Principal Internal Auditor

Job Description

The Company: Cognex is a global leader in industrial machine vision with over 40 years in business, zero debt, and a strong international presence. Our technology leverages advanced optics, image sensors, and AI software. We value inclusion and equity, and our 'Work Hard, Play Hard, Move Fast' culture rewards innovation and perseverance in a fun and quirky environment.

The Team: Join Cognex as a Principal Internal Auditor and help shape the future of our Global Internal Audit (GIA) function. In this global role, you will support the Head of Internal Audit (HIA) in advancing GIA’s maturity journey while working with a diverse, multicultural team to assess internal controls, enhance operations, and strengthen risk management. GIA is deeply committed to talent development, offering opportunities for growth through structured programs and our guest auditor program.

The Role: Based in Cork, Ireland (hybrid), with light to moderate travel (20% to 35%) as directed by the HIA, this role partners with the business to provide objective assurance and insight. Key responsibilities include managing the SOX program, evaluating internal controls (financial, business, and IT), advising on operations and compliance, and supporting fraud risk management—all while promoting ethical values and continuous improvement.

Essential Functions

• Develop and manage stakeholder relationships by setting clear expectations, building trust to strengthen GIA’s reputation and brand.

• Communicate effectively in English—both verbally and in writing—across all levels of the organization, demonstrating strength in conflict management, influence, and persuasion.

• Promote cross-functional collaboration with a service-oriented mindset while demonstrating sincerity, honesty, empathy, and respect.

• Support the HIA in identifying potential threats, assessing risk management effectiveness, executing risk assessments, assurance mapping, audit plans, SOX Program, and fraud risk management initiatives.

• Lead or support the preparation of internal audit deliverables, including Audit Committee presentations, under HIA’s supervision.

• Bring a high level of energy, a positive, can-do mindset, and a strong commitment to professional development, service quality, and internal audit standards.

• Demonstrate authority, credibility, and ethical conduct by operating within the GIA mandate, upholding audit standards and independence, and pursuing continuous professional development.

Detailed Responsibilities

Perform internal audit engagements in accordance with the Global Internal Audit Standards, including:

• Leading and supporting audit engagements through planning (e.g., defining objectives and scope, conducting risk assessments, developing work programs, allocating resources), fieldwork (e.g., testing, interviews, data analytics, documentation review), and reporting (e.g., drawing conclusions, recommending improvements, supporting action plans development, and communicating results).

• Using Cognex’s internal control framework to evaluate the effectiveness and efficiency of internal controls, and to identify risks and opportunities related to governance, processes, and controls.

• Coordinating annual audits and quarterly reviews with external auditors and service providers.

• Supporting management’s fraud risk management efforts (e.g., prevention, detection, and response).

• Partnering with IT to ensure effective internal controls over RPA initiatives and system implementations.

• Promoting a culture of high-quality audit work by applying professional skepticism and championing continuous improvement in alignment with internal audit’s mission and vision.

Support the management of Cognex’s Sarbanes-Oxley (SOX) program under the supervision of the HIA, including:

• Participating in the annual SOX scoping process.

• Completing key process walkthroughs and control testing, ensuring that appropriate audit evidence is maintained (e.g., updated narratives, flowcharts, control descriptions, and risk control matrices).

• Documenting SOX testing results accurately and communicating practical recommendations to management in a timely manner.

• Facilitating the development of action plans and monitoring remediation efforts to ensure timely and effective resolution of audit observations and deficiencies.

• Reporting SOX testing results to management and the Audit Committee in a timely, complete, and accurate manner.

Identify and address risks specific to the industry and operating environment of Cognex, including:

• Monitoring the enterprise risk landscape to ensure risks are properly identified and effectively mitigated through well-designed and operating controls.

• Assessing strategic planning, leadership approach, organizational behavior, and performance management frameworks.

• Evaluating risks and controls across operations, core business processes, and license-to-operate areas such as reporting, compliance, and safeguarding.

• Reviewing the organization’s approach to social responsibility and sustainability.

• Identifying IT-related risks and applying appropriate IT control frameworks.

• Conducting targeted financial analyses using data analytics as appropriate.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

Strong technical expertise in the following areas:

• US GAAP, GAAS, SOX, and Global Internal Audit Standards (GIAS).

• Practical, hands-on knowledge of SOX compliance.

• Accounting, financial controls, and business process audits.

• Business and IT control frameworks with an end-to-end process mindset.

• Continuous improvement and process optimization methodologies.

Experience in:

• Working in multicultural and international environments.

• Managing projects and coordinating cross-functional teams and external stakeholders.

• Supporting fraud risk management (e.g., assessments, investigations).

• Conducting operational and process audits (e.g., OH&E, ESG).

• Implementing and using GRC tools.

• Applying data analytics to support audit activities.

Minimum Requirements, Education & Work Experience:

• Recognized degrees in relevant fields (e.g., Auditing, Business Administration, Finance, Accounting, Industrial Engineering, Data Analytics, etc.) or relevant accreditations (e.g., CA, CPA, CMA, CIA, CFE, etc.).

• Minimum 5 years of relevant audit experience, ideally in a multinational, Big 4, or large technology/manufacturing company.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English; knowledge of Japanese, German, or Mandarin is a plus.

• Adaptable and culturally aware, with openness to working in diverse, international settings.

• Proactive self-starter with strong problem-solving abilities.

• Collaborative, with a proven track record of cross-functional partnerships.

• Highly organized with effective time management skills.

• Thrives under pressure in fast-paced environments.

• Meticulous attention to detail and commitment to accuracy.

• Proficient in GRC tools (e.g., Workiva, Service Now) and Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint).

• Willingness to travel 20%–35% as directed by the HIA.

Additional Job Description