Sr Auditor Internal

First for a reason:

At First Student, we are a family of 60,000+ employees who take pride in safely transporting more than 5 million students and passengers to and from their destinations each day! Our family of brands include Transco, Total Transportation, Maggies Paratransit, and GVC II. Our employees are at the forefront of safety and innovation; they create and implement the most advanced training and technology the transportation industry has to offer.

The Senior Internal Auditor will report directly to the Senior Director of Internal Audit. This position will have responsibility for conducting audits that are primarily focused on operational, financial, and compliance across First Student (FS). This will be a high visibility role, and the Senior Auditor will interface with key executives in the various operating functions of FS. Travel is potentially up to 10-15% to various FS operating locations across North America. The Senior Internal Auditor will be responsible for all aspects of the assigned projects: analyzing and documenting processes, developing audit programs, planning/executing, and reporting on audit projects, recommending sound actions and control improvements, tracking issues to closure with management.

Responsibilities

• Responsible for performing larger and more complex internal audit projects that form a part of the overall internal audit plan and oversees the work undertaken by Internal Auditor(s).

• Responsible for developing the internal audit scope, leading the planning and delivery of internal audits, and preparing internal audit reports.

• Actively participate in the formulation of the annual Internal Audit Plan through the development and sharing of knowledge of the risks impacting various parts of the business.

• Coordinates and ensures timely and accurate completion of fieldwork and desk-top reviews, test the design and operating effectiveness of the controls that are in place to mitigate risks associated with operational activities of undertaken by First Student.

• Document and obtain evidence to support all audit issues identified. Agree all issues with relevant business stakeholders.

• Undertake ad hoc audit reviews and fraud investigation work as requested, working either alongside Internal Audit colleagues and/or in collaboration with other assurance functions and external consultants.

• Manage time and other Internal Audit resources to ensure that assignments are completed to a high standard and within agreed timescales.

Education and Certification Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, Finance, Economics, or other related Business Degree. Master’s in Accounting or Finance a plus.

• Certification Required: CPA, CIA, CFE, CISA, CRMA or CMA, etc.

• Minimum of 5+ years prior experience in either external financial auditing or internal audit focused on operational or financial processes or combination of both. Big 4 experience preferred.

• Strong knowledge of financial processes and the related controls.

• Self-starter that can work independently with little day-to-day direction.

• Excellent oral and written communication skills.

• Intermediate or Expert level of knowledge regarding the Microsoft suit (Excel, Word, PowerBI, etc.)

• Experience with JD Edwards ERP application a plus.

Experience and Skill Requirements

• Experience: 5+ years in public accounting/private industry with expertise in accounting, finance, and internal controls (Big 4 preferred). Transit industry experience is a plus.

• Leadership: Proven ability to sell ideas and secure management buy-in for constructive changes; strong team leadership and collaboration skills.

• Internal Controls & Audit: Deep knowledge of internal auditing standards, COSO, risk assessment, and technical accounting/financial reporting. Skilled in planning, performing, and managing audits across various business areas.

• Risk Management: Expertise in risk frameworks, response, reporting, and fostering a risk-aware culture.

• Communication: Exceptional oral, written, and presentation skills, with fluency in English; effective across all employee levels, including senior executives.

• Project Management: Experienced in handling multiple projects, time management, and guiding audit team members with limited supervision.

• Business Acumen: Strong understanding of systems, software, legal/regulatory requirements, and commercial practices.

• Key Skills: Critical thinking, agility, safety awareness, influence, and adaptability in dynamic environments.

In the state of Washington, all technician and driving positions, including but not limited to van drivers and any other position requiring employees to drive a company-owned vehicle, are considered safety-sensitive and are therefore subject to drug and alcohol testing, including cannabis.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or veteran status. First is also committed to providing a drug-free workplace. First will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories consistent with the requirements of the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, Los Angeles Fair Chance Ordinance, and any other fair chance law. Philadelphia’s Fair Criminal Record Screening Standards Ordinance Poster is at this link or upon request https://www.phila.gov/media/20210423160847/Fair-Chance-Hiring-law-poster.pdf.