Internal Audit Director

Job Description : INTERNAL UADIT DIRECTOR AUSTN USA Open to International candidates . In this highly visible position, you will design and implement robust auditing procedures, lead SOX compliance initiatives, and drive process improvements across the organization. You will collaborate with talented colleagues across departments, manage relationships with external auditors, and report directly to the Audit Committee. Key Responsibilities: As Director of Internal Audit at Brilliant Earth, you will be entrusted with overseeing all facets of the internal audit function for a dynamic public company. Your days will be filled with designing robust auditing frameworks that safeguard financial integrity while ensuring compliance with ever-evolving regulatory standards. You will take charge of SOX compliance initiatives—developing documentation, executing control tests, managing remediation processes—and serve as a trusted advisor to both finance leadership and cross-departmental teams. By nurturing strong relationships with external auditors and leading enterprise risk management efforts, you will help identify emerging risks before they materialize. Your ability to communicate complex findings clearly to executive stakeholders will be essential as you report directly to the Audit Committee. Additionally, you will have the rewarding responsibility of mentoring an engaged team of audit professionals in an environment that prizes collaboration, knowledge sharing, respect for diverse perspectives, and continuous personal growth. Design, maintain, and implement comprehensive internal auditing procedures to ensure financial reporting accuracy and adherence to legal and regulatory standards. Oversee all aspects of the company's SOX compliance program by developing control documentation, conducting testing activities, and guiding remediation efforts as needed. Lead rigorous testing of key controls throughout the organization while providing expert guidance on remediation strategies to finance, IT, and other stakeholders. Recommend thoughtful process improvements to strengthen the company’s control environment by collaborating closely with cross-functional teams. Manage productive relationships with external auditors by coordinating SOX testing activities and ensuring seamless communication between parties. Direct the enterprise risk management (ERM) program by identifying organizational risks, assessing their potential impact, and implementing effective mitigation strategies. Report findings on internal controls and ERM directly to the Audit Committee while maintaining clear communication with finance leadership. Stay informed on evolving legal requirements such as SOX regulations and communicate critical updates or best practices to relevant teams. Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing team of internal audit professionals by fostering an environment focused on collaboration and continuous learning. Promote a culture of high performance, critical thinking, inclusion, and ongoing improvement within the internal audit function. Key Requirements: To excel as Director of Internal Audit at Brilliant Earth, your background should reflect significant experience managing complex audit functions within public companies—particularly those subject to rigorous SOX compliance requirements. Your technical acumen will be complemented by your ability to translate regulatory frameworks into practical processes that enhance operational efficiency without compromising integrity. You bring not only advanced knowledge of accounting standards but also hands-on familiarity with modern ERP systems tailored for fast-growing businesses. Your approach is grounded in empathy: you understand how to build consensus among diverse groups while supporting team members’ professional development. With proven success navigating collaborative environments underpinned by respect for inclusion and open communication channels at all levels of leadership hierarchy—you are ready to champion best practices that align with Brilliant Earth’s commitment to ethical excellence. A minimum of 8 years’ progressive experience in audit roles with at least 4 years dedicated specifically to SOX compliance responsibilities within public companies. Demonstrated expertise in SOX 404 requirements along with deep familiarity with GAAP principles, COSO framework methodologies for internal control design, and risk assessment techniques. Proven track record building or scaling SOX 404(b) compliance programs for publicly traded organizations—ideally including experience managing physical goods inventory controls. Background in Big 4 or comparable public audit firms which has provided exposure to best-in-class auditing practices at scale. Experience leading high-performing teams through periods of change or growth while fostering an inclusive atmosphere built on trust and mutual support. Advanced skills in building process flowcharts and narratives using tools such as Lucidchart or Vizio for clear documentation purposes. Active Certified Public Accountant (CPA) license in good standing coupled with a bachelor’s or master’s degree in accounting or finance from an accredited institution. Technical proficiency working within ERP SaaS environments featuring customization unique to each business; hands-on experience with major ERP/accounting software platforms is essential. Familiarity with close management/auditing software (e.g., Blackline, Floqast, AuditBoard), SSO solutions (e.g., Okta), project management/issue tracking tools (e.g., Jira), enabling efficient workflow integration across teams. Exceptional interpersonal communication skills that allow you to influence executive-level stakeholders while maintaining attention to detail and demonstrating outstanding project management capability

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