VP Internal Audit

VP Internal Audit

Reporting functionally to the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors and administratively to the SVP, Finance, the Vice President, Internal Audit is accountable for the design, execution, and continuous improvement of the global internal audit function. The VP provides independent, objective assurance and advisory services across financial, operational, IT/cybersecurity, SOX 404, and compliance domains, enabling the company to protect shareholder value and advance its mission of expanding the benefits of minimally invasive surgery worldwide. This executive-level role partners directly with the Audit Committee, CEO, CFO, and business unit leaders to assess risk, strengthen the control environment, and foster a culture of accountability and continuous improvement. The VP leads and develops a high-performing global audit team and serves as a trusted advisor at the highest levels of the organization.

Strategic Leadership & Governance

• Maintain functional independence and report to the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors.
• Develop and champion the long-range strategic vision for the Internal Audit function, positioning it as a world-class, forward-looking assurance and advisory capability.
• Prepare and present quarterly and ad hoc reports to the Audit Committee, including risk assessment results, audit plan status, key themes, emerging risks, and departmental performance metrics.
• Participate as a trusted advisor to the CFO, CEO, and senior leadership on matters of governance, risk, and internal controls, including advisory projects, M&A due diligence, and strategic initiatives.
• Actively participate in Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) programs, providing audit's independent perspective on the company's top risks.

Risk Assessment & Audit Plan

• Lead the development, continuous evaluation, and Board-level approval of a dynamic, risk-based global annual audit plan covering financial, operational, SOX, IT/cybersecurity, regulatory, and compliance risks.
• Integrate internal and external risk intelligence (industry trends, regulatory changes, macroeconomic shifts) to ensure the audit plan remains responsive and prioritized on the highest-risk areas.
• Oversee M&A due diligence activities and post-integration audits, providing assurance on acquired entities and integration progress.
• Direct and oversee fraud risk assessment and investigation activities, partnering with Legal and Compliance as appropriate.

Audit Execution & Quality

• Oversee end-to-end execution of the approved audit plan, including operational, financial, SOX 404, IT/cybersecurity, and regulatory compliance engagements, ensuring timely, high-quality, and impactful results.
• Maintain the Internal Audit function in full conformance with the International Standards for the Professional Practice of Internal Auditing (IIA Standards) and establish a robust Quality Assurance and Improvement Program (QAIP).
• Direct the company's SOX 404 compliance program, coordinating with the Corporate Controller, IT, and external auditors to maximize reliance and minimize redundant testing.
• Oversee the third-party co-sourcing and outsourcing relationships supporting audit plan execution, ensuring value delivery and appropriate oversight.
• Ensure audit findings and management action plans are tracked to timely remediation, with escalation protocols for unresolved critical issues.

Stakeholder Communication & Influence

• Build and sustain trusted, collaborative relationships with executive management, the Audit Committee, external auditors, and regulators while maintaining objectivity and independence.
• Communicate complex risk and control issues in clear, actionable terms tailored to diverse audiences, from the Board to operational management.
• Coordinate with second-line assurance functions (Corporate Compliance, ERM, Legal, Quality) to ensure comprehensive and non-duplicative risk coverage across the three lines of defense model.
• Interface with external auditors to align SOX reliance strategies, coordinate coverage, and maximize efficiency of overall assurance activities.

Team Leadership & Talent Development

• Lead, inspire, and develop a high-performing internal audit team, establishing a culture of intellectual curiosity, professional excellence, and continuous improvement.
• Recruit, develop, and retain top audit talent; build a robust succession pipeline; and ensure the team has the diverse skills, certifications, and industry expertise required to address Intuitive's evolving risk landscape.
• Define and manage the Internal Audit department budget, workforce plan, and resource allocation, balancing insourced and co-sourced capabilities.

Technology & Innovation

• Drive adoption of data analytics, audit automation, continuous monitoring, and emerging technologies (including AI-enabled tools) to enhance audit quality, coverage, and efficiency.
• Serve as an advocate for strengthening the company's IT general controls (ITGCs), cybersecurity posture, and data governance practices.

Qualifications

Required Skills and Experience

• Minimum 18 years of progressive audit, finance, and/or operational experience, including at least 10 years leading internal audit or public accounting teams at large, complex organizations.
• Demonstrated experience as a senior audit leader, including direct Audit Committee and Board-level communication.
• Deep knowledge of IIA Standards, COSO framework, SOX 404 requirements (both design and operating effectiveness testing), and PCAOB audit standards.
• Proven track record of developing and executing comprehensive, risk-based global audit plans across financial, operational, IT, and compliance domains.
• Strong business acumen and ability to quickly assimilate complex business processes, emerging risks, and strategic priorities across a global, multi-segment technology company.
• Exceptional executive presence and communication skills—able to influence and advise at the Board, executive leadership team, and operational management levels with clarity, credibility, and candor.
• Experience leading and developing high-performing teams; demonstrated ability to attract, develop, and retain top talent.
• Familiarity with IT audit, cybersecurity risk, and data analytics methodologies; ability to direct and oversee IT/IS audit engagements.
• Experience in the medical device, life sciences, or healthcare technology industry, with understanding of relevant regulatory frameworks strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to manage third-party co-sourcing relationships, external auditor coordination, and M&A due diligence activities.

Required Education and Training

• Bachelor's degree (BA/BS) in Accounting, Finance, or a closely related field required.
• Certified Public Accountant (CPA) or Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) required.
• MBA or equivalent advanced degree preferred.
• Additional certifications (CISA, CFE, CRMA) are a plus.

Working Conditions

This role is primarily office-based at Intuitive Surgical's headquarters in Sunnyvale, CA. Required to be in the office Tuesday-Thursday weekly, with Monday & Friday as needed. Domestic and international travel of approximately 25% is expected to support audit execution, stakeholder engagement, and team development across global locations. In-person Audit Committee attendance is required.

Preferred Skills and Experience

• Prior experience as CAE or VP of Internal Audit at a publicly traded, global medical device, technology or life sciences company
• Track record of building or significantly transforming an internal audit function, including implementing data analytics, continuous monitoring, or audit automation programs.
• Experience supporting or managing robotics, digital health, or capital equipment business model with complex revenue recognition and service/leasing considerations.
• Prior experience working with a Big 4 public accounting firm in an audit or advisory capacity.
• Working knowledge of international tax risk, transfer pricing, and FCPA/anti-bribery compliance from an audit oversight perspective.
• Demonstrated success integrating acquired companies from an internal controls and audit standpoint.
• Familiarity with AI-enabled audit tools and advanced data analytics methodologies.

Additional Information

Due to the nature of our business and the role, please note that Intuitive and/or your customer(s) may require that you show current proof of vaccination against certain diseases including COVID-19. Details can vary by role.

Intuitive is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We provide equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants and employees, and prohibit discrimination and harassment of any type, without regard to race, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, color, age, religion, protected veteran or disability status, genetic information or any other status protected under federal, state, or local applicable laws.

Mandatory Notices

U.S. Export Controls Disclaimer: In accordance with the U.S. Export Administration Regulations (15 CFR §743.13(b)), some roles at Intuitive