Internal Audit Manager

Location: Illinois (Hybrid — Multiple Location Options | Relocation Assistance Available)

Compensation: $110K–$138K base + 5% target bonus

Our client is a large, publicly traded global organization seeking an Internal Audit Manager to join its Internal Audit team. This role combines hands-on audit leadership with broad exposure to business operations, financial processes, risk, controls, and cross-functional stakeholders within a complex global environment.

The position may be based in either the Chicago area or Central Illinois. Hybrid expectations and compensation within the posted range vary based on work location, experience, and qualifications.

The Opportunity

This is an ideal opportunity for an experienced audit professional who can quickly step into responsibility for leading complex audit projects while also helping advance the capabilities of the broader Internal Audit function.

You will be expected to:

• Lead risk-based audit projects from planning through final reporting.
• Support team members throughout assigned projects by providing guidance, feedback, and oversight as needed.
• Evaluate complex financial, operational, compliance, and internal-control risks.
• Develop clear, practical recommendations and communicate effectively with business stakeholders.
• Build credibility with cross-functional partners throughout the organization.
• Leverage data analytics, AI, and other technology-enabled tools to improve audit effectiveness.
• Contribute to strategic initiatives focused on innovation, operational excellence, talent development, and continuous improvement within Internal Audit.

What You’ll Own

• Leadership of complex audit engagements and project teams.
• Audit planning, risk assessment, execution, review, and reporting.
• Quality and timeliness of work performed across assigned engagements.
• Identification and communication of meaningful control and business-process improvements.
• Stakeholder relationships throughout the audit lifecycle.
• Help strengthen team capabilities by providing guidance, mentorship, and support to developing professionals.
• Contributions to broader Internal Audit improvement initiatives.
• Travel of up to approximately 30%, primarily within North America.

What We’re Looking For

Approximately 6–9 years of progressive experience in audit, accounting, finance, risk, or related disciplines, with a strong foundational background in auditing.

Candidates do not need to have spent their entire career in audit. Professionals who began in public accounting or internal audit and subsequently gained experience in accounting, controllership, FP&A, finance, or another business function may be particularly relevant.

Hands-on experience with:

• Leading complex audit engagements or comparable projects.
• Reviewing audit work and providing direction to project team members.
• Financial, operational, and internal-control environments.
• Risk assessment, audit execution, and report development.
• Communicating with business leaders and cross-functional stakeholders.
• Managing multiple priorities while maintaining audit quality and deadlines.

Education

A bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or a related discipline is expected. CPA, CIA, or another relevant professional certification is strongly preferred but not required.

Strongly Preferred

• Big Four or national public accounting foundation.
• Progressive internal audit leadership experience.
• CPA, CIA, or comparable professional certification.
• Experience combining audit expertise with broader accounting, finance, or business exposure.
• Familiarity with data analytics, AI, or technology-enabled audit practices.
• Evidence of innovation, initiative, and continuous improvement.

Who This Is Not For

• Candidates seeking a fully remote leadership position.
• Candidates who are not comfortable with periodic business travel.
• Candidates whose experience is primarily project management without a strong audit, accounting, finance, or risk foundation.
• Candidates seeking a role focused exclusively on maintaining established processes rather than improving them. 

Why This Role

• High-visibility audit leadership within a large, complex global organization.
• Broad exposure to business operations, financial processes, risk, and senior stakeholders.
• Opportunity to lead projects while influencing how the Internal Audit function continues to evolve.
• Strong career-development opportunities within Internal Audit and across the broader organization.
• Modern audit environment emphasizing AI, analytics, technology, and continuous improvement.
• Multiple Illinois location options and relocation assistance available based on individual circumstances.

About Blue Signal:  

Blue Signal is an award-winning, executive search firm specializing in various specialties. Our recruiters have a proven track record of placing top-tier talent across industry verticals, with deep expertise in numerous professional services. Learn more at bit.ly/46Gs4yS