Senior Internal Auditor

About Kirkland & Ellis

At Kirkland & Ellis, we are united in our ambition and drive to move forward. We share core values that help us achieve excellence: collaboration, talent empowerment, service, inclusion, respect and gratitude. Our people are our greatest asset, and we invest in the brightest talent and encourage a diversity of perspectives and strengths to create dynamic teams that operate at the pinnacle of their field. Our talented professionals show up every day knowing they will engage in meaningful work, continuous learning and professional development.
 
As one of the world’s leading law firms, we serve a broad range of clients with market-leading practices in private equity, M&A and other complex corporate transactions; investment fund formation and alternative asset management; restructurings; high-stakes commercial and intellectual property litigation; and government, regulatory and internal investigations. We handle the most complicated and sophisticated legal matters because we don’t just meet industry standards, we create them. We bring innovation and entrepreneurialism to every engagement and, as a result, have long-standing client relationships with leading global corporations and financial sponsors. With 6,500 employees (including 3,500 lawyers) operating from 20 offices across the United States, Europe, the Middle East and Asia, we are one of the largest law firms in the world and a top financial performer.

Essential Job Functions

The Senior Internal Auditor will be a key resource in helping drive the execution of the annual Internal Audit plan, with the overall objective of assessing the design and operating effectiveness of internal controls across the Firm’s functional areas. These activities require the individual to successfully work as a part of the Internal Audit team. Assignments include audit interviews to identify the sources of business risk, data analysis, documenting and testing of processes and controls, and drafting and vetting of audit observations/findings and related actions plans. The Senior Internal Auditor will also perform continuous monitoring exercises over certain processes (e.g., procurement card reports, etc.) by applying data analytics techniques, investigating outliers and red flags, and preparing presentations of results for review by the Internal Audit Manager and the Firmwide Director of Internal Audit.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS (This list is not exhaustive and may be supplemented and changed as necessary.)

• Design and develop control testing plans to ensure internal controls comply with Firm policies and procedures, and are operating efficiently and effectively
• Lead certain audits and controls reviews as assigned by the Firmwide Director of Internal Audit
• Create work products such as audit analyses, correspondence, work papers and reports that document the audit procedures, findings, and recommendations
• Perform, evaluate, document, and communicate audit results to various stakeholders
• Identify control gaps from testing and assist in the design of action plans for remediation
• Track and maintain internal control review reports and follow-up action plans by periodically communicating with stakeholders regarding action plan status and remediation status
• Perform periodic continuous monitoring exercises utilizing data analytic techniques
• Keep abreast of new audit regulations/trends, audit methodologies, best practices, and technology tools
• Assist the Firmwide Director of Internal Audit and the Internal Audit Manager with on-going special projects; work associated with special projects will vary based on the current needs of the Firm
• Other duties and projects as assigned by the Internal Audit Manager, the Firmwide Director of Internal Audit, the Audit Committee and/or Senior Management

OTHER FUNCTIONS (This list is not exhaustive and may be supplemented and changed as necessary. Delete if not applicable.)

• Any other functions/duties as assigned by management

Qualifications & Requirements

Education, Work Experience, Skills

An ideal candidate will have at least a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting (or similar), with at least three years of experience with a “Big 4”/other national CPA firm and/or in-house internal audit experience. Previous experience as a senior auditor/accountant with engagement/project management experience is required. Law/professional services firm experience is a plus. 

The individual must be able to grasp information quickly, be able to multi-task, and communicate effectively via verbal and written communications.  Solid writing skills are essential to this position.

The individual should be flexible and able to work under time pressure to meet deadlines and respond to requests.  The candidate should be very organized, proactive and results oriented.  Advanced MS Excel, Word, and PowerPoint presentation experience are also required as the Senior Internal Auditor will be expected to present findings and recommendations in a clear and compelling manner.  Experience with advanced data analytics tools such as PowerBI, Tableau, Qlik, ACL and/or IDEA is a plus. Lastly, the Senior Internal Auditor should desire to learn new skills and expand his/her existing skills over time. Approximately 10-20% domestic and international travel possible, but could be more or less depending on the audit schedule.

Technologies/Software

• MS Office proficiency is required with advanced experience in Excel and PowerPoint
• Proficiency using data analytics tools (e.g., PowerBI, Tableau, Qlik, ACL, IDEA, etc.) is preferred.

Certificates, Licensures, Registrations

• Required - Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Certified Internal Auditor (CIA), or equivalent certification/qualification
• Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE) is a plus, but not required.

How to Apply

Thank you for your interest in Kirkland & Ellis LLP.  To complete an application and submit your resume, please click "Apply Now."

Equal Employment Opportunity

All employment decisions, including the recruiting, hiring, placement, training availability, promotion, compensation, evaluation, disciplinary actions, and termination of employment (if necessary) are made without regard to the employee’s race, color, creed, religion, sex, pregnancy or childbirth, personal appearance, family responsibilities, sexual orientation or preference, gender identity, political affiliation, source of income, place of residence, national or ethnic origin, ancestry, age, marital status, military veteran status, unfavorable discharge from military service, physical or mental disability, or on any other basis prohibited by applicable law.

Closing Statement

The www.kirkland.com job postings and recruiting mailbox are for candidates only. If you are a recruiter, search firm or employment agency, and do not have a signed contract with Kirkland & Ellis LLP ("K&E") and have not been asked specifically to submit candidates, you will not be compensated in any way for your referral of a candidate even if K&E hires the candidate. Direct contact with K&E employees in an attempt to present candidates is inappropriate and will be a factor in determining any future professional relationship with the Firm. #LI-Hybrid #LI-NM1