Senior Internal Auditor

Job Description

Job Description

The Senior Internal Auditor, under the direction of Audit Leadership, supports the execution of risk-based internal audits designed to evaluate internal controls, risk management and governance processes, regulatory compliance, and operational effectiveness. This role participates in all phases of the audit lifecycle, including planning, risk assessment, scoping, process walkthroughs, control identification, testing, evidence evaluation, workpaper documentation, root cause analysis, finding development, reporting, management discussions, and audit follow-up activities. The Senior Internal Auditor gathers and analyzes information, identifies control gaps and opportunities for improvement, drafts well-supported audit findings and report sections, and collaborates with management, co-source providers, and external auditors to support practical, value-added recommendations and timely remediation. The position operates with guidance from the audit project supervisor while independently executing assigned responsibilities commensurate with experience and skill level. The role requires sound judgment, professional skepticism, clear communication, attention to detail, and a demonstrated commitment to Internal Audit standards, Farmer Mac policies, and continuous improvement. In addition, the Senior Internal Auditor supervises staff auditors in the execution of, and/or directly performs, interim and year-end key control testing to support the company’s Sarbanes-Oxley Act Section 404 compliance program.

Who You Will Work With

The Senior Internal Auditor position will report directly to the Manager of Internal Audit and work closely with Internal Audit team members, business stakeholders, co-source providers, and external auditors.

Where and When You Will Work

The position is based in the Washington, D.C. headquarters of Farmer Mac. Ours is a Presence with a Purpose work environment, which allows for flexibility in work location while providing opportunities for teams to come together in the office with purpose. Work outside of core hours may be required on an infrequent basis for planned and unplanned activities, to complete time-sensitive projects, or to attend off-site meetings or events..

Primary Responsibilities and Duties

• Demonstrate a strong understanding of the company’s business, operational processes, and supporting technology when performing risk-based audits of finance, accounting, business operations, compliance, and corporate governance processes.
  
• Support audit planning by preparing audit notifications, gathering background information, reviewing relevant policies and procedures, prior audit results, training materials, key controls, open issues, and regulatory requirements, and contributing to the development of audit scope and objectives.
• Assist with, and in some cases lead, audit walkthroughs to evaluate business processes, systems, data flows, risks, and key controls; prepare meeting agendas and questions; and document results accurately and completely.
• Identify key risks and controls and support the preparation of risk assessments, audit planning memo, test plans, and audit kick-off materials.
• Supervise staff auditors in executing, and/or directly execute, audit test steps in accordance with approved test plans and sampling methodologies, including requesting documentation, following up on outstanding items, evaluating audit evidence, and documenting results and conclusions in compliance with established workpaper requirements and the Global Internal Audit Standards.
• Prepare audit status updates, discussion materials, and meeting agendas to support timely, transparent communication with audit stakeholders.
• Identify control gaps, root causes, and opportunities for improvement based on audit testing performed.
• Draft audit findings and audit reports supported by testing results, and collaborate with management to develop effective, practical, and cost-efficient recommendations.
• Ensure all final audit workpapers are fully documented and signed off within AuditBoard/Optro.
• Monitor remediation progress for assigned audit findings by engaging with management, requesting status updates and supporting evidence, and performing validation testing to confirm corrective actions have been implemented timely and effectively.
• Perform SOX control testing for assigned key controls in accordance with prescribed methodology and sample sizes, and document results consistent with SOX workpaper standards to facilitate external auditor reliance, where applicable.
• Apply lessons learned from prior audits and identify opportunities to improve audit processes, testing approaches, and documentation quality.
• Remain current with and adhere to Farmer Mac policies and procedures, including Internal Audit policies and procedures aligned with the Global Internal Audit Standards.  
• Support the continued development of Internal Audit’s brand and credibility within the company through meaningful relationship building and professional engagement.
• Assist in coordinating audit activities with management, co-source providers, and external auditors to promote alignment, efficiency, and timely completion of audit objectives.

Required Skills & Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field. 
• Minimum of five (5) years of experience in internal audit, public accounting, or a related field (e.g., risk and compliance); alternatively, candidates may qualify with more than five years of relevant audit experience.
  
• CPA, CIA, CISA, CFA, or CFE designation preferred.
  
• Experience with commercial lending, financial services (e.g., secondary loan market), and/or agriculture industry is preferred but not required.
• Working knowledge of the Global Internal Audit Standards, including the ability to demonstrate appropriate use and interpretation of those standards in the course of assigned work.
• Understanding of accounting principles, Sarbanes-Oxley Act requirements, COSO, and risk assessment practices, with the ability to apply these concepts effectively in the performance of job responsibilities.
• Strong project management and organizational skills, including the ability to manage competing priorities, work independently and collaboratively, meet audit milestones, and keep stakeholders informed of progress, risks, and potential delays.
• Strong analytical, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to distinguish systemic control issues from isolated exceptions and appropriately assess risk impact and significance.
• Strong verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills, with the ability to build effective relationships and communicate audit results, risks, and recommendations clearly with management, co-source providers, and external auditors.
• Sound professional judgment, professional skepticism, and attention to detail when evaluating audit evidence, identifying root causes, and assessing the significance of control deficiencies.
• Adaptability and intellectual curiosity, including a willingness to learn new business processes, technologies, audit tools, regulatory expectations, and emerging risks relevant to the organization.
• Working knowledge of Optro/AuditBoard audit software is a plus.
• Experience using emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, to support internal audit activities is a plus.
• Experience using data analysis, visualization, and audit technology tools to support risk assessment, scoping, testing, trend identification, and audit conclusions is a plus.

Our compensation philosophy is targeted pay positioning relative to peers, our industry, and external markets. Farmer Mac is committed to a compensation program that will enable the organization to attract, motivate, reward, and retain highly skilled and creative talent to maintain sustained long-term performance and achieve the organization’s strategic business objectives. The typical starting salary range for this position is between $100,000 -$120,000, although wages can vary based on experience and geography. Individual compensation will be commensurate with the candidate's experience.