Financial Auditor - Internal Audit

As a Financial Auditor in the Corporate Internal Audit Department at Great American Insurance Group, you will be responsible for auditing complex accounting and compliance data while evaluating internal processes across various business units. Your role includes preparing detailed reports, providing insightful recommendations for improvement, and collaborating closely with both management and external auditors. This position blends technical auditing skills with a strategic outlook, making it vital for ensuring financial integrity within the organization.

To apply for the Financial Auditor position at Great American Insurance Group, candidates should hold a Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related discipline. Experience in an auditing or accounting role is preferred, ideally ranging from 0 to 4 years. Progress toward a professional designation such as CPA, CIA, or CPCU is highly encouraged, though not mandatory. A keen eye for detail and strong analytical skills will set you up for success in this role.

At Great American Insurance Group, we believe in cultivating talent from within. As a Financial Auditor, you will have numerous opportunities to expand your expertise in Internal Audit through ongoing training and professional development. Engaging with diverse projects and collaborating across departments will enhance your skill set and prepare you for potential promotions into senior audit roles or other specialized positions within the company.

The Financial Auditor position at Great American Insurance Group offers a hybrid schedule that provides a blend of remote work and on-site auditing opportunities. This flexibility accommodates a healthy work-life balance while allowing auditors to engage directly with the business units. You'll have the chance to conduct some audits remotely while essential onsite audits may require occasional day or overnight travel, up to 10% of the time.

Financial Auditors at Great American Insurance Group enjoy a comprehensive Total Rewards package. This includes competitive medical, dental, and vision plans starting on day one, paid time off, holidays, commuter benefits, paid parental leave, and a 401(k) plan with company match. Education reimbursement and various professional development opportunities are also available to eligible full-time and part-time employees, ensuring you feel valued and supported in your career.

When managing multiple audits, it's crucial to prioritize tasks based on deadlines and complexity. I typically start by assessing the timeline and requirements of each audit, then I create a structured plan that allows me to allocate time effectively, ensuring I meet all critical deadlines while maintaining quality in my work.

In a previous role, I faced an audit with complex regulatory requirements. To navigate this, I first conducted thorough research to ensure I understood the compliance guidelines. I then collaborated with team members for insights and cross-checked findings with industry standards, which ultimately led to a successful audit outcome and helpful recommendations for the client.

I am well-versed in auditing software such as ACL and IDEA for data analysis, as well as Microsoft Excel for financial modeling and reporting. Leveraging these tools enables me to manage large datasets effectively and draw insightful conclusions that enhance the audit process.

Accuracy in audit reports is paramount. I ensure this by double-checking all data against the source documents, maintaining a structured checklist to follow throughout the process, and conducting peer reviews with team members to gather additional insights and identify potential discrepancies.

To communicate audit results effectively, I prepare comprehensive, yet concise reports that highlight key findings and actionable recommendations. During the presentation to management, I focus on clear, constructive communication, allowing for an interactive dialogue where I can address queries and emphasize the importance of our recommendations.

I stay current with changes in auditing standards and regulations by subscribing to industry newsletters, attending webinars, and participating in professional organizations related to accounting and auditing. This ongoing education ensures that my practice remains aligned with best practices and compliance requirements.

During an audit, I encountered unexpected changes in the compliance requirements which prompted a shift in our audit approach. I quickly collaborated with my team to redesign our processes and rescheduled scope meetings with stakeholders to keep everyone informed. This adaptability ensured the audit was completed successfully, despite the volatile circumstances.

Teamwork is incredibly important in the role of a Financial Auditor. Collaboration with internal teams and external stakeholders fosters a comprehensive understanding of the audit subject, allows for the pooling of diverse insights, and enhances the effectiveness of the audit through varied perspectives.

Diversity and inclusion can significantly enrich the auditing process. Different perspectives lead to more robust discussions about audit findings, enhance creativity in problem-solving, and ensure that the audit process accommodates a wider array of viewpoints, which can strengthen the recommendations we provide to management.

I am motivated by the opportunity to contribute to the integrity of financial reporting and operational efficiency. The challenge of dissecting complex data and presenting recommendations that genuinely benefit the organization pushes me to continuously grow my skills and strive for excellence in every audit.