, concise, professional manner. Track and follow up on audit findings from report issuance through remediation to evaluate adequacy of corrective actions. Seek to fully understand relevant risks, proactively research and showcase understanding of laws, regulations, and best practices. Maintain strong working relationships with all levels of employees, including operations and senior leadership. Develop and promote process enhancements, automation opportunities, and technology‑enabled solutions to cultivate best‑in‑class audit processes and maintain highest quality standards. Conduct data analytics using appropriate tools (visualization, automation, AI‑enabled) to support audit findings, identify trends and anomalies, and enhance advisory engagements. Leverage critical thinking and analytical techniques to evaluate datasets, identify trends, anomalies, operational inefficiencies, and root causes. Serve as a trusted advisor to the business and brand ambassador for C&W’s Internal Audit Department. Requirements (Knowledge, Education and/or Experience) Minimum 2–3+ years of external/internal auditing with a public accounting firm and/or internal auditing or accounting role with a publicly traded or privately held firm. Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Information Systems, or a related business field; CPA, CIA, and/or other AICPA and/or IIA credentials preferred. Demonstrated knowledge of IIA Professional Practices and Standards. Basic knowledge of technology‑enabled business processes and related risks. Experience and practical use of data analytics, visualization, and AI‑enabled tools in audit work. Strong organizational skills and ability to handle competing priorities while meeting deadlines. Demonstrated critical thinking, problem‑solving, and sound professional judgment. Ability to collaborate and build relationships with senior leadership and colleagues. Intellectual curiosity and willingness to learn emerging technologies, analytics techniques, and AI‑enabled tools. Ability to analyze data, identify trends and anomalies, and apply insights to operational and audit activities. Strong written and oral communication skills. Ability to work independently with minimal supervision. Working knowledge of the commercial real estate industry preferred but not required. Up to 40% travel. Additional Abilities Manage priorities across various teams and deliverables, executing to deadlines. Apply knowledge of generally accepted accounting principles. Build strong relationships with stakeholders. Problem‑solve root causes collaboratively. Demonstrate analytical, accounting, and audit skills. Develop process flow charts and narratives using Microsoft Visio, Word, and Excel. Conduct data analytics and analyze datasets using Excel, SQL, Python, AI‑enabled tools to identify trends, anomalies, operational risks, and process inefficiencies. Leverage emerging technologies and AI‑enabled tools to support research, analysis, and audit execution. Strengths in the Following Areas Strong organizational skills with the ability to prioritize, follow‑through, and manage multiple tasks and deadlines. Self‑starter with flexibility, desire, and eagerness to take ownership of related tasks to keep projects on schedule. Strong interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills. Strong analytical and data analysis skills utilizing Excel, visualization tools, SQL, Python, AI‑enabled tools, and other analytics technologies. Intellectual curiosity and willingness to leverage emerging technologies and AI‑enabled tools. Analytical mindset with the ability to identify trends, anomalies, operational risks, and process inefficiencies. Growth mindset to learn new skills, network across the organization, and take on increasing leadership responsibilities within Internal Audit with the goal of rotating into a position of increasing responsibility outside of Internal Audit within 2‑3 years of starting. Working Conditions and Physical Requirements Location: Chicago, IL. Travel: 10‑40% as needed. Hybrid work model when not traveling – 3 days per week. Benefits Cushman & Wakefield provides a comprehensive benefits package including health, vision, and dental insurance, flexible spending accounts, health savings accounts, retirement savings plans, life and disability insurance programs, and paid and unpaid time away from work. Competitive pay ranges from $85,000.00 to $100,000.00, depending on factors such as geographic location, date of hire, job type, business line, and applicability of collective bargaining agreements. Equal Opportunity Employer Cushman & Wakefield is an Equal Opportunity Employer to all protected groups, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. Discrimination of any type will not be tolerated. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act (ADAAA), if you have a disability and would like to request an accommodation in order to apply for a position at Cushman & Wakefield, please call the ADA line at View phone number on click.appcast.io or email View email address on click.appcast.io. #J-18808-Ljbffr