Internal Audit Senior Associate

Job TitleInternal Audit Senior AssociateJob Description SummaryThis is a Senior role within the Internal Audit Department, reporting to the Director of Internal Audit. This role is responsible for assisting with engagements that support the strategy, vision, and brand of the Internal Audit function. This includes executing audits and advisory reviews to assess, report on, and recommend value-added and practical improvements to address Cushman & Wakefield’s financial, operational, and compliance objectives. The Senior will provide management with assurance as to the adequacy and effectiveness of internal financial and operational controls within the company. The expectation is that a successful candidate will build a strong network across the organization and rotate into a position of increasing responsibility outside of Internal Audit within 2-3 years of starting.Job DescriptionESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS & RESPONSIBILITIES:Support the Department in ensuring the execution of a comprehensive annual audit planOwnership for execution of planning, fieldwork, and reporting for audit and advisory engagementsDevelop risk-based audit programs and testing procedures relevant to compliance with Global/Regional/Local regulations and business objectivesAssess operating risks and efficiency of internal controls, including performing a gap analysis to identify control weaknesses with a degree of professional skepticismAssess operating risks, efficiency of internal controls, and effectiveness of business processes, including performing a gap analysis to identify control weaknesses with a degree of professional skepticismConduct interviews with audit clients and communicate issues in a timely manner, co-developing action plans as necessary to address root causesEnsure audit conclusions are supported, well-documented, and based on a firm understanding of the business processes, circumstances, and risksDevelop clear, concise, and complete audit workpapers to ensure they meet IIA standardsDraft audit report to conclude on the areas audited and issues identified and ensure management remediation plans are developed to address the root cause and associated risksAssist with audit report socialization and recommendations to Senior Leadership in a clear, concise, and professional mannerEffectively track and follow-up on audit findings from report issuance to remediation to evaluate the adequacy of corrective actionsSeek to fully understand relevant risks to the firm and proactively research and showcase firm understanding of relevant laws, regulations, and best practicesMaintain strong working relationships with all levels of employees, including Operations and Senior LeadershipDevelop and promote process enhancements within Internal Audit to cultivate best-in-class audit processes and maintain the highest quality standardsDevelop and promote process enhancements, automation opportunities, and technology-enabled solutions within Internal Audit to cultivate best-in-class audit processes and maintain the highest quality standardsConduct data analytics using various appropriate tools to properly support audit findings and advisory engagementsConduct data analytics utilizing visualization, automation, and AI-enabled tools to support audit findings, identify trends and anomalies, and enhance advisory engagementsUtilize critical thinking and analytical techniques to evaluate datasets, identify trends, anomalies, operational inefficiencies, and root causesLeverage emerging technologies and AI-enabled tools to improve audit efficiency, research, analysis, and overall audit executionServe as a trusted advisor to the business and brand ambassador for C&W’s Internal Audit DepartmentREQUIREMENTS (Knowledge, Education And/or Experience)Minimum of 2-3+ years of external/internal auditing with a public accounting firm and/or internal auditing or accounting role with a publicly traded or privately held firm.Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Information Systems, and/or business-related degree with CPA, CIA, and/or other well-known AICPA and/or IIA credentials preferredDemonstrates knowledge of IIA Professional Practices and StandardsDemonstrates basic knowledge of technology-enabled business processes and related risksDemonstrates knowledge and practical use of data analytics, visualization, and AI-enabled in audit workStrong organizational skills and the ability to handle competing priorities, while meeting all deadlinesDemonstrates critical thinking, problem-solving, and sound professional judgmentDemonstrates ability to collaborate and build relationships with Senior Leadership and colleaguesDemonstrates intellectual curiosity and willingness to learn emerging technologies, analytics techniques, and AI-enabled toolsAbility to analyze data, identify trends and anomalies, and apply insights to operational and audit-related activitiesStrong written and oral communication skillsAbility to work independently with minimal supervisionWorking knowledge of the commercial real estate industry preferred but not requiredUp to 40% travelAbility ToManage priorities across various teams and deliverables, executing to deadlinesApply knowledge of generally accepted accounting principlesBuild strong relationships with stakeholdersProblem-solve root causes collaboratively. Demonstrate critical thinking and problem solving that result in process improvementsDemonstrate analytical, accounting and audit skillsDevelop process flow charts and process narratives utilizing Microsoft Visio and Word/ExcelConduct data analytics and analyze datasets utilizing Microsoft Excel, SQL, Python, AI-enabled tools, or other analytics technologies to identify trends, anomalies, operational risks, and potential process inefficienciesAnalyze datasets to identify trends, anomalies, operational risks, and potential process inefficienciesLeverage emerging technologies and AI-enabled tools to support research, analysis, and audit executionMust Have Strengths In The Following AreasStrong organizational skills with the ability to prioritize, follow-through, and manage multiple tasks, responsibilities, and deadlinesSelf-starter with flexibility, desire, and eagerness to take ownership of related tasks and responsibilities in order to keep the project on scheduleStrong interpersonal, oral, and written communication skillsStrong analytical and data analysis skills utilizing Microsoft Excel, visualization tools, SQL, Python, AI-enabled tools, and other analytics technologiesIntellectual curiosity and willingness to leverage emerging technologies and AI-enabled tools to improve research, analysis, and audit executionStrong analytical mindset with the ability to identify trends, anomalies, operational risks, and process inefficienciesGrowth mindset to learn new skills, network across the organization, and take on increasing leadership responsibilities within Internal Audit with the goal of rotating into a position of increasing responsibility outside of Internal Audit within 2-3 years of startingWORKING CONDITIONS And/or PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTSLocated in Chicago, ILAbility to travel 10 – 40% as needed. Hybrid work model when not traveling – 3 days per week.Cushman & Wakefield also provides eligible employees with an opportunity to enroll in a variety of benefit programs, generally including health, vision, and dental insurance, flexible spending accounts, health savings accounts, retirement savings plans, life, and disability insurance programs, and paid and unpaid time away from work. In addition to a comprehensive benefits package, Cushman and Wakefield provide eligible employees with competitive pay, which may vary depending on eligibility factors such as geographic location, date of hire, total hours worked, job type, business line, and applicability of collective bargaining agreements.The compensation that will be offered to the successful candidate will depend on factors such as whether the position is covered by a collective bargaining agreement, the geographic area in which the work will be performed, market pay rates in that area, and the candidate’s experience and qualifications.The company will not pay less than minimum wage for this role.The compensation for the position is: $ 83,300.00 - $98,000.00Cushman & Wakefield is an Equal Opportunity employer to all protected groups, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. Discrimination of any type will not be tolerated.In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act (ADAAA), if you have a disability and would like to request an accommodation in order to apply for a position at Cushman & Wakefield, please call the ADA line at 1-888-365-5406 or email Accommodations@cushwake.com. Please refer to the job title and job location when you contact us.INCO: “Cushman & Wakefield”