Director, Internal Audit

Job Description

We are seeking a highly accomplished and strategic Director of Internal Audit to join our dynamic team in Pune, India. In this role, you will be instrumental in shaping and executing Zendesk's internal audit and SOX compliance strategy. This is an exceptional opportunity for a seasoned professional with a deep understanding of risk management, governance, and internal controls within the technology and SaaS sectors. You thrive in a fast-paced environment, possess exceptional analytical and communication skills, and are passionate about driving continuous improvement and providing valuable insights to senior leadership.
 

What you'll be doing:

• Spearhead the development and execution of a comprehensive risk-based internal audit plan encompassing financial, operational, regulatory, cybersecurity, IT, and emerging risks, aligning with industry best practices and Zendesk’s strategic objectives.

• Lead and manage end-to-end audit projects and programs, including planning, fieldwork, reporting, and follow-up, with a strong emphasis on SOX compliance activities.

• Conduct thorough assessments of internal controls, risk mitigation strategies, and governance frameworks, identifying areas for enhancement and recommending practical, value-added improvements.

• Serve as a trusted advisor to senior management and the Audit & Risk Committee, providing expert guidance on risk, controls, governance, and compliance matters.

• Strategically leverage technology and data analytics to optimize audit processes, enhance efficiency, and drive automation initiatives.

• Collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams, including Finance, Legal, Cyber Risk, and IT, to ensure a holistic and coordinated audit approach.

• Proactively monitor and assess changes in relevant regulations (PCAOB, ESG, FCPA, etc.), emerging risks, and industry trends to ensure proactive risk management and compliance.

• Prepare and present clear, concise, and impactful audit findings and recommendations to the Audit Committee, senior management, and other key stakeholders.

What you bring to the role:

• A Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, Operations, Engineering, or a related field. A Master’s degree or relevant professional certification (CPA, CA, CIA, CISA) is strongly preferred.

• A minimum of 15 years of progressive internal audit experience, with at least 8 years in a leadership capacity, demonstrating a proven track record of successfully leading complex audit projects and programs.

• Significant and demonstrable experience working within the SaaS and technology sectors, with a strong understanding of the unique risks and challenges within these industries.

• Deep expertise in Sarbanes-Oxley (SOX) compliance, including planning, testing, and reporting.

• Exceptional analytical, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills with the ability to translate complex information into actionable insights.

• Outstanding communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively interact and influence stakeholders at all levels.

• Strong project management and organizational skills, with a proven ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.

• A proactive and results-oriented mindset with a commitment to continuous improvement and professional development.

• Familiarity with audit management software and data analytics tools is highly advantageous.

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Please note that Zendesk can only hire candidates who are physically located and plan to work from Karnataka or Maharashtra. Please refer to the location posted on the requisition for where this role is based.

Hybrid: In this role, our hybrid experience is designed at the team level to give you a rich onsite experience packed with connection, collaboration, learning, and celebration - while also giving you flexibility to work remotely for part of the week. This role must attend our local office for part of the week. The specific in-office schedule is to be determined by the hiring manager.

The intelligent heart of customer experience

Zendesk software was built to bring a sense of calm to the chaotic world of customer service. Today we power billions of conversations with brands you know and love.

Zendesk believes in offering our people a fulfilling and inclusive experience. Our hybrid way of working, enables us to purposefully come together in person, at one of our many Zendesk offices around the world, to connect, collaborate and learn whilst also giving our people the flexibility to work remotely for part of the week.

Zendesk is an equal opportunity employer, and we’re proud of our ongoing efforts to foster global diversity, equity, & inclusion in the workplace. Individuals seeking employment and employees at Zendesk are considered without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, marital status, medical condition, ancestry, disability, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. We are an AA/EEO/Veterans/Disabled employer. If you are based in the United States and would like more information about your EEO rights under the law, please click here.

Zendesk endeavors to make reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities and disabled veterans pursuant to applicable federal and state law. If you are an individual with a disability and require a reasonable accommodation to submit this application, complete any pre-employment testing, or otherwise participate in the employee selection process, please send an e-mail to peopleandplaces@zendesk.com with your specific accommodation request.