Internal Audit Manager

Our client, a large-scale energy and utilities company at the forefront of regional infrastructure development in Houston, TX, is seeking an experienced Internal Audit Manager to join a co-sourced internal audit team on a contract basis. This individual will lead risk-based audit engagements aligned with the approved annual audit plan, oversee audit execution quality, issue audit reports, and support the training and development of assigned staff.

This team operates in a dynamic, operationally focused environment - audits are largely built from scratch each year rather than pulled from standard templates. The right candidate is someone who can think critically, connect process failures across the operational chain, and guide a small team through complex engagements with confidence.

What you'll do

• Lead and manage internal audit engagements end-to-end - from planning and scoping through fieldwork, reporting, and Management Action Plan follow-up
• Develop and maintain relationships with business unit and functional management, serving a trusted advisor on risk, controls, and process improvement
• Review and guide test work performed by audit staff; provide coaching and development feedback
• Draft, review, and finalize audit reports with clear, actionable findings
• Build audit programs from scratch using a risk-based methodology - not templated, year-over- year work
• Align engagement scope and resources with enterprise risk priorities and organizational objectives
• Sponsor and lead advisory and consultative engagements providing insights on process design and governance
• Support use of data analytics and AI within the audit methodology
• Coordinate with external auditors where applicable to reduce duplication and promote reliance
• Assist with Audit Committee quarterly updates and department-wide administrative responsibilities
• Monitor and validate that Management Action Plans are closed in a timely manner
• Informally oversee 1-2 staff members depending on active audit assignments

Experience & background

* 8-10 years of progressive experience in audit, accounting, finance, compliance, or operational disciplines

* Demonstrated experience leading audit engagements and managing teams

* Operational audit focus strongly preferred - this team's work centers on gas and electric operations, not SOX/financial reporting

* Ability to understand and connect operational process failures across the chain - not just tick-and-tie numbers

* Experience building audit programs from scratch in a risk-based environment

* Public accounting experience is a plus; utility industry experience is a meaningful differentiator

* Oil and gas operational audit background also valued

Skills & competencies

* Strong critical thinking and judgment - must be able to work without a predefined playbook

* Excellent written communication skills for audit report drafting and stakeholder messaging

* Ability to manage multiple concurrent audit projects and reprioritize as needed

* Sound understanding of GAAP, internal controls, and the COSO framework

* Familiarity with risk-based audit methodologies and IIA Standards

* Discretion and integrity in handling confidential information

Systems

* SAP (ERP system in use)

* TeamMate+ (audit documentation - training provided)

* IDEA or Tableau experience is a plus

Education & certifications

* Bachelor's degree or MBA in Accounting, Finance, or a related business field - required

* CPA, CIA, or other relevant professional certification - required