Vice President - Enterprise Risk & Internal Audit

The incoming Executive will lead both the Enterprise Risk and Internal Audit functions by providing independent, objective assurance and risk consulting services designed to add value to the organization. This role and their teams are focused on safeguarding the Company’s assets, minimizing risk, and ensuring the integrity of the Company’s financial information. Together, these functions provide a systematic, disciplined approach to evaluate and improve the effectiveness of the organization’s risk management, financial and operational controls, and governance processes.The VP - Enterprise Risk & Internal Audit will be responsible for advancing the vision and direction for the Risk and Internal Audit functions, leading the team to enable successful execution of its mission and objectives, and ensuring it is seen as a trusted advisor to the organization, the senior management team, and the Board of Directors.ResponsibilitiesAdvance Internal Audit and Enterprise Risk Capabilities:Lead and assess risk to formulate a risk-based audit planLead the department such that it balances the Company’s need for advisory services with the need for compliance and governanceMaintain and advance department objectives that are responsive to the strategic objectives and key risks of the CompanyProvide continuous guidance on material risks in a rapidly changing business environment, including proper escalations, communications, and trainingMaintain and advance the established integrated Enterprise Risk framework that aligns strategic insights with risk management practicesEvaluate and introduce cost-effective technology enablers (e.g. AI, Analytics, etc.) that enhance the function’s capabilities, including efficiency and effectiveness.Support initiatives regarding Enterprise Risk and Compliance identification, assessment, and mitigationBuild meaningful relationships across the business, the management team, and with the Audit CommitteeTeam Building and Development:Lead and develop a team of internal audit and enterprise risk talent that is poised to support the department's objectives and execution of the annual enterprise risk assessment and audit planMaintain and evolve organization structure that responds to the changing needs of the business and maintain the right balance of in-house vs co-sourced audit and risk expertise – capability and capacity assessment, particularly leveraging our global shared service center in HyderabadDevelop meaningful relationships with key risk owners across the business, particularly in the areas of Accounting, Legal, Human Resources, Information Technology, Operations and Supply ChainConduct periodic Enterprise Risk Assessment and build and execute a meaningful audit plan that addresses the biggest risks for the business:Perpetually understand and evaluate risk across the organization to inform and prioritize an impactful, risk-based audit planProvide valuable and actionable insights to senior leadership and the Board that help close control gaps, improve overall corporate governance and reduce risksOversee audit work performed by the team to ensure it is well-defined, risk-based, and executed against the overall audit plan objectivesServe as the lead senior management advisor for all risk matters and conduct the annual enterprise risk assessment processMaintain and advance the framework for analyzing and monitoring key risks on an on-going basisIdentify and monitor emerging risks and provide recommendations as to how best to address themCorporate Governance and SOX Expertise:Serve as the in-house expert on all Sarbanes-Oxley (SOX), corporate governance and controls matters, including: Entity-Level Controls, IT General Controls, Scoping and Materiality of transactions, systems, processes and sub processesCollaborate with process owners and others to build knowledge and understanding of risks and controlsLead a team to:Evaluate the design and operating effectiveness of SOX controlsEvaluate the impact of any control deficiencies identified, both individually and in the aggregateRecommend corrective actions to remediate any deficiencies identifiedMonitor the broader regulatory environment for items that may impact the Company’s financial reporting or operationsIdentify areas of opportunity for process improvements and efficienciesWork closely with Controllership and External AuditorsReport Observations to Senior Leadership and Audit Committee:Provide regular reports to the Senior Leadership and/or the Audit Committee on the Company’s system of internal controls, significant audit recommendations, and investigations into fraudulent activityProvide ongoing insight regarding progress against key risk objectivesEducation And Experience Qualifications10+ years of enterprise risk and internal audit leadership experience, including interaction with senior managementProven track record of team building and talent development4-year Degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field requiredAdvanced degree preferredCPA strongly preferredRestaurant/retail industry experience preferredPublic accounting experience preferredLarge, multi-brand, global, public company experience preferredIPO experience preferredM&A experience preferredRequired Knowledge, Skills, Or AbilitiesThorough understanding of internal auditing standards, PCAOB auditing standards, COSO, SOX, US GAAP and risk assessment practicesAbility to build, coach, develop and motivate a team in a complex, changing business environmentTechnology-forward professional with a proven track record of harnessing the power of available and emerging tools and enablers to advance the function’s capabilitiesExcellent interpersonal skills with the ability to be direct yet diplomatic when addressing issues or deficienciesExcellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to influence leadership and peersAbility to effectively present information to top management, public groups, and/or Audit CommitteeStrong problem-solving skills to develop viable recommendations to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of operating processes and financial controlsExcellent organizational, time management and prioritization skillsStrong knowledge of business operations; knowledge of franchising and restaurant operations a plusAbility to work cross-functionally with all levels of the organizationPersonal commitment to integrity, achievement of departmental and business results, and outstanding customer serviceCommitment to maintaining a high degree of discretion and confidentiality, as neededInspire is a multi-brand restaurant company whose portfolio includes more than 33,000 Arby’s, Baskin-Robbins, Buffalo Wild Wings, Dunkin’, Jimmy John’s, and SONIC restaurants worldwide.We’re made up of some of the world’s most iconic restaurant brands, but we’re much more than just a restaurant company. We’re a team of hundreds of thousands who individually and collectively are changing the way people eat, drink, and gather around the table. We know that food is much more than a staple—it’s an experience. At Inspire, that’s our purpose: to ignite and nourish flavorful experiences.