AUDIT CONSULTANT JOB DESCRIPTION

An Audit Consultant plans, leads, and reports on risk-based engagements across financial, operational, and compliance domains. The work demands more than checking controls - it requires translating findings into management responses that hold, tracking remediation through to completion, and calibrating audit scope to what actually poses risk. Client exposure is real: candidates interact directly with senior management on engagements spanning SOX compliance, GAAP and PCAOB standards, and multi-industry client portfolios. Travel is expected.

As the Audit Consultant, you deliver end-to-end audit engagements for clients across industries including Higher Education, Manufacturing, and Real Estate, assessing control design and operating effectiveness against standards such as GAAP, GAAS, and PCAOB. You work within a professional services team alongside partners, managers, and seniors, contributing to both client deliverables and new business development through proposals and client relationship management.

Career Impact: Delivering SOX and risk-based audit work across multiple client industries builds the kind of cross-sector internal controls expertise that commands a premium at the Senior Auditor, Audit Manager, and eventually Director level.

Business Impact: Clients rely on the Audit Consultant's findings to close control gaps identified by external auditors and regulators before those gaps become material weaknesses or audit qualifications.

Growth Opportunity: Exposure to engagement planning, fieldwork leadership, and business development proposals within a single role accelerates the path toward a Manager or Senior Consultant designation faster than a single-industry in-house audit position.

• Lead engagement planning, fieldwork, and final reporting using a risk-based approach across financial, operational, and compliance audit areas.
• Assess the design, implementation, and operating effectiveness of internal controls, including IT general controls and application controls.
• Coordinate management responses to audit findings, tracking remediation actions to completion and escalating aged items appropriately.
• Partner with client senior management and engagement leadership to align audit scope with organizational priorities and risk tolerances.
• Draft audit reports that summarize testing results with accuracy, clarity, and conciseness for both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Develop and maintain client relationships across engagements to support business development, proposals, and repeat service opportunities.
• Monitor audit engagement budgets by tracking actual time against plan and identifying overruns before they affect delivery.
• Guide junior audit associates by providing supervision, performance feedback, and knowledge transfer throughout the engagement.

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business, or equivalent work experience.
• Two or more years of internal or external audit experience in a professional services or public accounting environment, with exposure to risk-based methodologies.
• Knowledge of U.S. GAAP, U.S. GAAS, and PCAOB Auditing Standards as they apply to financial statement and compliance audits.
• Demonstrated experience assessing internal controls, identifying control gaps, and recommending practical remediation strategies.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present findings clearly to client leadership and audit committees.
• Ability to manage multiple engagements simultaneously, prioritize deadlines, and operate independently with minimal supervision.

• CPA, CIA, or CISA certification, or active progress toward one, reflecting a commitment to the professional standards of this field.
• Prior SOX compliance experience in a professional services context, with a preferred background in Higher Education, Manufacturing, or Real Estate/Construction client sectors.
• Experience contributing to business development activities such as proposal writing, client presentations, or participation in sales meetings alongside senior engagement leaders.
• Familiarity with data analytics techniques applied during audit planning or testing phases to identify anomalies and prioritize risk coverage.

• Audit report issuance rate, measuring how consistently engagements close on schedule against the agreed reporting timeline.
• Management response acceptance rate, reflecting how well findings and recommendations are validated and adopted by client leadership.
• Remediation tracking completion rate, measuring the percentage of open audit findings resolved within agreed deadlines.
• Budget variance per engagement, tracking actual hours against planned hours to assess efficiency and scope management.
• New business contribution, measured by participation in proposals and client meetings that result in signed engagements.
• Typical tools: audit management platforms (commonly TeamMate or similar); data query environments (commonly ACL or equivalent)

• Base Salary Range: $70,000 to $105,000 depending on seniority and market
• Bonus: Performance-based, typically 5% to 15% of base salary
• Equity: Rare at this level; partnership track at senior firms
• Health Benefits: Medical, dental, and vision; employer contribution standard
• PTO: 15 to 20 days annually; additional firm holidays typical
• Common Perks: CPA/CIA exam support, professional development reimbursement, travel expense coverage

Figures are estimates based on general US market benchmarks and may be outdated. Adjust based on location, company size, and seniority level.

