AVP, Internal Audit – Business Assurance

Job Summary

As a team member in Internal Audit at Nationwide, a Fortune 100 company with nearly $70 billion in annual sales, the opportunities are endless. Nationwide’s mission is to put customers at the center of everything we do, and we’re looking for associates who are passionate about delivering extraordinary care.

With the ever‑evolving and increasing levels of internal auditing requirements, and heightened operational, financial, strategic and technology risks inherent in a Fortune 100 protection organization, Nationwide prioritizes internal audit as a critical component of our business strategy, governance and success. The AVP, Internal Audit – Business Assurance will be responsible for all aspects of IA’s Business Assurance portfolio, overseeing risk‑based assurance engagements across Property & Casualty (P&C) Operations, Nationwide Financial (NF) Operations and key Corporate Function operations (Finance, Investments, Legal, Human Resources and Marketing).

The role focuses on assurance services over core business and technology operational activities; ensuring risks are identified, controls are designed and operating effectively, and management receives clear, actionable insights.

• Creates and drives a multi‑year, risk‑based assurance strategy for P&C, NF and Corporate operations, including risk assessments, scoping, control testing, issue identification and reporting.
• Ensures coverage across the end‑to‑end lifecycle (e.g., product development, underwriting, pricing, sales, billing, in‑force management, claims, servicing).
• Partners with IA business and IA technology leaders to identify and assess operational, financial, regulatory and technology risks.
• Evaluates the design and operating effectiveness of internal controls and recommends enhancements to improve quality, efficiency and risk management.
• Serves as the primary IA point of contact for senior leaders in the P&C and NF Operations and relevant Corporate Functions.
• Communicates audit objectives, observations and recommendations clearly and constructively, fostering a collaborative, solutions‑oriented relationship.
• Collaborates with Internal Audit peers to coordinate coverage, leverage digital tools and ensure consistent risk themes and messages across portfolios.
• Drives adoption of data analytics, process mining, automation and visualization within Business Assurance engagements.
• Partners with Internal Audit peers to embed digital techniques into planning, execution and reporting.
• Ensures the right balance of assurance and advisory skills, generalist and specialist expertise, and business, risk and technology experience across the team.
• Leads and develops a high‑performing team, providing guidance, mentorship and performance management.
• Fosters a culture of collaboration, continuous improvement and accountability within the Internal Audit function.
• May perform other responsibilities as assigned.

The role reports to the VP, Internal Audit and leads a team of four direct reports and approximately 11 indirect reports.

• Education – Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business, Risk Management or a related field. Advanced degree (MBA or relevant master’s) preferred.
• Licence/Certification/Designation – Professional certifications such as CICS, CISSP, CISM or similar strongly preferred.
• Experience – 10+ years of progressive experience in internal audit, accounting, finance, operations or risk management, with strong exposure to financial services or insurance operations.
• Knowledge, Abilities & Skills – Proven ability to plan and execute risk‑based audits, assess risks, test controls and identify issues; evaluate controls, interpret risks, and recommend process improvements; clear and constructive communication; relationship‑building and political savvy; proficiency with data analytics, process mining, automation and visualization; leadership of high‑performing teams, mentorship and accountability; knowledge of property & casualty insurance and/or financial services a plus.

Regularly and consistently demonstrates Nationwide Values.

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