Head of Internal Audit

Upgrade is a fintech company that provides affordable and responsible credit, mobile banking, and payment products to everyday consumers. We were the fastest growing company in the Americas last year according to the Financial Times and Upgrade Card was the fastest growing credit card in America two years in a row. We have delivered over $33 billion in affordable and responsible credit to our 5.5M customers. The company is backed by some of the most prominent technology investors and was recently valued at $6.3B.

We have built an energizing, collaborative and inclusive culture where team members help each other, learn and innovate to move the company and its customers in the right direction, and own the outcome of their efforts.

Upgrade has been named a “Best Place to Work in the Bay Area” three years in a row, “Top Companies to work for in Arizona” and one of the "Best Engineering Department" awarded annually by Comparably. We've also received recognition for being a best company for Diversity, Women, Culture, and Veterans.

We are looking for new team members who get excited about designing and delivering new and better products to join a team of 1850 talented and dedicated professionals. Come work with us if you like to tackle big problems and make a meaningful difference in people's lives.

About the Role:

The Head of Internal Audit is responsible for leading and overseeing the internal audit function, ensuring that the company's governance, risk management, and control processes are effective and aligned with organizational objectives. This role requires a strategic leader who can guide the internal audit team, liaise with senior management and the board, and deliver independent and objective assurance on business processes, risk management practices, and regulatory compliance.   

What You’ll Do:

• Develop and implement the internal audit strategy, aligning it with the company’s goals and risk appetite
• Work with risk management and compliance teams to identify key risk areas and emerging risks, ensuring that the audit plan remains relevant
• Design a comprehensive risk-based audit plan to assess the effectiveness of governance, risk management, and control processes across all business units
• Oversee the execution of internal audits, ensuring timely, accurate, and value-adding assessment
• Review audit findings, and prepare reports and recommendations to enhance internal controls, mitigate risks, and improve operational efficiency
• Monitor the implementation of audit recommendations by management and ensure follow-up
• Play an active role in the maintenance and review of policies and procedures, including ensuring they are up to date with all legislation and best practices
• Provide insights and recommendations on risk mitigation strategies, enhancing the organization’s overall risk management framework.
• Act as the primary liaison between the internal audit department and the audit committee, providing regular updates on audit activities, findings, and risk exposures
• Ensure compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and internal policies, addressing any gaps in internal control systems
• Keep abreast of industry developments, emerging risks, and changes in regulations, providing timely advice to the board and senior leadership
• Assist with setting up a SOX compliant internal control environment. Interaction with controllership team regarding financial reporting, internal control including ongoing SOX compliance
• Interact with external auditors regarding reliance on internal audit processes and testwork

What We Look For:

• Minimum of 10 years of experience in internal audit, risk management, or a related field, with at least 5 years in a leadership role, ideally with public company experience
• Experience in financial services with familiarity with the regulatory environment impacting the industry
• Strong knowledge of internal auditing standards, risk management frameworks, governance, and compliance practices
• Proven experience in developing and executing risk-based audit plans in complex and dynamic environments.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to interact with senior management and the board
• High level of integrity, objectivity, and professionalism
• Professional certifications such as Certified Internal Auditor (CIA), Certified Public Accountant (CPA), or Chartered Accountant (CA)

What We Offer You: 

• Competitive salary and stock option plan
• 100% paid coverage of medical, dental and vision insurance 
• Flexible PTO
• Opportunities for professional growth and development  
• Paid parental leave
• Health & wellness initiatives

The compensation range of this position in San Francisco, CA is USD $275,000 - $340,000 annually plus bonus, equity and benefits. Within this range, an individual's base pay will be dependent on a variety of factors, including without limitation, job-related knowledge, skills, education, and experience.

#BI-Hybrid   #LI-Hybrid

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.