Background check completion, including verification of employment history and applicable criminal records, is a condition of employment for this role given client access requirements. Reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities are available throughout the hiring process upon request. All applicants are considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, or local law. Candidates must hold current authorization to work in the United States.

The Audit Consultant owns the coordination of IT compliance activities across Internal Audit teams and external auditors, overseeing evidence-gathering, control documentation, and audit issue remediation to demonstrate adherence to policies, controls, and practices. Working as primary liaison with auditors and regulators, the Audit Consultant supports IT executive leadership by delivering monthly status reporting and partnering with IT Policy and Controls to reduce risk and drive process efficiencies.

Key Responsibilities

• Liaise with Internal Audit teams and external auditors to coordinate and oversee execution of activities required for successful demonstration of adherence to policies, controls, and practices.
• Review audit reports, identify and coordinate the need for management response, and assist in developing and executing mitigation plans for control deficiencies.
• Communicate with and educate IT process owners on the importance of controls, leading practices, and effective control alternatives to achieve compliance with company policy or regulatory requirements.
• Coordinate management control documentation and testing with external auditors, lead action plan follow-up, and perform monitoring and reporting for audit issue remediation activities.
• Partner with IT Policy and Controls team to provide feedback and recommendations for addressing potential gaps, planning for new industry requirements, and streamlining existing IT controls.
• Track open audit findings and work across IT to ensure follow-up actions are appropriately completed and deadlines met.
• Consult with responsible IT teams to help them understand identified control gaps and recommend mitigation or remediation activities to resolve control weaknesses and reduce risk.
• Identify opportunities for continuous improvement in IT governance, risk, compliance, and security practices based on expert knowledge and industry best practices.
• Serve as primary liaison with auditors and regulators for scope, control strategy, evidence gathering, issue validation, and residual risk calibration.
• Prepare monthly IT executive reports on the status of open audit findings and analyze audit reports to recommend corrective actions to IT management.
• Coordinate IT management responses to internal and external audit reports and ensure all relevant documentation, including evidence of compensating controls, is provided.
• Review and evaluate IT's overall control environment in partnership with Policy and Controls and IT Security teams using strong analytic and problem-solving skills.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in MIS, Accounting, or Computer Science required; Master's degree preferred.
• CISA certification required; CISSP, CIPP, CIPP/IT, and HCCA certifications preferred.
• Ten or more years of demonstrated experience in IT risk management and audit at increasing levels of authority in a heavily regulated environment.
• Experience managing and/or directing an information service operation within Risk Management and Compliance for 7–10 years.
• Extensive experience in risk management, compliance, strategic planning, budgeting, information security program development, and administration.
• Experience in planning and executing policy and standards development and deployment, and demonstrated experience mentoring and influencing in a matrixed environment.
• Strong leadership and influencing skills including communication, negotiation, and problem-solving; organizational savvy and communication skills are critical.
• Office environment with part to full-time schedule; sedentary activity level for most of the work day.
• Please click here for further physical requirement detail.

Reporting to engagement leadership, the Audit Consultant shapes client outcomes by coordinating Annual Financial Statement Audit activities, supporting PBC and NFR preparation, and helping federal agencies improve internal controls, operational efficiency, and regulatory compliance. Partnering with both client senior management and external auditors, the Audit Consultant builds skills across technical competency, business development, and client service within a team of highly skilled professionals.

Primary Duties

• Help clients transform business processes, improve internal controls, enhance operational efficiency, and comply with Federal laws and regulations.
• Develop solutions independently or within a team of highly skilled professionals on fluid, self-motivated project engagements.
• Interact with clients' senior management and enhance skills in technical competency, business development, client service, and people development.
• Provide coordination support during all phases of the Annual Financial Statement Audit related to PBC, NFR preparation, and note-taking for audit-related meetings.
• Schedule meetings and prepare meeting documentation including agendas, sign-in sheets, and handouts.
• Set up and operate audio/visual equipment and document meeting minutes.

