Associate Director of Internal Audit

Job Description

Job Description

Ruiz Foods has been family owned since 1964, is one of the largest Hispanic-owned companies in the country and is the proud maker of two #1 brands: El Monterey frozen Mexican food and Tornados roller grill taquitos in grocery stores and convenience stores across the US and Canada.

Are you looking for career development opportunities in an exciting company that cares about its team members and consumers alike? Come join our team and help us continue our industry-leading track record of growth, quality, and delicious food!

The Director of Internal Audit serves as the organization’s top audit executive. Performs advanced level of professional internal auditing work as a key component of the corporate governance structure. Work involves developing and directing a comprehensive audit program including risk, performance, financial, and compliance audit projects; providing consulting services to the organization’s management and staff; providing direction to development of the annual audit plan; leading the organization’s enterprise risk management process; and administering the Speak Up for Ruiz hotline, among other responsibilities. This role must maintain industry recognized organizational and professional ethical standards at all times. This role is expected to work independently with extensive latitude of initiative and independent judgment and be closely involved in the day-to-day operations of the internal audit department (operating as a “hands on leader”).

COMPENSATION : $170,000 - $180,000/Year DOE, Bonus Eligible

RESPONSIBILITIES :

• Directs audit staff throughout the planning, organizing, executing, and reporting phases of internal audit operations in close coordination with our co-source audit partner firm.
• Directs identification and evaluation of the organization’s risk areas and oversees the development of the annual audit plan.
• Directs the overall performance of audit procedures, including identifying and defining issues, developing criteria, reviewing and analyzing evidence, and documenting internal processes and procedures.
• Directs the audit staff in the identification, development, and documentation of audit issues and recommendations. Communicates findings to all key stakeholders to ensure alignment and involvement in management action plan creation.
• Continue progress begun within the internal control improvement project with the ultimate goal of having a “SOX Light” environment in place by the close of Fiscal 2026.
• Communicates the results of audit and consulting projects via written reports and oral presentations to management and the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors.
• Develops and maintains productive relationships throughout all of Ruiz Foods, from plant TMs through the Board, by maintaining openness and fostering strong relationships throughout the company.
• Provides quarterly updates to CEO and CFO on a separate cadence from regularly scheduled Board meetings
• Meets monthly (outside of quarterly Audit Committee meetings) with the Audit Chair to discuss updates to audit fieldwork, audit plan and any/all other topics
• Leads the enterprise risk management (ERM) process and coordinates monitoring of key risk indicators (KRIs) for significant risks. Reports quarterly to the Nominating & Governance Committee of the Board of Directors.
• Administers the Speak Up for Ruiz hotline in conjunction with Legal through NAVEX. Ensures timely closure of issues through quarterly follow-up meetings with SVP, Administration and other key Human Resources leaders.
• Pursues professional development opportunities, including internal and external training and professional association memberships, and shares information gained with Ruiz Foods team members, as applicable.
• Represents internal audit at management and board meetings and with external organizations (i.e., our external audit partner).
• Performs related work as assigned by the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors.
• Supports the CFO and VP, Controller (among others) with special projects and advisory work as assigned throughout the year.
• Ability to travel domestically to plant locations or other locations (i.e., conferences, off-site meetings) approximately 25-35% of the year.

QUALIFICATIONS :

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.
• Certification as a CIA or CPA.
• Eight - Ten years of full-time experience in auditing, accounting, business analysis, or program evaluation, including four years of supervisory or project management experience.
• Extensive knowledge of and skill in applying internal audit and accounting principles in a fast-paced, growing food manufacturing environment.
• Ability to contribute and advise the organization on best/preferred business practices to assist management in control/process design.
• Considerable knowledge of the Global Internal Audit Standards and experience implementing the Standards based on an approved roadmap for finalization by end of 2026.
• Knowledge of management information systems terminology, concepts, and practices, including Cybersecurity and AI.
• Skill in understanding, documenting, and testing process flows and control points.
• Considerable knowledge of industry program policies, procedures, regulations, and laws.
• Considerable skill in conducting quality control reviews of audit work products.
• Skill in collecting and analyzing complex data, evaluating information and systems, and drawing logical conclusions.
• Extensive skill in planning and project management and maintaining composure under pressure while meeting multiple deadlines.
• Considerable skill in negotiating issues and resolving problems.
• Skill in using a computer with word processing, spreadsheet, and other business software to prepare reports, memos, summaries, and analyses.
• Considerable skill in effective verbal and written communications, including active listening skills and presenting findings and recommendations.
• Ability to establish and maintain harmonious working relationships with co-source partners, all Ruiz team members, and external contacts, and to work effectively in a professional team environment.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Experience performing and leading audit procedures within a public accounting firm or in industry – coupled with experience pertinent to audits conducted in food manufacturing, including audits of information systems, cybersecurity and AI.
• A Master’s degree in Accounting or a related field. In lieu of a Master’s degree, we will also consider a secondary certification (i.e., CPA and CIA or CIA and CISA).
• Extensive familiarity with AuditBoard – specifically OpsAudit and Risk Oversight. Willing to collaborate with IT on ITRM and Cross Comply modules, as applicable.
• Prior experience with our preferred model for the internal audit department (co-source relationship).