Internal Audit Director

Description

About us:

ConnectOne Bank proves that putting people first is a better way to do business. At ConnectOne, we’re builders — of businesses, communities, and equity. Most importantly, we’re building opportunities. Our mission is to ensure our employees feel empowered to make important decisions, reach their potential and truly make an impact.

ConnectOne is a growth organization by design; it is part of our DNA and we take pride in seeing our employees grow with us. Founded in 2005 by an entrepreneur, we have grown into a high-performing commercial bank, inspiring a new model for our industry’s future. By embracing technology and all the ways it can help us become a world-class service organization, we support

small business owners by fueling their mission.

People First is the blueprint for our culture. It is at the foundation of everything we do and the decisions we make. At ConnectOne, you have the opportunity to be a part of a dynamic culture and team. Develop your forward-thinking skills, thrive in an entrepreneurial setting, and succeed at “a better place to be”.

ConnectOne Bank is an Equal Housing and Equal Opportunity Lender, and a member of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation.

About this role:

The Internal Audit Director (IAD) serves as a key leader within the Internal Audit function, providing strategic direction, operational oversight, and leadership in executing the organization's audit plan. The IAD works collaboratively with the Chief Audit Executive (CAE) to ensure that the Internal Audit Department operates as a trusted partner, delivering value-added insights and ensuring compliance with organizational policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements.

The IAD plays a critical role in enhancing organizational governance, risk management, and control processes. This position requires exceptional analytical skills, leadership abilities, and the capacity to manage complex auditing projects in a dynamic environment.

In this role you will:

• Support the Bank’s “People First” focus and rules of engagement—maintaining a professional demeanor, working as an active member of the CNOB team, providing clients excellent service, always striving to make CNOB “A Better Place to Be”
  
  

Strategic Leadership

• Collaborate with the CAE to develop and execute the Internal Audit strategy in alignment with organizational goals and objectives.
• Actively contribute to the annual risk assessment process and the development of the Internal Audit plan, ensuring its relevance and responsiveness to organizational risks and priorities.
• Serve as a strategic advisor to senior leadership, providing insights and recommendations to strengthen risk management, governance, and internal controls.
• Drive continuous improvement in Internal Audit practices, processes, and methodologies to align with industry best practices.
  
  

Operational Oversight

• Oversee the execution of the Internal Audit plan, ensuring audits are completed on time, within scope, and in accordance with professional standards (e.g., IIA Standards).
• Manage and monitor the performance of audit engagements, including scoping, fieldwork, and reporting, to ensure high-quality deliverables performed by both internal staff and external co-sourced internal audit service providers.
• Review audit findings, recommendations, and reports, ensuring clarity, accuracy, and relevance before submission to the CAE, senior management, or the Audit & Risk Committee.
• Coordinate with the CAE to produce Audit & Risk Committee meeting materials.
• Ensure compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and policies, and advocate for the implementation of effective controls to mitigate risks (including new Institute of Internal Auditor Standards.
  
  

Leadership and Team Development

• Manage co-sourced internal audit services providers.
• Participate in the buildout of internal staff through recruitment, onboarding, and retention of top talent within the Internal Audit function.
• Lead and inspire a diverse team of audit professionals, fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation, and professional growth.
• Provide coaching, mentorship, and performance feedback to audit staff, promoting skills development and career advancement.
  
  

Stakeholder Engagement

• Build and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders, including executive leadership, the Audit & Risk Committee, external auditors, and regulatory bodies.
• Act as a liaison between the Internal Audit Department and other business units to facilitate effective communication and collaboration.
• Represent the Internal Audit function in cross-functional meetings, projects, and initiatives, ensuring alignment with organizational priorities.
  
  

Risk Management and Advisory Services

• Provide advisory services to management on matters related to governance, risk, compliance, and internal controls.
• Assess emerging risks and trends and proactively recommend actions to mitigate their potential impact on the organization.
• Drive the adoption of innovative audit tools, technologies, and data analytics to enhance audit effectiveness and efficiency.
  
  

Must haves:

• Strong “People First” interest and ability.
• Understanding of internal control concepts and experience in applying them to plan, perform, manage, and report on the evaluation of various business processes, areas, and functions.
• Extensive knowledge of Institute of Internal Auditors Standards.
• Knowledge of regulatory expectations of Banks of ConnectOne’s size and complexity.
• Strong, communication, writing, and interpersonal skills.
• Working knowledge of G Suite.
• Impressive knowledge and understanding of Institute of Internal Auditor Standards.
• A minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in Internal Audit, Risk Management, or a related field.
  
  

Bonus Points For:

• Senior internal audit positions held in financial services institutions or public accounting firms.
• At least 5 years of leadership experience in managing audit teams and complex audit projects.
• One or more professional certifications, including CPA or CIA.
• Additional certifications such as Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) or Certified Fraud Examiner.
  
  

Additional Information

Benefits:

• World class health, vision, and dental benefits on day one
• 401k with employer match
• Hybrid work from home (depending on role)
• Employee appreciation events (team building, softball games, food truck days, etc..)
• Employee assistance programs (EAP)
• Wellness programs (flu shot, preventive care, health programs and services discounts, etc..)
• Tuition reimbursement
• Employee Discount perks
• CNOB Community Service Events
  
  

….and much, much more!

Studies have shown that individuals from underrepresented groups, may only apply to roles if they meet 100% of the qualifications. Roles evolve over time, especially with innovation, and you may be just the person we need. We hope you're open to learning new skills and growing with us. We encourage you to apply to continue making us “a better place to be!”

ConnectOne Bank is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate with respect to any term, condition or privilege of employment based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, military or veteran status, marital status, or status of an individual in any group or class protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

ConnectOne Bank also provides reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and applicable state and local laws. If an accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, please contact Talent Acquisition.