Skills & Qualifications

• Certification(s) preferred: CPA, CGFM, CISA, or PMP.
• Experience with auditing federal agencies' financial statements or performing audit readiness work directly in support of an audit readiness task order.
• Demonstrate ability to understand client needs, participate within a team environment, and communicate effectively across internal and external networks.
• Support SharePoint-related tasks including developing reporting tools and templates.
• Advanced understanding of Microsoft Windows, Office products, and SharePoint functionalities.
• Create presentations and brief findings, recommendations, and reports to both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Willingness to learn and participate in business development activities and internal firm objectives.
• The successful candidate must not be subject to employment restrictions from a former employer that would prevent performance of job responsibilities as described.

Sitting at the intersection of internal audit and business advisory, the Audit Consultant works directly with partners, managers, and seniors to deliver risk-based audit engagements, build client relationships, and develop new business opportunities through proposals and sales meetings. Operating across Higher Education, Manufacturing, and Real Estate/Construction clients, the Audit Consultant strengthens engagements by applying knowledge of GAAP, GAAS, PCAOB standards, and SOX controls while investing in professional development.

Duties

• Work directly with partners, managers, and seniors to provide internal audit and business advisory services to clients.
• Develop in-depth knowledge of clients' businesses and industries through direct client interaction across multiple engagement aspects.
• Provide recommendations for business and process improvements based on knowledge of client operations, processes, and business objectives.
• Proactively build relationships and communicate effectively with clients to deliver superior client service.
• Interact directly with Partners and leadership on client and engagement management.
• Assist with strengthening existing client relationships and develop new business opportunities by participating in sales meetings and working on proposals.
• Invest in professional development through active participation in training sessions and networking events internally and externally.

Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree in Accounting or equivalent.
• CPA/CIA certification highly desired.
• At least 2+ years of experience with Risk Advisory, Internal and External Audit, and Internal Controls with previous SOX experience in a professional services environment.
• Prefer experience with Higher Education, Manufacturing, and Real Estate/Construction clients.
• Knowledge of U.S. GAAP, U.S. GAAS, and PCAOB Auditing Standards.
• Demonstrated skills in communication, relationship building, collaboration, problem solving, initiative, adaptability, and highly developed Microsoft Suite skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communications and collaboration skills; integrity within a professional environment.
• Flexibility to travel to various client sites as needed up to 50%.

Embedded within a highly skilled international assurance team, the Audit Consultant serves as Archer Portal Administrator and leads QA reviews, system testing, and bid-writing support across projects in Europe, Asia, Africa, and Latin America. Working closely with Directors and Partners on new business development, the Audit Consultant advances expenditure assurance across sectors including emergency aid, agriculture, health, and infrastructure funded by international institutions.

Core Functions

• Serve as Archer Portal Administrator and team lead for project requirements.
• Develop use cases and build and debug programs according to design specifications.
• Perform system testing of Archer and build and test system interfaces.
• Participate in QA reviews and audits, meet stakeholders, and conduct workshops for data gathering.
• Document gaps and best practices, play back and confirm understanding, and gather acceptance criteria.
• Identify potential issues and risks in the project, highlight them to the project manager or clients, and take corrective or preventive actions.
• Prepare necessary documentation, validate, approve, and sign off on deliverables.
• Support senior team members with new business development, including writing bids and tenders and attending pitches with Directors or Partners.

Qualifications & Experience

• Qualified Accountant (ACA / ACCA / CIMA or equivalent).
• 10+ years of overall experience in designing, implementing, and supporting IT requirements for clients; 1–3 years of Archer Development experience with strong functional knowledge.
• Minimum 2 projects of Archer Audit Management; experience implementing Archer use cases such as Policy Management, Incident Management, and Enterprise Management.
• Public sector knowledge and audit experience in practice, preferably including public sector experience.
• Strong knowledge in building data feeds, consuming web services, reports and dashboard building, and Archer server maintenance; supply recommendations and subject matter expertise for the development and architecture of the Archer platform.
• Plan for upgrades and patching across testing and production environments of the Archer platform.
• Sound technical, analytical, and report writing skills; good communication and presentation skills; staff planning and supervision experience.
• Ability to work under pressure with accuracy and focus; adaptable and flexible in attitude.
• Second language, especially French, Spanish, or German, is highly desirable.
• Willing to work in international locations for 60% or more of the time.

A key member of the Internal Audit data analytics function, the Audit Consultant leads the creation of custom reports and data extractions using tools including SAS, SQL, Tableau, Hadoop, R, and Python to improve audit planning and execution effectiveness across the audit universe. Collaborating across Internal Audit, Legal, and External Audit teams, the Audit Consultant builds solutions that translate large and complex datasets into actionable insights on trends, risks, and unexpected patterns.

Functions

• Create custom reports and data extractions using SAS, SQL, Tableau, Hadoop, R, Python, or other report writing tools per Internal Audit, Legal, and External Audit data extraction requirements.
• Analyze data to identify and implement new data and reporting solutions that provide meaningful insight to improve effectiveness of audit planning and execution.
• Use data analysis techniques to acquire, transform, and translate large and complex datasets to identify trends, risks, outliers, and unexpected patterns.
• Review data flows, process diagrams, data analytics design, and code artifacts created by junior staff and provide feedback.
• Possess strong project management skills and deliver high-quality work products in a timely manner.
• Quickly review data models and metadata for new operational data stores and create queries per project requirements.

Experience & Qualifications

• Master's degree in Statistics, Mathematics, Engineering, Actuarial Science, Computer Science, or Data Science.
• Bachelor's Degree in Accounting Information Systems, Computer Science, Statistics, Mathematics, Actuarial Science, Data Science, or related field.
• 5+ years of related work experience with data analysis.
• Experience with the Insurance or Healthcare industry including products, claims, and/or enrollment and billing.
• Management experience leading a team of data analysts.

Sound governance across Komatsu's global operations depends on the Senior Audit Consultant, who actively manages the audit work plan, supervises audit staff, and leads J-SOX outsourcing monitoring to ensure compliance with deadlines, audit practices, and financial reporting standards. Based within the Internal Audit function and reporting to the Senior Manager and VP/General Auditor, this role builds out a sustainable global analytics program with particular emphasis on compliance and fraud detection.

Accountabilities

• Actively manage the audit work plan to review systems, processes, practices, and controls throughout Komatsu in line with company audit procedures and principles of internal auditing.
• Supervise and guide audit staff to ensure compliance with deadlines and audit practices, and provide insight and interpretation on findings or questions identified in the audit process.
• Apply observation, critical thought, audit best practices, data analytics, and audit software to analyze and evaluate information and draw conclusions.
• Facilitate the development of audit observations, recommendations, and corrective actions on a timely basis and escalate observations as appropriate.
• Provide management with monthly status reports and types of non-conformances found.
• Participate in Internal Audit's Data Analytics Program building out a sustainable set of global analytics with emphasis on compliance and fraud detection.
• Participate in and monitor Internal Audit's J-SOX outsourcing initiative and timely report status and issues to the Senior Manager and VP/General Auditor.
• Review financial results and apply financial analysis to drive understanding of operations and identify risks.
• Research GAAP, IFRS, and J-SOX regarding appropriate financial reporting and governance application, and evaluate key business processes and controls to identify risks.

Technical Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in finance, accounting, or a related field.
• CPA or Master's degree preferred.
• 3+ years of prior audit experience in public accounting or with a large global manufacturing company.
• Experience working with SAP, MS Office, and Audit Command Language (ACL).
• Ability to think critically and conclude; continuous improvement mindset.
• Project management experience and ability to establish and maintain relationships with individuals at all levels of the organization.
• Ability to effectively communicate verbally and in writing.

As the Audit Consultant, this role leads engagement planning, fieldwork, and reporting using a risk-based approach across Financial Reporting, Human Resources, Procurement, Compliance, Manufacturing, and Commercial processes at Baxter. The Global Audit Management function relies on this work to maintain familiarity with corporate priorities, optimize data analytics coverage, and deliver findings that identify cost recovery opportunities and improvements to governance and controls.

Activities

• Perform as project lead in engagement planning, execution, and reporting.
• Take a risk-based approach to plan audits across processes including Financial Reporting, Human Resources, Procurement, Compliance, Manufacturing, and Commercial.
• Lead audit fieldwork by assessing the design, implementation, and operating effectiveness of compliance, financial, IT, and operational controls.
• Understand and validate business processes and systems across functions and business segments, including IT general controls, application controls, and technology risks.
• Identify opportunities for cost recoveries and improvements to governance, processes, or controls.
• Act as the primary liaison to customers and Global Audit Management.
• Use data analytics during planning, execution, and reporting to optimize coverage and effectiveness.
• Develop and maintain relationships with Baxter management to ensure familiarity with corporate priorities and alignment with the audit plan.
• Lead special audits and projects as they arise; travel up to 40%.

Position Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in information systems, economics, finance, accounting, or related field required.
• Two or more years of progressive internal audit experience at a publicly traded company in a risk-based audit environment; Big 4 internal audit experience preferred.
• Strong understanding of internal controls and business processes across functions; experience auditing or working in a Shared Service Centre is an added advantage.
• Hands-on experience with data analytics; strong analytical skills and decision-making capabilities.
• Self-starter with strong communication and interpersonal skills; detail-oriented and able to multi-task across multiple projects and priorities.
• Appropriate audit certification and foreign language skills preferred.

Internal Audit Consultant delivers a full range of financial, operational, and compliance audits by preparing and supervising audit workpapers, drafting reports, and managing engagement budgets to keep audit activities on time and on scope. The work directly supports audit team leadership by providing performance feedback to associates, maintaining professional skepticism, and participating in special projects as directed.

Operational Focus

• Support the audit team in planning and executing a full range of audits, including preparation or supervision of all audit workpapers and communication of findings and issues to the audit team on a timely basis.
• Prepare detailed internal audit engagement budgets, track actual time versus budget, and identify overruns.
• Provide supervision, continuous assistance, and performance feedback to associates; seek and provide upward feedback.
• Draft or edit audit reports that summarize the results of testing performed, meeting expectations for accuracy, clarity, and conciseness.
• Maintain an objective mindset and an appropriate level of professional skepticism and perform all work with due care.
• Participate in special projects and financial, operational, and compliance audits as directed.

Knowledge Skills & Abilities

• Bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited college or university.
• CISA, CISSP, CPA, CIA, or related certifications preferred.
• Three to five years of work experience in IT, operational, and/or financial auditing.
• Basic knowledge of risks and controls.
• Strong verbal and written communication, problem-solving, analytical, and independent judgment skills to support an environment driven by customer service and teamwork.
• Ability to positively influence, mentor, and serve as a credible source of knowledge to less experienced team members.

The Audit Consultant owns the delivery of internal audit training and external audit guidance across the organization, conducting security audits, developing compliance reports, and ensuring all employees understand company security policies. Serving as the central point of accountability for security compliances and certifications, the Audit Consultant works within an information security environment to identify policy violations and recommend remediation to administrators.

Role Responsibilities

• Conduct training on internal audits and attend and help guide external audits.
• Assist in the support and maintenance of the current security system.
• Develop reports to share with administrators about adequate security controls, policy violations, and recommended changes to remediate deficiencies.
• Organize and conduct training for all employees regarding company security policies.
• Responsible for all security compliances and certifications.
• Perform security audits per security standards.

Education & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Management Information Systems, or equivalent experience.
• 10+ years of hands-on experience in an information security environment, with prior experience in a high-tech corporate environment preferred.
• In-depth knowledge of cyber security frameworks and best practices.
• Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Experience with security audits.